42/35
Two Harkonnen sisters fight against the forces that threaten the future of humanity and found a legendary sect that would become known as the Bene Gesserit. Whether they’re exploring the stars, escaping dystopia, or making the world a better place, these women are what science fiction is all about. This series uses material from Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s Great Schools of Dune trilogy. A prequel to the original Dune, it tells how the Sisterhood of Rossak became the Bene Gesserit. The incident with Valya Harkonnen using her voice comes from one of them titled “Mentats of Dune.” All three books intertwine the development of the Sisterhood, the Mentats, the Navigators, and the Suk Doctors. Mentioned in Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020) by AniMat. The first episode of Dune Prophecy, HBO Max’s new foray into the world of Frank Herbert’s universe, unfortunately feels dull and uninspired. Despite its ambitious source material, the episode struggles to capture the charm and depth that make Dune so beloved. The most glaring issue is the editing. The pacing is wildly uneven, and scenes feel rushed and lack the breathing room necessary to develop tension or atmosphere. In its effort to cram too much story into one hour, the episode becomes a disjointed slog of uninterrupted dialogue, sacrificing narrative flow and engagement. Moments that should feel meaningful are undercut by hasty cuts, leaving little room for emotional or thematic resonance. Visually, Dune Prophecy suffers from continuing the drab, industrial aesthetic seen in recent Dune adaptations. The sets and costumes feel sterile and drab, failing to evoke the intricate, vibrant feel of Herbert’s universe. This lack of visual and atmospheric variety detracts from the sense of wonder and alien grandeur that Dune requires. Perhaps the most disappointing aspect is the lack of effective world-building. While the episode focuses heavily on expository dialogue to set up the plot, it neglects to establish the world itself. The complicated political and cultural dynamics that define Dune feel shallow, and the lack of atmospheric “vibes” leaves the setting empty and unengaging. Ultimately, Dune Prophecy struggles to find a balance between exposition and immersion, resulting in an episode that feels more like a rushed recap than a compelling introduction to the series. Without significant changes in pacing, editing, and world-building, it risks losing the essence of what makes Dune such a rich and enduring story.
