As the next saga of Dune: Prophecy unfolds, it ventures into territories no other Dune adaptation has dared to explore. Right from the start, the series set a bold tone by eliminating a key character in its debut episode. Now, it further delves into a compelling narrative, taking down the most formidable force we’ve seen in the Dune universe over 10,000 years earlier.
In our journey through Dune and its sequel, Part Two, we’ve encountered various lethal contraptions like poison-laden fake teeth, laser beams, and even atomic missiles. Yet, the most awe-inspiring power remains The Voice, wielded by the mysterious Bene Gesserit. This unique ability can seemingly bend anyone to their will; a controlled, almost guttural intonation that can compel people to commit unthinkable acts. We’ve seen Lady Jessica Atreides (played by Rebecca Ferguson) influence a soldier to turn on his comrade, and even convince Chani (played by Zendaya) to administer a life-saving concoction to Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet). In a gripping twist within Dune: Prophecy, we learn that young Valya Harkonnen (Jessica Barden) originally created this powerful ability, first using it in a dramatic showdown with Reverend Mother Dorotea (Camilla Beeput).
Until this groundbreaking episode, the idea of resistance against The Voice seemed impossible. However, the introduction of Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel) changes that narrative entirely. In a suspenseful twist during the second episode’s climax, as Valya attempts to solidify the Bene Gesserit’s influence over the Corrino dynasty following the demise of Reverend Mother Kasha (Jihae), her efforts face an unexpected obstacle.
In a private confrontation with Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong), Valya’s plans unravel with Hart taking the Emperor’s place. As she leans on her intimidating strategy to coerce others into self-destruction, hoping to avenge Kasha’s death simultaneously, her commands this time fall flat on Hart. Valya is left in disbelief as Hart, despite appearing to succumb initially, delivers a chilling retort, defying her influence:
“I always wondered what your greatest fear would be. Now I have seen it. It’s not that no one will hear you. It’s that they’ll hear you and just won’t care.”
This defining moment restructures our understanding of power dynamics within the Dune universe.
The seemingly impossible resistance of Hart hints towards the enduring legacy of Shai-Hulud, the mighty sandworm revered by the Fremen. Dr. Liet-Kynes (Sharon Duncan-Brewster) has claimed allegiance only to these creatures. It’s worth noting how the toxic bile of Shai-Hulud, also known as the Water of Life, elevates Bene Gesserits to become Reverend Mothers. It stands to reason, then, that the very essence of what empowers the Bene Gesserit could also forge a counter to their might.
Considering Hart’s brush with Shai-Hulud reportedly endows him with formidable powers, his mission is clear: to erase the Bene Gesserit’s influence. Yet as we know from the Dune epic, the Bene Gesserit somehow manage to hold sway millennia later. Dune: Prophecy thus introduces the tantalizing prospect of individuals possessing Shai-Hulud’s power, posing a significant threat to the Bene Gesserit. It begs the question: how did they adapt to such existential dangers to survive through the ages?
Detangling the intricacies of this series reveals how Dune: Prophecy is poised to turn our familiar perceptions of the Dune world on their head. Prepare for an exhilarating ride!
