HBO’s Dune: Prophecy, which premiered Sunday, ventures 10,000 years before the events of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films, offering a glimpse into the ancient history of Arrakis and the origins of the Bene Gesserit. Forget giant sandworms and brooding messiahs for now; this prequel focuses on the Sisterhood, the precursor to the formidable Bene Gesserit, and their machinations within a complicated political landscape.
The first episode introduces viewers to ancestors of familiar characters, including relatives of Lady Jessica and Paul Atreides within House Harkonnen. It establishes the Sisterhood’s early practices, like their function as Truthsayers – a role that blends interrogation with mystical insight – and their clandestine breeding program aimed at manipulating the Imperial throne. Dune fans might find this emphasis on political maneuvering and shadowy influence more reminiscent of Game of Thrones than the sweeping desert landscapes of the recent films.
The series also features familiar houses like Corrino and Harkonnen, allowing for some exploration of their ancient rivalries and ambitions. Early conflicts on Arrakis, involving spice mining and the Fremen people, are touched upon, hinting at the planet’s long and troubled history. A few subtle Easter eggs, like the appearance of the baliset, connect the series to the films while still maintaining its own distinct identity.
Whether Dune: Prophecy can sustain interest without the epic scale and visual spectacle of the films is a valid question. The focus on the Sisterhood’s prophecies, including the enigmatic Tiran-Arafel and their desire to place a Sister on the Imperial throne, provides an intriguing throughline. But the premiere episode occasionally struggles to balance exposition with compelling character development. Time will tell if this ancient history truly adds depth to the Dune universe or merely feels like an extended footnote.
Dune: Prophecy airs Sundays on HBO.
