Dune: Prophecy

DOUR. So dour. Everyone glowering intensely at everyone else. Characters absolutely crippled by the artificial "weight" of how "important" what they are doing is. How do we know it's important? Because the characters state their aspirations right away, and what they aspire to is the way things are in the present of the movies. Wow. Profound. I wonder if it's going to work out in the end??? Remember Game of Thrones? Realistic people doing their best in the horrifying world, trying to find some semblance of meaning, purpose, maybe love? Joking and chiding each other like real human beings do? Remember characters being believable people? Why does every premium show have to be completely humorless and rigid? We get it, the implications are vast. We get it, setting up the world of Dune is "important." Look, I'm a huge fan of the material and the new movies. But even in those they chide each other. "Stilgar is from the south. You didn't notice his accent?" They freaking relax for two minutes! You can't expect me to tighten up and stay rigid for the entire series. There has to be a rhythm to it! Ups and downs. Intensity and levity. Inhale, exhale. Life!

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.

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.

Dune: Prophecy brings us back to Frank Herbert's universe with a different approach. Instead of grand battles, the series explores the intrigues of the Bene Gesserit and their struggle for control. It's not necessary to have seen the movies to understand it, as it builds its own rhythm and atmosphere.

It stands out for its setting and for Emily Watson's performance, which brings depth and presence to her character. However, at times, the pacing is slow, and it may feel like it lacks intensity. Even so, it manages to create interest through its conflicts and the mystery surrounding the story.

It's not a series for everyone, but for those who enjoy more political and dense science fiction, Dune: Prophecy offers an intriguing premise with great potential.

It seemed like another series that will take me to sleep and doesn't leave a mark. Well...it kinda did. For part of the time. I knew what I was facing a lot before I laid my eyes on this show. It's part of "Dune's" world, so it's pretty understood what will be the pace of it. Not fast.

And yet...it was pretty damn fast, for a "Dune" show. But not unique enough to be remembered or to have any impact on the internet even. Seems like this show doesn't have a lot of crowed, though the movies made it...big time. This show almost gives the feeling it doesn't believe in marketing. Almost like she went out secretly.

The show tells us the story about the bene gesserit - the order and movement, which has a silent consultant in each and every major house of the Galaxy and especially in the house of the big boss of the entire galaxy - the emperor. This series can be labeled as Mini-Series, once you grasp you only have six episodes, but it is not a bad fact, in my opinion.

It tells several stories simultaneously, but the major story is the clash between the paths of the order and one rough soldier, that got too much power in him. The length of the series doesn't let us sink our teeth into each and every character we meet, though each episode is stretched for about an hour long.

Even though the universe is supposed to be very unique and according to Frank Herbert vision, it lacks Ararkis's touch, vibe and magic. It was known that the plot will happen 10,000 years before the original story's plot, but still...it feels a little bit detached, estranged and not so related to the source itself.

Both two first chapters grasp the audience that did want to take the chance and gets reworded. Once they are hooked, the is a decrease in the pace and interest and off course, the big bang in the end of the season, to keep us wondering, after closing several open ends from the season.

And the season ends well, no doubt and is pretty solid, for a new series in town, but still...when comparing to the movies' magnitude, it seems that something here is not in the same caliber and missing. Great directing, world building and visualization and even the cast is good and solid (especially Travis Fimmel), but something feels missing to make it rememberable other than plot and vibe.

Still...an experiment that will continue to grow and adapt, might take his impact on other movies, that are planned as part of "Dune's" universe, but remains intriguing for us - regular audience and Dune likers. For now we are talking about a good TV show that didn't find its way to stand out...for now...