49/31
Two Harkonnen sisters battle forces that threaten the future of humanity and create a legendary sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. Check out our list of renewals and cancellations to see if your favorite show has been dropped. This series uses material from the Great Schools of Dune trilogy, created by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The original Dune prequel, it tells the story of how the Brotherhood of Rosak evolved into the Bene Gesserit. The incident with Valya Harkonnen, using voiceover, is taken from an incident called «Mentats from Dune.» The three books intertwine the development of the Brotherhood, the Mentats, the Navigators, and the Suk Doctors. A reference to AniMat’s Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020). The first episode of Dune Prophecy, HBO Max’s new foray into the world of Frank Herbert’s universe, unfortunately feels dull and uninspired. Despite its ambitious source material, the episode struggles to capture the charm and depth that made Dune such a beloved film. The most glaring issue is the editing. The pace is very slow, scenes feel rushed, and they lack the space needed to build tension or atmosphere. In an attempt to cram too much into a single hour, the episode becomes a chaotic stream of nonstop dialogue, sacrificing narrative flow and engagement. Moments that should have been meaningful are undermined by rushed cuts, leaving little 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 design feel sterile and drab, failing to evoke the complex, lived-in atmosphere of Herbert’s world. This lack of visual and atmospheric variety diminishes the sense of wonder and otherworldly grandeur that Dune demands. Perhaps the most dangerous aspect is the lack of effective worldbuilding. While the episode relies heavily on expository dialogue to build the plot, it neglects to build the world itself. The complex political and cultural dynamics that characterize Dune feel superficial, and the lack of atmospheric «vibe» makes the setting feel empty and uninviting. Ultimately, Dune Prophecy struggles to find a balance between exposition and immersion, resulting in an episode that feels more like a rushed recap than a compelling introduction to the series. Without significant adjustments to the pacing, editing, and worldbuilding, it risks losing the essence that makes Dune such a rich and enduring story.