Dune: Prophecy

"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.

All of my knowledge of Dune comes from the two recent movies, both of which are amazing. With that out of the way, one thing that is missing from the TV show, which both films have, is a good score or at least good use of a good score. I feel like the score or music of the films was used in such a way to emphasize the larger-than-life characterization of the Dune world or universe, so to speak. We are talking about a species that spans the universe in space after all. On the other hand, the score is barely perceptible in the TV show. This does ensure we able to hear the dialogue clearly, but also makes the TV show feel claustrophobic in spite of some of its sets or settings in comparison and therefore out-of-character. Without this, the TV show feels much less epic and engaging than the movies, unfortuantely. I am hoping they will fix this in upcoming seasons.

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 brings us back to Frank Herbert's universe with a different approach. Instead of grand battles, the series explores the intrigues of the Bene Gesserit and their struggle for control. It's not necessary to have seen the movies to understand it, as it builds its own rhythm and atmosphere.

It stands out for its setting and for Emily Watson's performance, which brings depth and presence to her character. However, at times, the pacing is slow, and it may feel like it lacks intensity. Even so, it manages to create interest through its conflicts and the mystery surrounding the story.

It's not a series for everyone, but for those who enjoy more political and dense science fiction, Dune: Prophecy offers an intriguing premise with great potential.

I wanted to be brief and to the point, but felt compelled to expand my thoughts. So here it goes. There was a time when writers knew how to weave exposition into narrative without it feeling forced and contrived. I get that it's a first episode, but do they have to spell everything out like they aren't common knowledge.

Watson(Valya), Mark Strong(Emperor), Travis Fimmel(Hart) and Sarah-Sofie Boussnina(Princess) deliver good performances. I feel like the show is in good hands. The rest of the characters left me uninterested. They move the story but are forgettable. I guess we'll see how it evolves.

I found it hard to stay focused on the first episode. It seemed to be part of a whole that can't be divided. I will wait for the full season before consuming more episodes.

They did a marvelous job on the visuals. The CGI is high quality, the costumes are perfect, the tone from Villeneuve's vision is maintained and expanded from. The art dept should get awards for how beautiful it looks.