26/28
Two sisters battle the Harkonnen forces that threaten the future of humanity and find a legendary sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. Check out our list of updates and cancellations to see if your favorite show is on the list. This episode uses material from the “Great Dune Schools” trilogy by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The original Dune prequel tells the story of how Rossak’s sister became a Bene Gesserit. The incident involving Valea Harkonnen’s voice originated with the so-called “Dune Mentats.” All three books are intertwined with the creation of the Sisterhood, the Mentats, the Navigators, and the Doctor Whores. The first episode of “The Dune Prophecy,” HBO Max’s new foray into Frank Herbert’s universe, sadly feels dull and uninspired. Despite its ambitious source material, the episode fails to capture the charm and depth that made Dune so beloved. The most obvious problem is the setting. The pace is brisk, the walls seem rushed, and there’s no room for tension or atmosphere. Trying to cram too much story into a single episode devolves into a chaotic jumble of nonstop dialogue that sacrifices narrative flow and engagement. Moments that should have felt meaningful are undermined by rushed cutscenes, leaving no room for emotional or thematic resonance. Visually, Dune Prophecy suffers from a continuation of the drab, industrial aesthetic seen in recent Dune adaptations. The set and costume designs feel sterile and monotonous, failing to evoke the complex, 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 worldbuilding. While the episode focuses heavily on expository dialogue to build the plot, it neglects the world itself. The complex political and cultural dynamics that define Dune feel superficial, and the lack of atmospheric “vibration” leaves the setting feeling empty and uninteresting. Ultimately, Dune Prophecy struggles to find a balance between exposition and immersion, and the episode feels more like a rushed recap than a compelling introduction to the series. Without significant changes in pacing, editing, and worldbuilding, it risks losing the essence that makes Dune such a rich and enduring story.
