Movies - TV
How An Abandoned Episode Of His Dark Materials Influenced
The Show's Season 3
By SANDY SCHAEFER
Spoiler Warning!
This story contains spoilers for Season 3 of "His Dark Materials."
Much like Philip Pullman’s original novel trilogy, HBO’s “His Dark Materials” has a shroud of mystery surrounding Lord Asriel and his overall goal. Season 2 had an episode planned that would answer some questions and reveal what Lord Asriel has been doing since the Season 1 finale; however, the filming of the episode was never finished due to the pandemic.
This incomplete episode, penned by head writer Jack Thorne, would have included brand-new plot elements and was created specifically for the series, with Pullman’s blessing. Not only was the episode excluded for Season 2, but Season 3 showrunners Jane Tranter and Dan McCulloch confirmed that any ideas from it would be “entirely omitted.”
Abandoning the Asriel solo episode would still influence Season 3, with Tranter noting, “It gave us a chance to expand the role of Commander Ogunwe, and actually see Asriel recruit him.” Despite not having that intriguing abandoned episode to help fill in the gaps, Season 3 seems more confident than ever heading into its final hours.