At first I couldn't understand why they started this series again when they'd abandoned the films after the 1st. For those who hadn't read the books, the Golden Compass was so visually appealing and magical, it felt absurd to begin again. (Equally irritating how the book readers halted the Eragon film series after the 1st.) But they did succeed in producing an even finer production with this. Actors, so well cast. Cinematography, costumes, sets, most of the writing/adaptation - captivating, gorgeous. If there is no spinoff or follow-up series, this was, indeed, a depressing ending, and one that didn't really wrap things up for the majority of the wide cast, many of whom we'd come to care about. If it's a jumping off point...well then, I can't wait to see what comes next!
Review of The Botanic Garden
