41/14
Two Harkonnen sisters battle forces that threaten the future of humanity and found the legendary sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. Whether they’re exploring the stars, escaping dystopias, or making the world a better place, these women are the stuff of science fiction. 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 the story of how the Rossak Brotherhood evolved into the Bene Gesserit. The incident with Valya Harkonnen using the voice is from an incident called “Mentats of Dune.” The three books interweave the development of the Brotherhood, the Mentats, the Navigators, and the Suk Doctors. Referenced in AniMat’s Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020). The first episode of Dune Prophecy, HBO Max’s new foray into Frank Herbert’s universe, feels disappointingly dull and uninspired. Despite its ambitious source material, the episode struggles to capture the charm and depth that Dune is known for. The most glaring problem is the editing. The pacing is very off, scenes feel rushed, and lack the space for tension or atmosphere to build. In its effort to cram too much story into a single hour, the episode becomes a chaotic barrage of nonstop dialogue, sacrificing narrative flow and engagement. Moments that should have been meaningful are undermined by rushed cuts, leaving little room for emotional or thematic resonance. Visually, Dune Prophecy suffers from a continuation of the gray, industrial aesthetic seen in recent Dune adaptations. The set and costume design feel sterile and monotonous, failing to evoke the complex, lived-in atmosphere of Herbert’s universe. This lack of visual and atmospheric variety diminishes the sense of wonder and alien grandeur that Dune demands. Perhaps most disappointing 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 complex political and cultural dynamics that define Dune feel shallow, and the lack of atmospheric “vibes” leaves the setting feeling hollow and uninviting. Ultimately, Dune Prophecy struggles to balance exposition and immersion, resulting in an episode that feels more like a rushed summary than a compelling introduction to the series. Without significant adjustments to pacing, editing, and world-building, it risks losing the essence of what makes Dune such a rich and enduring story.
