Dune: Prophecy
By Sioph W. Leal
Given the success of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, it is no surprise that more projects showing Frank Herbert’s world would be made. Set ten thousand years before the rise of Paul Atreides, Dune: Prophecy follows Harkonnen sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen (Emily Watson and Olivia Williams) as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the powerful Bene Gesserit. When the project was first announced, many were curious to see how the scale of Villeneuve's movie would translate to screen or if it could. Visually and with the story, it feels like a great companion to the films and with a deeper insight into the world and houses.
The season follows Valya Harkonnen through different stages of her life, but we first see her life, which sets the ground for a deep character exploration with the timeline jumping back and forth that gives a great insight into the changing climate and political climate of the universe. Dual timelines can often be difficult to pull off, but focusing mostly on Valya anchors the series with delightful characterisation as she goes to extreme measures to secure her status. Both timelines offer rich storytelling, and neither can be favoured as they work in great balance with each other and enhance the story. It is Valya’s determination and interactions with other characters that create the intrigue of the series, but all masterfully performed by both the young and present versions of the character, making a fully formed and enticing character.
Valya feels like a fleshed-out character, but due to its extensive cast, it can feel like there are too many at times that lack the same depth as Valya. Thankfully it doesn’t deter from the story or the enjoyment, but it could have been better with more time spent with them.
No matter the medium, the lore of Dune is vital in weaving together the story, and while it can be a lot, it is needed. The first few minutes of Prophecy almost give too much and can seem as if it is something only appealing to dedicated fans already that are familiar with the world, but at the same time, it makes sense for this to move the plot along. Once those minutes are past, you get an understanding that carries through the first four episodes and only enhances. It can be a lot all in one go over incorporating it throughout the series, but it works regardless. After that, the series quickly has something for everyone. It’s political and full of schemes.
Yet once you get past those initial exposition-heavy scenes (and yes, they are a lot), Dune: Prophecy unfurls into a deliciously varied sci-fi epic with a little something for everyone. If you love political machinations, you'll be blessed with scene after scene of scheming and negotiations with complex characters with the Sisterhood centre stage. There are twists, deaths, nefarious plans, and great worldbuilding that showcases the lore of the beloved book series and even fills in some lore gaps from Villeneuve’s movies that sometimes felt glossed over.
Dune: Prophecy delivers a lore-driven series filled with drama, twists, and deaths that has the grandeur of Villeneuve’s masterpiece but serves as a great companion. Sometimes the tone can feel different from the movie, but that is fine given the setting, yet it still feels very cemented in Herbert’s world. Movie and book fans will enjoy this look into the Bene Gesserit and a look into some interesting characters driven by captivating performances.
Dune: Prophecy premiers 17 November on HBO.
The first four episodes were screened for review.