Dune: Prophecy

All of my knowledge of Dune comes from the two recent movies, both of which are amazing. With that out of the way, one thing that is missing from the TV show, which both films have, is a good score or at least good use of a good score. I feel like the score or music of the films was used in such a way to emphasize the larger-than-life characterization of the Dune world or universe, so to speak. We are talking about a species that spans the universe in space after all. On the other hand, the score is barely perceptible in the TV show. This does ensure we able to hear the dialogue clearly, but also makes the TV show feel claustrophobic in spite of some of its sets or settings in comparison and therefore out-of-character. Without this, the TV show feels much less epic and engaging than the movies, unfortuantely. I am hoping they will fix this in upcoming seasons.

First of all, when talking about this series, you have to know that it is not for everyone.

If Villeneuve's films seemed boring to you, this series is not for you; if they seemed slow to you, this series is not for you; if you expect to see a lot of action and effects in battles, in short, this series is not for you.

However, if the lore of Dune makes you curious and/or fascinates you, if you like the palace intrigues of GOT set in a distant future and if you like Travis Fimmel playing Ragnar (again like in Raised by Wolves), this series is definitely for you.

Perhaps a series that nobody asked for but that greatly enriches this universe and makes us think that perhaps there is more future after Dennis Villeneuve.

Dune: Prophecy introduces us to a prequel set 10 thousand years before Paul Atreides and everything we saw in the cinema.

We are 30 years after the Butlerian Jihad and the events of Dune, the Machine Crusade. It is a point where the Bene Gesserit have just begun their large-scale genetic plan and program in search of creating that super-being that would be the Kwisatz Haderach through hybridization and connections of couples with potential.

We have several points of view that are interesting, the Bene Gesserit referred to, the intrigues of Emperor Corrino, the plan of the rebels led by Keiran Atreides.

Although, as I said, the series is slow, it takes its time to develop characters: we understand the motivation of Mother Valya and Tula Harkkonen, we understand Emperor Corrino and how he was manipulated. We are even able to understand Desmond Hart and how he manages to survive the Shai-Hulud.

We have the right and necessary dose of flashbacks, the fights, although few, are well choreographed and credible in the style of the movies.

Clearly, some questions have been answered and many more remain, which I hope will be addressed in the next season.

Great bet by HBO, let's hope they continue down this path and become even more massive in later seasons. I don't think they will become the new television phenomenon like GOT was, but it does have a lot of potential to be a period series.

The universe of this saga was unknown to me. Last year, I tried watching the movie that came out. Honestly, I wanted to get into this world, but the movie failed to captivate me. I attempted to watch it twice and gave up both times because I found it boring and felt like I was missing an introduction.

So, when I saw the series was released, I decided to give it another chance-especially because of Ragnar, Travis Fimmel. I can't be objective when he's involved since he's my favorite actor. And honestly, I found the series very good. It drew me into the universe, and I think it has a lot of potential to keep growing.

If I had to be completely objective with my score, it might be a 6 or 7. But since I see so much potential and factor in Ragnar's presence, I'm giving it an 8. I look forward to continuing and finally diving into this world.

I believe the series format and the way it was approached make it much more accessible for viewers unfamiliar with the saga. This allows for a more enjoyable experience while watching.

"Dune: Prophecy" is a compelling addition to the Dune universe, offering a deep dive into the origins of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood. Set 10,000 years before the events of Frank Herbert's original novels, the series explores the intricate political and social dynamics that shape this enigmatic order.

The narrative centers on sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen, portrayed by Emily Watson and Olivia Williams, respectively. Their performances are standout, bringing depth and nuance to characters navigating a complex web of power struggles and prophetic visions. The show's commitment to character development is evident, allowing viewers to engage with the protagonists' motivations and conflicts.

Visually, "Dune: Prophecy" is impressive. The cinematography captures the stark beauty of the Dune universe, with detailed set designs and special effects that enhance the storytelling. The depiction of various planets and cultures adds richness to the world-building, immersing the audience in a diverse and expansive galaxy.

The series delves into themes of power, destiny, and the ethical complexities of foresight. It effectively portrays the Bene Gesserit's manipulative strategies and their influence on imperial politics, providing insight into their rise as a formidable force. The political intrigue is reminiscent of other epic sagas, offering a blend of strategy and mysticism that keeps viewers engaged.

However, the show's dense narrative and extensive lore can be challenging for newcomers to the Dune franchise. The intricate plotlines and multitude of characters require attentive viewing to fully grasp the unfolding events. Additionally, while the series pays homage to the source material, it occasionally leans heavily on established tropes, which may feel familiar to seasoned science fiction audiences.

In summary, "Dune: Prophecy" is a well-crafted series that expands the Dune mythology with strong performances and impressive visuals. Its exploration of the Bene Gesserit's origins offers a fresh perspective for fans of the franchise. While it presents a complex and layered narrative that may be demanding for some viewers, it rewards those who invest in its rich storytelling.

Dune: Prophecy is everything i hoped it would be and more. It's a great spin-off from a beloved movie franchise. I have to start by saying I've never read the source material or saw the original movie. My experience of Dune is predicated on the two Dune movies that have come out the last few years starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya. Those two movies (especially Dune: Part Two) are two of my favorite movies I've seen over the last few years. I absolutely love both of them so I had high expectations for this series. Dune: Prophecy is a series that takes place 10,000 years before the Dune movies start and about how the Harkonnen sisters started the Bene Gesserit as they fight off forces that threaten the future of mankind. The show may feel more like Game of Thrones than Dune but either way...it's very entertaining. The most important thing about this show is it does exactly what it set out to do in the fact that it deepens our understanding of the Bene Gesserit. You don't have to have watched the two Dune movies to enjoy this but you'll definitely enjoy it more if you have.