The new HBO series His Dark Materials is certainly taking its time getting into the action, but the latest episode finally gave fans something they have been looking forward to. Episode 4 finally introduced Mary Poppins Returns star Lin-Manuel Miranda as the Texan aeronaut Lee Scoresby. In addition to that, Armour gave us the epic debut of Iorek Byrnison, the disgraced polar bear who is set to become one of Lyra Belacqua's most important allies.
His Dark Materials Season 1 Episode 4 didn't waste any time introducing Lee Scoresby. The opening scene features Lee and his daemon Hester singing a duet and arguing about their search for a certain polar bear. Once they arrive in Trollesund, they are immediately confronted by Sysselman, the local police chief. Nevertheless, Lee and Hester are determined to find Iorek Byrnison.
Lee Scoresby and Hester are not the only ones who are looking for Iorek Byrnison. Lyra Belacqua and Farder Coram also learn about the polar bear from the witch consulate, and Lyra is determined to free Iorek and make him join their cause. Unfortunately, Iorek is reluctant to leave, although he is unhappy about being stuck in Trollesund. In addition to that, the leader of the Gyptians John Faa insists that they don't need the help of a troublesome bear.
Luckily, Lyra comes across Lee Scoresby and Hester, who reveal to her that Iorek Byrnison needs to be reunited with his armor so he could finally leave Trollesund. With the help of the alethiometer, Lyra tells Iorek that the armor is hidden in the local Magisterium church. This leads to Iorek rampaging through the town to find his armor and taking on the local police, almost killing Sysselman. However, Lyra convinces Iorek not to kill Sysselman and simply leave with the Gyptians instead.
The fourth episode of His Dark Materials also featured a surprise appearance from Harry Potter actor Harry Melling, who played Sysselman perfectly. There is also a small glimpse at Iorek Byrnison's enemy Iofur Raknison, who now keeps Lord Asriel captive. It wouldn't be a surprise if a major bear fight will happen within the next few episodes. In the meantime, it is great to see that both Iorek and Lee Scoresby have now joined Lyra in the quest to find her friend Roger and the other missing children.
The next episode of His Dark Materials is titled The Lost Boy and will introduce the witch Serafina Pekkala and hopefully more witches who will join the battle. It will premiere on HBO on December 2.
