Dune: Prophecy

Dune: Prophecy is everything i hoped it would be and more. It's a great spin-off from a beloved movie franchise. I have to start by saying I've never read the source material or saw the original movie. My experience of Dune is predicated on the two Dune movies that have come out the last few years starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya. Those two movies (especially Dune: Part Two) are two of my favorite movies I've seen over the last few years. I absolutely love both of them so I had high expectations for this series. Dune: Prophecy is a series that takes place 10,000 years before the Dune movies start and about how the Harkonnen sisters started the Bene Gesserit as they fight off forces that threaten the future of mankind. The show may feel more like Game of Thrones than Dune but either way...it's very entertaining. The most important thing about this show is it does exactly what it set out to do in the fact that it deepens our understanding of the Bene Gesserit. You don't have to have watched the two Dune movies to enjoy this but you'll definitely enjoy it more if you have.

The first episode of Dune Prophecy, HBO Max's new foray into the world of Frank Herbert's universe, unfortunately feels drab 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 off, with scenes feeling rushed and lacking the breathing room necessary for tension or atmosphere to develop. In their 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 felt significant are undercut by hurried jump cuts, leaving little room for emotional or thematic resonance.

Visually, Dune Prophecy suffers from a continuation of the grey, industrial aesthetic seen in recent Dune adaptations. The set and costume design feel sterile and monotonous, failing to evoke the intricate, lived-in feel of Herbert's universe. This lack of visual and atmospheric variety diminishes the sense of wonder and alien grandeur that Dune demands.

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect is the lack of effective world-building. While the episode focuses heavily on expositional dialogue to set up the plot, it neglects to establish the world itself. The intricate political and cultural dynamics that define Dune feel shallow, and the absence of atmospheric "vibes" leaves the setting hollow and unengaging.

In the end, Dune Prophecy struggles to strike a balance between 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.

It's nice to see the other side of Dune Universe. Visually beautiful for a TV Show although we know this is nothing compared to Denis Villeneuve movies. Here we can see the city, the bar, etc that feels cyberpunk-ish and we don't see it in the movies.

The story itself was good and again it's nice to know more about Bene Gesserit. But I don't know why this show potrayed the main character (Bene Gesserit) looks 'evil'. Despite that I enjoyed it still.

What I hate about this show is too short. I mean comeon why only 6 episodes? I hate modern TV shows. They gave us 6 episodes and then we need to wait another 1-2 years to watch the next season. 10 Episodes is the standard unless you make it limited series with no continuation. I understand that maybe this show has big budget knowing the visual was very good.

Another uninteresting about this show is bad casting. Almost all the acolytes was so bland knowing they still had good amount of screen time. I always love Travis Fimmel as Ragnar zlothbrok in Vikings since it's my favorite show but in here he also act like Ragnar the way their bodyand eye moves was very sinilar acting

Overall I love this show since we rarely had scifi cyberpunk-ish tv show.

DOUR. So dour. Everyone glowering intensely at everyone else. Characters absolutely crippled by the artificial "weight" of how "important" what they are doing is. How do we know it's important? Because the characters state their aspirations right away, and what they aspire to is the way things are in the present of the movies. Wow. Profound. I wonder if it's going to work out in the end??? Remember Game of Thrones? Realistic people doing their best in the horrifying world, trying to find some semblance of meaning, purpose, maybe love? Joking and chiding each other like real human beings do? Remember characters being believable people? Why does every premium show have to be completely humorless and rigid? We get it, the implications are vast. We get it, setting up the world of Dune is "important." Look, I'm a huge fan of the material and the new movies. But even in those they chide each other. "Stilgar is from the south. You didn't notice his accent?" They freaking relax for two minutes! You can't expect me to tighten up and stay rigid for the entire series. There has to be a rhythm to it! Ups and downs. Intensity and levity. Inhale, exhale. Life!

"Dune: Prophecy" is a compelling addition to the Dune universe, offering a deep dive into the origins of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood. Set 10,000 years before the events of Frank Herbert's original novels, the series explores the intricate political and social dynamics that shape this enigmatic order.

The narrative centers on sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen, portrayed by Emily Watson and Olivia Williams, respectively. Their performances are standout, bringing depth and nuance to characters navigating a complex web of power struggles and prophetic visions. The show's commitment to character development is evident, allowing viewers to engage with the protagonists' motivations and conflicts.

Visually, "Dune: Prophecy" is impressive. The cinematography captures the stark beauty of the Dune universe, with detailed set designs and special effects that enhance the storytelling. The depiction of various planets and cultures adds richness to the world-building, immersing the audience in a diverse and expansive galaxy.

The series delves into themes of power, destiny, and the ethical complexities of foresight. It effectively portrays the Bene Gesserit's manipulative strategies and their influence on imperial politics, providing insight into their rise as a formidable force. The political intrigue is reminiscent of other epic sagas, offering a blend of strategy and mysticism that keeps viewers engaged.

However, the show's dense narrative and extensive lore can be challenging for newcomers to the Dune franchise. The intricate plotlines and multitude of characters require attentive viewing to fully grasp the unfolding events. Additionally, while the series pays homage to the source material, it occasionally leans heavily on established tropes, which may feel familiar to seasoned science fiction audiences.

In summary, "Dune: Prophecy" is a well-crafted series that expands the Dune mythology with strong performances and impressive visuals. Its exploration of the Bene Gesserit's origins offers a fresh perspective for fans of the franchise. While it presents a complex and layered narrative that may be demanding for some viewers, it rewards those who invest in its rich storytelling.