Dune: Prophecy

There are a few important things to note about Dune: Prophecy. First, the series is set 10,000 years before the events of the Dune movies. We encounter familiar surnames and begin to understand the origins of many elements that become significant later. That said, the series also introduces some peculiarities that aren't addressed in the films-perhaps because they've been resolved by the time of those events and are no longer essential.

Second, this is a much darker story. While it shares the same slow, atmospheric pacing as the Dune films, it's far more saturated with conspiracies and shadowy power struggles. Although there are several key characters we follow, the central focus is on the Harkonnen sisters and their leadership of the Sisterhood. This is essentially their story, and it's a deeply grim one.

Third, by the time you reach the final episode of Season 1, it becomes clear just how many secrets are woven into the narrative-secrets that are revealed only gradually. Much of this unfolds through jumps back and forth in time. Several characters appear in both their younger and older forms, and the past and present are closely intertwined. Fortunately, the time-switching is handled well and never feels confusing.

It was nice to watch something again from the "Dune" universe and I think it was a good idea. The show is good and high quality. But honestly it was not like I expected. I was waiting for something different, hard to explain. Even if it was not what I expected, the quality is clear. Acting, atmosphere, effects, everything is good. The show is a bit boring. I am a person who can watch slow movies easily, but even for me it was too slow. The story felt a little boring. Acting performances were great. Only Chloe Lea looked weaker among the other amazing actors and actresses, and that made her less believable, but everyone else was great.

It feels like something is missing in the show. One of these missing parts is music. One of the best things in "Dune" movies was Hans Zimmer's amazing music. Here, the music was weak and not memorable. I also did not like the opening theme, it could be more iconic.

I almost felt forced to watch it, just to understand the "Dune" universe better. The topics are a bit confusing, but anyway, it is still clearly high quality.

The makers had done their job pretty well by making each episode as interesting as to be excited for the next one, the characters are on the same position for me as much as i loved the story line throughout the each episodes, But there was an exception in finale where i felt all earlier 5 episodes buildup was nothing to be concluded completely but just tell you wait for the years to get the proper pay off to what they started (They could've easily added more episodes, this is not the way how you end a season), not even antagonist and protagonist were concluded for what builded up for....

i'm not completely mad as i am left with the memory of good storyline and characters, every time i watched an episode it was a ride of intense emotions and was connected to all main characters.

So it's 7.8/10 for me.

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.

Dune: Prophecy is an okay series that delivers solid performances and impressive visuals, offering useful context to the Dune cinematic universe. As a prequel, it enriches the lore and sets the stage for the political and religious dynamics of the Bene Gesserit.

But despite its strengths, something feels missing. The show struggles to fully hook you. Emotional engagement is low, and aside from Tula, who stands out with depth and presence, the rest of the characters fall into forgettable, formulaic roles. The world is grand, but the storytelling doesn't quite rise to meet its potential.

If there's a future season, there's hope the series can grow into something more gripping. For now, it's visually rich but narratively underwhelming. Worth a watch for Dune fans, but don't expect to be swept away.