Torn 
... I found the original three books compulsive, mind-altering reading (Will, and the gay angels are three of my all time favourite characters in all fiction,) and the two Book of Dust volumes so far published reasonably absorbing in different ways - I guess it was impossible the TV series could live up to expectations.
The daemon statues across the rooftops of Oxford were a nice touch.
Both Lyra and Roger looked too well fed and secure somehow. Someone above mentioned old-fashioned child acting and that seems exactly the right description - apart from the cgi I could have been watching this in the 1970s. They were directed as if for a costume drama rather than a metaphysical conundrum.
It’s a shame I’ve never found James McAvoy or Ruth Wilson terribly attractive and find them woefully miscast here. And although I rejoice at Clarke Peters as The Master of Jordan the accent he’s using is the most puzzling thing I’ve ever heard - distractingly so.
On the other hand, and disagreeing with several pps, I absolutely loved every single one of the Gyptians. They were perfect, aurally and visually. I don’t think I can bear the loss of Billy.
As was the Magisterium. Lord Boreal was far too young and beautiful - but this isn’t a complaint. And the Magisterium architecture was a wonderful sight.
The dearth of visible daemons was a major disappointment and made the whole thing rather unconvincing. Surely their tangible, crucial presence was rather the point of the books?
I’ll probably stick with it. But only in desperate hope of Will in the next series.