BBC One

While the men of His Dark Materials are borderline liabilities to the show’s greatness, the women, more than enough, make up for what nearly every male character lacks.

From people dying, reunions, the appearance of angels, an almost forgotten face appearing, and learning Lyra’s real name/destiny, Æsahættr gives you all you’d want and more.

As Mary, Mrs. Coulter, John, Lee, and Carlo enter Cittagazze, Will and Lyra find themselves seeking protection from Angelica and Paola.

With a knife that can cut into other dimensions in hand, Will and Lyra plan to take back the alethiometer. However, with Mrs. Coulter not part of the plan, will they succeed?

A familiar face appears under a new name, Mary speaks to angels, and Will reaches the first milestone of his destiny. Oh, and the witches go to war.

Boreal makes moves that lead to him getting closer to what he wants as Lee stumbles in his efforts to find Stannilus Grumman.

As Lyra explores William’s Oxford, Mrs. Coulter reminds Father MacPhail that their alliance will always be in her favor.

In “His Dark Material’s” return, Will and Lyra meet up in an unfamiliar world as Mrs. Coulter, as always, shows herself as both ruthless and politically savvy.

What if the roles were reversed and members of the African continent conquered Europe? Would things be different, better even, or just the same?

His Dark Materials, while wonderfully led by Dafne Keen, of Logan fame, struggles with weak reveals and lack of urgency.