10 things His Dark Materials season 2 needs to get right

Image: His Dark Materials/HBO

The Witches

The first installment of His Dark Materials briefly introduces the witch clans, but apart from Serafina Pekkala, fans don’t actually see much of them. That changes in The Subtle Knife, with the witches becoming more involved in the war — and going out of their way to help Lyra on her path to her destiny.

With their increased presence comes further world-building. Readers get to learn more about their political and religious beliefs, as well as their relationships with their daemons. With any luck, the show will be able to work in the witch clans’ history without making it feel too forced and info-dumpy. (We also wouldn’t complain if there were some visually impressive displays of their powers scattered throughout season 2.)

Ruta Skadi, one of the witch queens, promises to be another powerful addition to the series if portrayed well. Throughout The Subtle Knife, it’s not entirely clear whether we should be rooting for or against the witch clans, but the women who lead these groups have us leaning toward supporting them. Hopefully they’ll be just as compelling in the show.