50/13
Whether they’re exploring the stars, escaping dystopias, or making the world a better place, these women are what science fiction is all about. The Great Schools of Dune trilogy is a collection of short stories written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The prequel to the original «Dune» tells how the Sisterhood of Rossak turned into Ben Gesserit. The incident with Vali Harkonnen’s voice is taken from an episode called «Dune Mentats». In all three books, the development of Sisterhood, Mentats, Navigators and Doctors of Suk is interwoven. The first episode of The Dune Prophecy, HBO Max’s new foray into Frank Herbert’s universe, unfortunately seems gray and boring. Despite its ambitious source material, this episode does its best to capture the charm and depth that make Dune so beloved. The most glaring problem is the installation. The pace is very off, the walls seem rushed and they lack the breath needed to develop tension or atmosphere. In their attempt to cram too much history into one episode, the episode turns into a chaotic flurry of nonstop dialogue that sacrifices narrative flow and engagement. Moments that should have felt significant are undermined by rushed transitions, leaving little room for emotional or thematic resonance. Visually, Dune Prophecy suffers from a continuation of the gray industrial aesthetic seen in recent adaptations of Dune. The sets and costume design seem sterile and monotonous, unable to evoke the complex, lived-in feel of Herbert’s universe. The lack of visual and atmospheric variety diminishes the sense of wonder and alien grandeur that Dune demands. Perhaps the most disappointing aspect is the lack of effective world building. Although this episode focuses on expository dialogue to build the plot, it doesn’t take into account the world itself. The complex political and cultural dynamics that define «Dune» seem superficial, and the lack of atmospheric «vibrations» is very superficial. leaves the setting empty and uninteresting. In the end, Dune Prophecy struggles to find a balance between exposition and immersion, making the episode feel more like a rushed summary than a compelling introduction to the series. Without significant changes in pacing, editing, and world building, we risk losing the essence of what makes Dune such a rich and enduring story.