The Enchanted Sleeper

Episode 1 of His Dark Materials Season 3 starts with the Authority being reminded that for many millennia, they have ruled the Kingdom of Heaven. He named himself the Creator; the Almighty. However, this guy is a pretender, a ruler that operates with a dark angel by his side. Those who fought for truth were cast out the gate and since then, the angels have been living between worlds, watching and waiting for vengeance. ..

A bold leader has now stepped forward and of course we know that this is Asriel. And what better time to launch a rebellion.

In the present, Will continues to look for Lyra who has been taken by Mrs Coulter last episode. Using the Subtle Knife and the alethiometer, Will tirelessly looks for his companion but to no avail. As it turns out, Lyra has been taken to a hidden house right by the coast, a refuge. ..

Mrs Coulter encourages a deaf girl, Ama, to follow her into the refuge. She sees Lyra asleep and reveals that she’s her daughter. Mrs Coulter tells Ama not to be afraid and claims an enchanter has cast a spell on her and that’s why Lyra is asleep. Coulter claims Lyra needs time to wake up, and uses this girl to ward off anyone who comes near their refuge. ..

Several angels show up to see Will, wanting to talk. He refuses, using the knife to cut through to another world. The angels are shocked as they watch him, realizing that he’s in possession of the knife. They follow, crossing over and pointing out that he has the power to make a real difference. They want him to go and see Asriel. ..

Will is determined to find his friend Lyra and won’t give up until she’s found. The angels eventually agree to help try and find her. ..

Asriel crashes down onto the refuge, seeking out Commander Ogunwe. He wants to join his ranks in order to help fight against the temple’s forces. However, given word has spread of Asriel’s growing rebellion and the fight he’s got with the temple, Ogunwe is not sure if he should join him.

Asriel pleads with Ogunwe to be part of this final victory, knowing the man commands a vast army. Eventually Ogunwe agrees, but of course Asriel is to follow him, not the other way round.

Asriel arrives at the refuge, he finds a rabble of survivors, all dressed in strangely coloured camouflaged gear. Ogunwe greets his daughter warmly but is loathe to leave them to fight a bigger war, given the condition one of his girls is in. Asriel suggests he show Ogunwe the threat they pose by taking him to another world so he can see for himself how far this rabbit hole descends.

Meanwhile, Cardinal MacPhail arrives in Geneva off the back of Fra Pavel’s alethiometer, which has informed him of a prophecy. He’s worried it could plunge them into a darkness they haven’t seen. Within this, if the child is tempted by the serpent then she will likely fall. If she does, then sin and Dust will triumph. They believe Lyra is this child and will do whatever they can to take her down. ..

Lyra is being held by a woman with a golden monkey. The Angels claim that they need a boat to pass into the World of the Daemons. They point out that Lyra is being held by someone with knowledge about the Daemons and their abilities. Will knows exactly who this person is, and he will help the Angels get to her.

Lyra eventually wakes up to find Coulter’s golden monkey watching her suspiciously. Pan warns that Lyra won’t make it and he’s right. Coulter catches up effortlessly to a weakened Lyra, claiming that she’s protecting her from dangerous people. And with that, Lyra is drugged again and taken back to the house. However, Ama spies Coulter doing this. ..

Iorek is angry that one of his own has been imprisoned. He demands to know where she is. Will interjects and suggests fighting him in combat, showing off the might of the knife with one fell swoop. Given how impenetrable Iorek’s armour is, one quick swipe shows its deadly properties.

As a result of the bear’s release, Iorek concedes and the townsfolk thankfully release the imprisoned bear. As a result, Will’s force is strengthened on their quest to get Lyra back.

Asriel shows Ogunwe his gateway to another world. “Welcome to the Republic of Heaven, Father.” Telling him the  real war is just beginning, as the camera pans over a vast army assembled on the cliff edge.

The Episode Review

The hidden house by the shore was shown in a few establishing shots over the course of the 50 minutes it was on screen. ..

Despite the mixed reviews for the final season of His Dark Materials, BBC America has ordered a second season. This means that there will be more action and thrills to come in the weeks ahead. The release schedule for this show is strange, with BBC America dropping all episodes at once next Sunday compared to HBO releasing 2 episodes at once. This makes the final season feel a bit all over the place.

The production design is good overall, but I’m a little disappointed with how it seems like the show is going to lean more into its war-themed content. Hopefully the season can end on a high note!