It’s silly to compare this to the films, but it’s a fairly decent series to tide yourself over the next few years, at least until Dune Messiah.
What it's about
Ten thousand years before Paul Atreides ascends to the throne, the Harkonnen family are exiled for running away from the war against the thinking machines. Because of this, sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen join the beginnings of the Bene Gesserit, shifting it to become the socio-political truthsayer sect that aims to breed the perfect leader and put one of their own on the throne.
The take
With the world of Dune regaining prominence through Denis Villenueve’s take, it’s no surprise that Max would want to expand on the franchise with Dune: Prophecy, a series centered around the creation of the ever-mysterious Bene Gesserit. It’s an interesting premise, considering the strange, supernatural powers that the fictional religious sect has, and it plays up to HBO’s favorite topics of power, deception, and royalty in the new world crafted by Villenueve, and the prequel novels written by the original author’s son Brian Herbert. There are some anachronicities to the series– after all, technology ten thousand years from Paul should feel a bit more different– but with the excellent performances of Emily Watson and Olivia Williams, Dune: Prophecy would be a series that might not match up to the films, but would be entertaining for true Dune fans.
What stands out
The introduction is a bit clunky, but as it progresses, it gets more exciting to see how the Sisterhood would deal with their latest enemy.
Comments
Add a comment
Your name
Your comment
UP NEXT
UP NEXT
UP NEXT
More like this in
Ethos
A level of attention to aesthetics usually reserved for the most elaborate films, mixed with a complex and relevant story, make this series from Turkey unmatched in its quality
9.9
Say Nothing
A powerful take on the Northern Ireland conflict that smartly shows all sides
8.5
Caliphate
A psychological thriller that provides insight on what drove so many young people to ISIS.
8.9
Occupied
Norway's most expensive show ever is a timely thrill ride with a grim geopolitical premise.
8.7
Escape at Dannemora
Based on a true prison escape story, this slow-burn suspense thriller features once-in-a-lifetime performances by a star-studded cast
9.3
Unorthodox
A well-acted fact-based thriller about untangling the grip of a close-knit community
8.5
The Looming Tower
A well-written thriller miniseries about the rivalry between the CIA and the FBI and how they failed to prevent 9/11.
8.1
The Good Fight
Like Suits or The Good Wife, but sharper
9.1
Unbelievable
Critics lauded the angle and feminist edge of this grim true crime miniseries.
8.8
Sex Education
Already a future classic, Sex Education is an explicit but endlessly charming teen comedy that will also teach adults a thing or two.