In the wake of Game of Thrones ending, HBO introduced viewers to a new fantasy story last fall: His Dark Materials. Based on Philip Pullman’s book series of the same name, the show isn’t nearly as violent or treacherous as Game of Thrones (at least not yet) – but it did present viewers with an all-new world and magic system to contend with.
With such things comes a number of questions, and while the first season did answer some of the viewers’ most pressing queries, its final episodes left them wondering what comes next. While those who have read the books might already know the answer, TV-only fans are left guessing until season two arrives.
Here are 10 questions we need answered heading into season two of His Dark Materials.
Where Are Asriel And Lyra Headed?
The first-season finale of His Dark Materials sees Lord Asriel using Roger’s dust to open a portal to a parallel universe — and then stepping into it. Lyra follows suit before the gateway closes, and that’s the last we see of either of these characters.
Viewers don’t know much about travel between alternate worlds just yet, so where Lyra and her father are headed remains a mystery. It’s possible they’ll end up where Will and his mother live — but it’s also possible we’ll be introduced to an all-new setting when season two premieres.
Will Lyra Seek Justice For Roger?
Lord Asriel gave Lyra plenty of reasons to dislike him at the very beginning of season one, but his most recent actions have likely put him beyond forgiveness. Roger was Lyra’s most trusted friend in the world, and it doesn’t seem likely she’ll get over his death at her father’s hands all that easily.
Is there a chance Lyra will hunt down Asriel and hold him responsible for his actions? It’s not a sure thing, but it’s something many fans are hoping for.
What Is The Truth About Dust?
The entire plot of His Dark Materials revolves around the substance the characters refer to as “Dust,” but it’s not so clear what Dust actually is. Viewers know it has something to do with the connection between humans and their Daemons, but how it functions hasn’t yet been revealed.
The Magisterium views Dust as the reasoning behind sin, and therefore, wants to get rid of it. Lyra, on the other hand, questions this approach — especially since it would separate her from Pan. Fans are inclined to side with Lyra in this debate, but no one knows the truth about Dust. Hopefully, the series will shed some light on the topic as it continues.
What Is The Magisterium’s Endgame?
Viewers know the Magisterium doesn’t like Dust, and it’s clear they’re trying to learn more about it through their experiments. But do they actually plan to eliminate Dust from the world, or are they looking for a means of controlling it?
It wouldn’t be all that surprising if the endgame fans are anticipating for the Magisterium isn’t actually what the group has in mind, so it’ll be interesting to see how this storyline unfolds.
How Does Will Factor Into The Story?
About halfway through the first season, His Dark Materials introduces Will Parry, a boy from an alternate world who appears to be connected to whatever’s happening in Lyra and Asriel’s reality.
For the majority of the first season, Will’s story is separate from Lyra’s, and his background and connection to the main plot is still a mystery. Now that he’s presumably headed to Lyra’s world, fans might learn what his role in the series is — and why Boreal is so interested in him.
How Does Mrs. Coulter’s Demon Stay Separated From Her?
One first-season mystery that was never solved is how, exactly, Mrs. Coulter’s daemon is able to separate from her for so long. Only witch’s daemons are capable of doing such a thing, so are we to assume that Lyra’s mother is actually a witch? Or does the separation have to do with her experiments?
This is something the show specifically brings up, so its likely fans will get an answer sometime in the coming episodes. Perhaps it’ll even provide a solution to some of the problems Lyra and the others are facing.
What Is Lyra’s Prophesied Destiny?
It’s revealed early on that Lyra is “special,” a child assumed to be part of some grand prophecy — though the specifics are lacking at the moment. Where this prophecy came from or what it entails remains a mystery, but one thing fans know is that it involves some sort of betrayal.
According to the Magisterium, Lyra will be the one doing the betraying. Given what we know about the Magisterium, however, this may not make Lyra a villain. It’ll be interesting to see how Lyra’s prophecy plays out — and, of course, to learn what it says in the first place!
What Is Lee Scoresby’s Role In All This?
Lee Scoresby plays an important role in helping Lyra achieve what she said out to do, but they get separated from one another when his balloon crashes. Still, Serafina seems to believe his part in Lyra’s story isn’t over just yet.
With Lyra headed to a parallel world, how can Lee possibly help her? Will he encounter her again when she returns or is his part something bigger — perhaps something seemingly unrelated that will aid her in the long run?
What Will The Armored Bears Do Now?
Toward the end of season one, Iorek becomes the leader of the Armored Bears. Almost immediately after this happens, however, the bears set out to help Lyra. Now that she’s elsewhere, what will their purpose on the series be? And will Iorek have trouble maintaining his authority over the other bears?
It’s also worth noting that the bears betrayed Mrs. Coulter, and she could attempt to punish them for it. The bears might not be out of the water just yet, and season two could hold all-new obstacles for them.
Will The Alethiometer Be Important?
The Magisterium gives Lyra an Alethiometer before she goes to live with Mrs. Coulter, and their insistence on her keeping the object a secret suggests that it’s important. On top of that, the other characters seem a little too interested in it.
Given that the Alethiometer can tell Lyra basically anything, it’s also clearly useful as a plot device. But will it just be a minor one, or will it be a crucial component of the series’ conclusion? Season two may answer this question.
