As of now, the third installment of Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” series is still awaiting an official green light, although it remains in development. Despite this, Warner Bros. Discovery and Legendary Television are already in the process of transforming the successful films into a multimedia franchise. Even before the release of “Dune: Part One,” a TV spinoff was already in the works. This week, the prequel series “Dune: Prophecy” makes its debut on HBO, marking another step in turning the network into a hub for blockbuster IP, following the success of “The Penguin.”
Set thousands of years before the events of the main “Dune” storyline, “Prophecy” delves into the early history of the Bene Gesserit, a mysterious sisterhood integral to the saga. The narrative, loosely based on the 2012 novel “Sisterhood of Dune” by Brian Herbert, is set in the aftermath of the Butlerian Jihad, a war that banned the use of artificial intelligence. Valya Harkonnen, portrayed by Emily Watson and Jessica Barden, is the second-ever Reverend Mother of the order, laying the groundwork for the events that lead to Paul Atreides’ emergence as a messianic figure.
Adapting a film franchise into a TV series comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. In the four episodes provided for review out of the six-episode season, “Prophecy” manages to navigate these hurdles adeptly. While it may lack the visual grandeur and star power of the films, the show excels in bringing to life the intricate political landscape of the Imperium. The focus on the Bene Gesserit’s early days sheds light on their practices of eugenics and manipulation, highlighting the themes of human potential and control that are central to the “Dune” universe.
The central conflict in “Prophecy” revolves around Valya and her sisterhood facing off against Desmond Hart, a mysterious figure with powers linked to the sandworms of Dune. As Hart disrupts the balance of power within the Imperium, Valya must navigate complex political intrigues to protect the future of the Bene Gesserit. The series also explores familiar themes from the main storyline, such as ancestral memory and the tensions between different factions vying for control.
While “Prophecy” may not reach the same visual heights as Villeneuve’s films, it offers a deeper dive into the lore and politics of the “Dune” universe. The show’s focus on the Bene Gesserit allows for the exploration of internal conflicts within the sisterhood and the ethical dilemmas they face in their pursuit of power. With a sprawling cast led by seasoned actors like Watson and Olivia Williams, “Prophecy” sets the stage for a nuanced exploration of power, control, and destiny in the world of “Dune.”
For fans looking to delve deeper into the “Dune” universe, “Prophecy” serves as a gateway to the complex themes and characters of the series. While it may not match the spectacle of the films, the series offers a rich tapestry of political intrigue and moral ambiguity that will appeal to both newcomers and longtime fans of Frank Herbert’s iconic saga.
The premiere episode of “Dune: Prophecy” airs on HBO and HBO Max on November 17th at 9 p.m. ET, with subsequent episodes airing weekly on Sundays.
