The HBO epic, “Dune: Prophecy,” takes viewers back to an era years before Paul Atreides, exploring the rich worlds of “Dune” through the lens of the Bene Gesserit, cracking the Dune-iverse open even more for viewers. So, yes, no Timothy Chalamet or Zendaya brooding with lush special effects backdrops. Imagine a sci-fi saga full of mysticism, clever plotting, political jockeying and powerful women driving the story—it’s like “Game Of Thrones,” but with a cosmic twist. Densely loaded with loyalty, betrayal, and high stakes, “Prophecy” offers a dramatic, compelling experience with just enough spice to keep you hooked.
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Set 10,000 years before the “Dune” movies by Denis Villeneuve, “Prophecy” tells the story of the mysterious Sisterhood—later known as the Bene Gesserit—and focuses on the determined Valya Harkonnen (played with crackling charismatic intensity by Emily Watson) and her powerful sister Tula (portrayed by Olivia Williams). Their mission to solidify the Sisterhood’s influence across the Imperium may not have Villeneuve’s big-screen grandeur, but it delivers gripping storytelling and a world that mixes mysticism with Machiavellian schemes— the result is absolutely binge-worthy.
The series blends “Dune” lore with fresh twists, diving into the aftermath of the Butlerian Jihad—a war where humanity turned its back on artificial intelligence and instead focused on enhancing natural abilities. The result is a society where the Bene Gesserit develop skills far beyond the ordinary: their discovery of the “Voice” and their ability to sense truth make them more than just savvy players—they’re practically human lie detectors with some serious superpowers. Valya becomes the Sisterhood’s Reverend Mother, and her ruthless quest for power—alongside her navigation of old feuds and cryptic prophecies—makes for some seriously delicious television, complete with prophetic visions and sleek black robes.
Sure, “Prophecy” doesn’t quite have the blockbuster magic of Greig Fraser’s cinematography, but it uses its budget smartly to create a grand sense of scale, delivering an immersive experience that makes up for any gaps. The show really shines in character development and intricate political maneuvering—areas where TV often has the upper hand. Showrunners Alison Schapker and Diane Ademu-John crafted a story that isn’t afraid to explore the complexities of power, heritage, and the costs of trying to control the future. There’s an electric thrill in watching Valya scheme her way to power, establishing the Bene Gesserit as a formidable force. Emily Watson’s Valya is commanding, cunning, and wholly committed to her vision for the Sisterhood. Her “don’t f—k with me” attitude is fully displayed.
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Whether it’s the internal conflicts within the Sisterhood, the sudden threat of the mysterious Desmond Hart (played with a menacing edge by the dependable Travis Fimmel), or the flashbacks that give insight into Valya and Tula’s strict upbringing, “Prophecy” knows when to slow down and let its characters grow. These moments make the Bene Gesserit more than just “space witches”—they’re women navigating a dangerous universe, using every ounce of their strength to gain power, even if it means taking drastic measures.
“Dune: Prophecy” delivers spectacle, too, albeit in a different way from the big-screen adaptations. The political chess game between Valya, the Emperor, and Desmond is full of fiery moments (sometimes literally—Desmond can burn people from the inside out, which is just as messed up and intense as it sounds). The stakes are always high, alliances keep shifting, and nothing ever goes as planned when hidden threats emerge. It has the epic power plays you’d expect, but with sandworms, ancient prophecies, and a fearless sisterhood pushing back against the status quo. If epic plots and power plays are your thing, you’re in the right place.
The six-episode first season may leave you wanting more—some plot threads are left hanging, and a few supporting characters could use more screen time—but that’s part of the fun. “Prophecy” knows how to tease us, promising plenty more drama and power struggles ahead. And with Emily Watson and a cast of superb character actors at the helm, it’s a promise that’s easy to buy into. And who doesn’t love a bit of mystery wrapped in prophecies? It’s “Dune,” after all.
No, “Dune: Prophecy” may not quite match the visual spectacle of Villeneuve’s films, but it makes up for it with smart world-building and a sense of magnitude that draws you in. The storytelling, complex characters, and ambitious power plays make this a must-watch and might be more “Game Of Thrones” than the recent ‘GOT’ spin-off. If you’re craving some sci-fi political intrigue—and maybe just a pinch of spice—this prequel should be on your watchlist. The sands of Arrakis may be distant, but the ever-shifting dynamics of the Sisterhood are every bit as captivating. [B+]