Two Harkonnen sisters combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.
Have you ever watched something so visually stunning, so intricately plotted, that it feels like you just sat through a symposium on ancient political intrigue—but with better costumes? Welcome to Dune: Prophecy, HBO’s latest gamble on making science fiction both cerebral and binge-worthy. Set 10,000 years before Paul Atreides flipped the galactic chessboard, this series digs deep into the origins of the Bene Gesserit—those enigmatic space nuns who could outmaneuver Machiavelli on a bad day.
The Players
Let’s kick things off with the cast, a veritable high-stakes poker game of talent. Emily Watson and Olivia Williams headline as Valya and Tula Harkonnen, sisters navigating a minefield of ambition and betrayal. Watson’s Valya carries the weight of galactic destiny on her shoulders, like she’s balancing a Fabergé egg on a tightrope. Meanwhile, Williams’ Tula simmers with the kind of calculated intensity that makes you wonder if she has an interstellar black book filled with grudges.
Then there’s Shalom Brune-Franklin, who plays a wildcard so magnetic you half expect her to break the fourth wall just to wink at the audience. She’s equal parts charm and cunning, like a debutante who’s read The Prince twice and took notes.
The Plot
The series centers on the Harkonnen sisters’ efforts to save humanity’s future while establishing the foundation of what will become the Bene Gesserit. Think Succession, but in space, and with fewer daddy issues and more existential stakes. Drawing heavily from Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s Great Schools of Dune trilogy, the series explores the evolution of the Sisterhood of Rossak, along with the Mentats, Navigators, and Suk Doctors. If you’re a fan of lore, you’ll be swimming in it—though perhaps with floaties until you adjust to the deep end.
What Worked
Let’s talk visuals. The sets are vast, the special effects are jaw-dropping, and every frame looks like it was storyboarded by someone with a PhD in epic cinematography. It’s a visual banquet where even the sand dunes look like they’ve been through a rigorous casting process.
The episodic format is a revelation. Finally, a Dune adaptation that takes the time to let its characters breathe and its plots simmer. HBO leans into its reputation for bold storytelling, delivering the kind of mature, unflinching narrative you’d expect. And yes, the violence and intrigue are unapologetically front and center—this isn’t your mom’s space opera.
What Didn’t Work
Now, let’s sprinkle in some constructive criticism. The pacing—deliberate to the point of feeling like a meditation retreat. While I’m all for savoring a story, there are moments where you’d be forgiven for checking your watch. Do we need another lingering shot of someone contemplating the void? Probably not, unless the void’s picking up the tab.
Some performances, particularly from the younger cast members, feel like they’re in rehearsal rather than the final cut. It’s a mixed bag, but there’s hope these actors will grow into their roles. After all, even diamonds start as coal—though some scenes could use a little less pressure and a lot more polish.
Extra Credit for the Nerds
For the lore enthusiasts, this series is a goldmine. It dives into the genesis of the Bene Gesserit, Mentats, Navigators, and Suk Doctors with a thoroughness that would make a historian blush. Ever wonder why the Bene Gesserit are so obsessed with genetic lines? Or how the Mentats became the universe’s walking supercomputers? This is your backstage pass.
Final Thoughts
Dune: Prophecy is ambitious, visually stunning, and demands your attention. It’s not a casual watch; it’s the kind of show that rewards viewers willing to lean in and engage. Sure, it’s not flawless, but it’s a worthy addition to the Dune legacy, with potential to grow into something exceptional.
The Verdict - 7.7/10.
A dazzling origin story with a few rough edges, but enough intrigue to keep you hooked.
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