Leading an impressive cast, Emily Watson, Mark Strong, Olivia Williams, and Travis Fimmel star in HBO’s highly anticipated prequel series to the critically acclaimed Dune films directed by Denis Villeneuve. This series promises to delve deeper into the rich lore of the Dune universe, captivating long-time fans and newcomers alike with its intricate storytelling and character development.

Exploring the Intricate Plot of Dune: Prophecy: Set against the backdrop of Frank Herbert’s expansive universe, Dune: Prophecy takes place 10,000 years prior to Paul Atreides‘ rise to power. The narrative focuses on two Harkonnen sisters who must navigate treacherous political waters as they confront formidable forces threatening the very future of humanity. The series delves into the origins of the legendary Bene Gesserit sect, presenting a rich tapestry of intrigue and conflict that shapes the course of history in the Dune universe.

In-Depth Review of the Dune: Prophecy Series: The success of Dune adaptations by Denis Villeneuve has demonstrated that what was once deemed unfilmable can indeed resonate with audiences, both critically and commercially. With the first film achieving Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards and the upcoming Dune: Part Two poised for similar accolades, interest in the franchise is at an all-time high. Warner Bros. and HBO have seized this momentum to create Dune: Prophecy, a prequel series that unveils the origins of the mystical Bene Gesserit. The storyline weaves through the familiar houses of Harkonnen, Atreides, and Corrino, echoing the political machinations found in series like Game of Thrones, enriching the Dune mythology beyond the sands of Arrakis.

Navigating the Complex Characters and Plotlines in Dune: Prophecy: After viewing four of the six episodes in the inaugural season of Dune: Prophecy, I find myself contemplating how this series aligns with the feature films. Notably, Dune: Prophecy shares plot elements common with House of the Dragon, both referencing the lineage of key characters from the main series while dramatizing pivotal historical events. Fans of the Dune novels are aware that a significant war—the Butlerian Jihad—occurred a hundred centuries before the first book, and Dune: Prophecy picks up 116 years post-conflict, with House Corrino at the helm of the Imperium. While iconic Houses like Harkonnen and Atreides are present, they wield lesser power compared to the dominant families. The series unfolds mainly at the Imperial capital, where Emperor Javicco Corrino (played by Mark Strong) and his consort, Empress Natalya (brought to life by Jodhi May), navigate the treacherous political landscape as they prepare their daughter, Princess Ynez (portrayed by Sarah-Sofie Boussnina), for her anticipated marriage alliance.

Unraveling the Sisterhood’s Secrets and Power Dynamics in Dune: Prophecy: The premiere episode of Dune: Prophecy lays the groundwork for understanding how Reverend Mother Valya Harkonnen (played by Emily Watson) and her sister Tula (played by Olivia Williams) mentor the next generation of Truthsayers, subtly manipulating the various Houses from the shadows. The narrative introduces young Sisters like Theodosia (portrayed by Jade Anouka), Emeline (played by Aoife Hinds), and Lila (played by Chloe Lea), who grapple with the teachings of the Sisterhood while questioning the potentially perilous leadership of Valya and Tula. Flashbacks reveal their ascent to control over the Bene Gesserit, while a shocking event at the end of the premiere threatens Emperor Javicco’s grip on power, showcasing Desmond Hart’s (played by Travis Fimmel) pivotal role in the unfolding drama. The opulence of the series contrasts sharply with the harsh environment of Arrakis, as we explore the lavish lifestyle on Salusa Secundus, revealing an aristocracy indulging in nightlife filled with spice and excess.

Examining Technology and Its Absence in Dune: Prophecy: The series touches upon the historical significance of technology—or the lack thereof—through sequences highlighting the aftermath of The Butlerian Jihad, where humanity rose against the tyranny of machines. Connections to the established Dune films are evident as we witness swordmasters employing training shields and the majestic sandworms that roam Arrakis, alongside the intriguing mind-controlling ability known as The Voice wielded by the Bene Gesserit. Additionally, there are nods to plot elements from the sequel novel, Dune Messiah, which introduce major twists without revealing spoilers. With only two episodes left in the season, I find myself questioning how the intricate plot threads will weave together. Moreover, fans of the prequel novels by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson—both credited as executive producers—will notice significant deviations from the published works, akin to HBO’s adaptations of George R.R. Martin’s novels, which blend familiar timelines with fresh characters and ideas.

Engaging Storylines and Character Arcs in Dune: Prophecy: Among the intriguing aspects of Dune: Prophecy is the unique skill exhibited by Desmond Hart, which finds no parallel within the original book series. The intricate power dynamics within the Imperium captivate, yet it is the inner workings of The Sisterhood that draw deeper interest compared to the political maneuverings of the known Houses and the multitude of new families introduced. The portrayal of the Harkonnens diverges from the dominating figures seen in the films, complicating the viewer’s ability to sympathize with them. While the structural similarities to Game of Thrones may render the series somewhat derivative, it nonetheless opens interesting avenues for exploration within the Dune mythology. Travis Fimmel delivers a compelling performance as a standalone character, while Mark Strong appears somewhat lackluster in his portrayal. The dynamic between Emily Watson and Olivia Williams offers promise, yet their shared screen time feels insufficient to fully develop their characters.

Artistry and Direction Behind Dune: Prophecy’s Production: The first episode of Dune: Prophecy was directed by Anna Foerster (Westworld, Outlander), who also helmed the final two episodes, with John Cameron (Severance) directing the second episode and Richard J. Lewis (Westworld) overseeing episodes three and four. While these directors bring their unique styles, they do not quite capture the visual splendor that Denis Villeneuve infused into the Dune films, resulting in a series that feels somewhat confined compared to its cinematic predecessors. Alison Schapker (Fringe, Lost, Westworld) serves as the showrunner, co-creating the series with Diane Ademu-John (The Haunting of Bly Manor), ensuring that the female characters receive substantial representation in a narrative that initially bore the subtitle The Sisterhood. The executive production team includes Scott Z. Burns and Jon Spaihts, who co-wrote Dune, while Denis Villeneuve does not hold an executive producer credit. The musical score, composed by Volker Bertelmann (All Quiet on the Western Front), while competent, fails to reach the iconic heights set by Hans Zimmer’s work.

The Anticipation and Premiere Date of Dune: Prophecy: Dune: Prophecy stands as a well-crafted series with impressive production values and a talented ensemble cast, though it sometimes echoes the structure of Game of Thrones set against a cosmic backdrop. With a limited episode count for its first season, I had anticipated a more dynamic narrative. However, the series seems overly dependent on dialogue-driven scenes, lacking a compelling rationale for choosing this specific timeline over other rich periods within the ten thousand years preceding Paul Atreides’ arrival on Arrakis. While Frank Herbert’s novels are known for their complex themes of sexual content and political discourse, Dune: Prophecy remains faithful to its source material, though it struggles to capture the audience’s engagement akin to Game of Thrones, which thrived on compelling storytelling and relatable characters. Though Dune: Prophecy offers valuable insights for fans of the Dune films seeking deeper context, it lacks the captivating quality that made the original films so memorable and engaging.

Dune: Prophecy premieres on November 17th on HBO.