The Hidden Hand

The first episode of *Dune: Prophecy* sets a captivating tone, blending political intrigue, mysticism, and stunning visuals. The intricate plot explores the rise of Paul Atreides, navigating his destiny amid the harsh desert world of Arrakis. The cinematography beautifully captures the stark yet awe-inspiring landscapes, while the cast delivers compelling performances, particularly in portraying power struggles and personal dilemmas. The episode builds tension effectively, leaving viewers eager for what's next. While newcomers may feel slightly overwhelmed by the lore, it's a promising start for fans of epic sci-fi.

Started slow but worth waiting, I hope this series turns out be one of the greatest in recent time.

Nobody cares about your exposition. It's nice when a world is large and seems to go beyond the boundaries of the story we're seeing, but that sort of stuff comes out over time or is intimated by the viewer while the story drives forward, and in fact, it helps draw them in as they work stuff out. If you just explain everything up front, it feels like a lecture and there's nothing left to learn.

Remember Game of Thrones? It opened with two low level characters, tasked with doing a job and encountering something unexpected. That's what an audience can relate to. That's what draws them in.

I might come back to it at some point but it just felt so much like "TV". And I mean that in the worst sense. HBO should feel like more. Dune should feel like more.

This was all so desperate to tie itself to the source material and films that it just felt like a TV version of Dune. And I know that's what it is, but if you're going to truck out the same plotlines and tired TV tropes, you can save yourself a lot of money just do another tired TV show without the name Dune attached.

I mean, it's definitely more on the part of Zaslav and the HBO marketing team that this show borrows so heavily from the aesthetic of the Ville-Dune films, but even still, this felt a little less House of the Dragon and more Rings of Power-that is, a prequel series that exists to expound on the worldbuilding elements not included in the original piece of adaptational media. I mean, I guess the costumes look like they might have been borrowed from the first few season of GOT.

The episode itself isn't AWFUL-just a bit repetitive and heel-dragging in its pacing. Also, a few actors aren't necessarily up to snuff with the rest of the cast/what we've come to expect from Duneiverse Media™, so in truth, this sorta feels like it might just be the prequel to the Lynchian Dune, instead. A lot is still to be seen, of course, but it's nice to know I should, in general, lower my expectations by a LOT.

I am amazed at the negative reviews from some that thought the first episode was too "slow" and boring. Generations raised on video games and TikTok are like goldfish with a Wi-Fi connection-if a TV show doesn't explode, meme, or dance in 15 seconds, they're already checking their phones. Try showing them a slow-burn masterpiece, and they look at you like you just handed them a VHS tape and asked them to rewind it.

As for episode 1, I think it was pretty damn good. The sets and costumes were stunning. The production values were top notch. First episodes always have the burden of introducing characters and doing some exposition but I thought they did that quite nicely and set us up for future episodes. Again if you are an adult, that has a modicum of patience, and aren't looking for car chases or intergalactic battle scenes you should ignore the twitchy generation's lament of not enough action. Looking forward to episode 2.

The long-awaited "Dune" prequel series, "Dune: Prophecy," arrives with its premiere episode, "The Hidden Hand," and it offers a mixed but overall positive introduction to the world of the Bene Gesserit and the Imperium. This is a show that has been in development since before the first of Denis Villeneuve's epic two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert's "Dune" came out and has been in and out of development issues ever since. But now, under the leadership of Alison Schapker, it is finally ready to be seen. And while the show doesn't fully escape from first-episode growing pains, its strengths in world-building, visuals, and standout performances make it a solid beginning.

A remarkable aspect of the premiere is how seamlessly it integrates the "Dune" universe into this earlier timeline. The world-building is compelling, offering a tantalizing look at the Sisterhood's internal politics and their far-reaching influence within the Imperium. For fans of Herbert's work, the show provides intriguing glimpses into the seeds of what will later blossom into the iconic events of the novels. The series also carves out its own identity, setting itself apart while staying true to the themes of power, destiny, and manipulation that define the "Dune" saga. Visually, the show is stunning. The creative team has crafted a production that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Denis Villeneuve's films. From the austere, haunting halls of the Sisterhood's stronghold to the sweeping vistas, every frame is dripping with detail. The costumes, sets, and special effects are nothing short of cinematic, immersing viewers in a world that feels both alien and eerily familiar. At the heart of the story is Valya Harkonnen, played masterfully by Emily Watson. Valya is a character perfectly attuned to the "Dune" mythos - ambitious, morally complex, and driven by a vision of the future that demands sacrifice and ruthlessness. Watson's nuanced performance captures Valya's steely determination and moments of vulnerability, anchoring the show with gravitas. If there's a weak spot in "The Hidden Hand," it's the storytelling. While the episode excels in setting the stage, the plot feels fragmented, with key motivations and stakes not entirely clear. This lack of narrative cohesion might leave casual viewers feeling lost and even frustrate longtime fans who expect more clarity from the outset. Anna Foester's direction is solid, particularly in how she captures the mood and tone of "Dune." However, the pacing falters at times, with certain scenes lingering too long while others feel rushed. As a result, the episode doesn't always flow as smoothly as it could.

"The Hidden Hand" is a promising start for "Dune: Prophecy," despite its shortcomings in pacing and storytelling. The series captures the spirit of Herbert's universe with impressive visuals, compelling characters, and a bold exploration of the Bene Gesserit's shadowy role in shaping the Imperium. If subsequent episodes can refine the narrative and balance the pacing, the show has the potential to become a fine addition to the "Dune" franchise.