It has been streamlined by screenwriter Jack Thorne and some characters and plot elements from the book have been ditched but it remains a thrilling, immersive TV treat that looks stunning and still has the hard-hitting emotional heft of the book. It is a credit to all involved, both on and off-screen.

In its third season, His Dark Materials finally strikes the right balance. ... If the series doesn’t always articulate this idea [the cosmic conflict of Pullman’s trilogy in the precious ephemera of everyday life] effectively in its most fantastical sequences, its footing is very sure where it counts, as Mary recalls her joyful loss of faith and Will and Lyra fall in love. The series handles the story’s ending equally well.

This is a worthy and comprehensive adaptation of a literary world which deserves to be seen.

This theme of what parenting involves here proves more engaging than all the theology and action of the first episode. Asriel is a bad dad but outdone in parenting by his ex, Ruth Wilson’s captivatingly evil Mrs Coulter.

Bringing the series to an emotional conclusion, this is a complex, ambitious take on books that always required considerable commitment. There are budget limitations, but they’re overcome thanks to a clever adaptation and daemonically good cast.

At the end of the day, Season 3 of His Dark Materials is…fine. Fans of Pullman’s novels will love the opportunity to see the world of his books brought to such vivid and detailed life onscreen, and its final episode is a rich and heartfelt coda to all that has come before, with Keene and Wilson at their absolute best together. But it’s hard not to wonder what a version of this series that was more willing to take more risks.

The dazzling intelligence of the books becomes blandly expository in the actors’ mouths, while that spark of madness – the shimmering aurora – fades as the story reaches its final notes.

Charmless and plodding. Does the job but nothing more. Beggars belief that they cut so many characters and great moments and decided to add new scenes outside of the books that add nothing of value. Asriels side plot has far too much time dedicated to it, whilst Lyra and Wills storyline is rushed through to 'get it done.' Should probably have been two seasons at least, but I don't know if that would fix the problems or prolong the agony. Not quite Game of Thrones final season terrible, but definitely has that feeling about it. Surprised reviewers who claim to love the books often rate this favourably, considering it **** the life from almost all characters to focus on one or two.

bad [ bad ] adjective, worse, worst;(Slang) bad·der, bad·dest for 36. not good in any manner or degree. bad [ bad ] adjective, worse, worst;(Slang) bad·der, bad·dest for 36. not good in any manner or degree.

couldn't expect in 2019 how can this exceptional, original piece go downfall this fast. first season was amazing (well, by tv standards). ok, second season. budgetary cuts were obvious, there were three locations basically. and then the third one hit. basically two locations, one of which is insanely boring walkabout (seems like treechange) with talking beasts. damn two out of eight episodes they spent in dark cheap caves. absolutely no one has anything interesting to say. ending's touching, of course. never read the original, hope it's better. makes you think how exceptional was 'a series of unfortunate events'