I loved the books when I read them (prob 20 years ago now) and was really looking forward to this adaptation but must admit I found the 1st series difficult to engage with and was left feeling really disappointed. I think a large part was down to the casting; the kids playing Lyra and Will are no doubt likeable enough in real life but they felt too stage school to me, like toff kids hamming up their best cor blimey guvnor, knees up cockernee Oliver and Nancy for the end of year play. It was no real surprise to see they both come from acting families, they are very very precociously actorly. I've got the 2nd series on record but I've found myself avoiding watching it so far, which is never a good sign. Is there a big improvement on the first series or is it just more of the same ?