His Dark Materials Review: Theft (Season 2 Episode 3)
While the world falls more and more under the control of the Magisterium, Lyra and Will find themselves on a proper mission on His Dark Materials Season 2 Episode 3, “Theft.”
But it’s a conversation near the middle of the episode where its larger impact lies.
The devastation of the witches’ home is a somber sight, as is the news from Iorek that the bears must move on from their own home after Asriel’s gateway has messed with their wildlife and food chain.
Along with Lee’s visit to the town, this episode allows us glimpses of the world around the main events, something that is most welcome and helps to worldbuild.
Mary’s connection to the dark matter machine looks to be almost similar to Lyra’s connection to the alethiometer, with the way she unknowingly can move the matter into objects and images. She may not know it yet, but it’s an exciting development, that people in this world can manipulate Dust/dark matter themselves.
Hopefully she can act as a bridge to help Lyra further her studies into Dust as she herself learns more, but with the cops and other professors keeping their eyes out, that may prove difficult.
Will’s story is mostly waiting around to find Lyra’s note, but we do get the scene of him reading his father’s letters, which is a nice little moment for him. He’s usually interrupted when he tries to read them, so this is a good progression to further him down his path.
The scene that stands out the most comes from a very frank conversation between Marissa Coulter and Lee Scorseby.
It’s wrapped up in history of abuse in both of their lives, tying them together as children who expect pain and suffer it still, emotionally at least, to this day.
Lee strikes a nerve with Mrs. Coulter, where not only does she have no power over him in his vulnerable state, but that realization that someone else relates to the pain she carries with her.
The way Ruth Wilson portrays her reaction as initial anger and frustration that later subsides into a form of grief and acceptance is one of the best acting moments on His Dark Materials yet.
It’s equally matched by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who sells his character’s acceptance that pain comes with the territory in his life.
This moment is enormous to hear for those who suffer abuse, either in the past or currently, as it shows they’re not alone and there are others who feel the same as they do, while also digging deep into both characters and their history, even if it’s in these vague terms.
It also says a lot about both and their attachment to their daemon, as Hester immediately goes to Lee’s aide to comfort him after speaking on something that clearly hurts him, while Mrs. Coulter almost hides herself away against the wall, her own daemon initially hesitant to offer similar comfort.
These moments aren’t a large portion of the episode, but it speaks to these characters in such a relatable way, that they have both suffered and have come out of it so differently.
Mrs. Coulter’s turn at the end of the episode is curious, however. Is this a change of heart, or simply because she fears what Boreal may be capable of if he captures Lyra in the name of the Magisterium? She helps Lee escape after Boreal’s note, and so while she may have her own motives, it’s clear they are separate from the side she allies with.
There’s also the curiosity of that deal Lyra and Will make with Boreal. Does he want the knife for himself, or in the name of the Magisterium? That’s the extra wrinkle to the events of the episode, that there are clear signs of motives not quite aligned to the larger cause.
Boreal’s reveal at the end, basically putting his cards on the table, is a dark but refreshing moment for the show. Everyone treats each other with shrouds of secrecy and holding back, but his openness to knowing what he’s stolen and also that he needs the knife is at least getting us somewhere.
But what does the knife do exactly? Does the man in the tower who Will sees the one who possesses or wields it?
These sorts of questions, along with Mrs. Coulter looking to be genuine in her care for Lyra, change things moving forward. There’s a clear mission for Lyra and Will now, and while they should not trust Boreal, this does give them at least the footing to proceed forward.
Maybe the knife will be important to Will, and it may prove useful ahead beyond the trade.
Some stray thoughts on the episode:
- Everyone loves Paddington, and so do Lyra and Pan, by the looks of it as they experience what is most likely their first movie. Her description of popcorn isn’t too far off, but who can resist a giant tub of it?
What did you think of this episode of His Dark Materials? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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His Dark Materials airs Mondays at 9/8c on HBO.
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Kevin Lever
Kevin Lever has been following television closely for most of his life, but in starting to cover it, he has grown a further appreciation. He strives to give the blockbusters their due, and give the lesser known shows a spotlight to find more fans.