Dune: Prophecy Episode 2 recap – Lila’s Agony & Desmond vs Valya

As a seasoned observer of the cosmos, I must say, this tale of power, deceit, and the supernatural has left me utterly enthralled. The lives of these characters are like intricate tapestries, woven with threads of ambition, vengeance, and secrets that could topple empires.

In the words of Princess Ynez from Dune: Prophecy Episode 2, everyone within the Imperium serves as pawns, each with their unique role, in the ongoing game for power and melange (spice) – and the gameboard is constantly evolving.

In Dune: Prophecy Episode 1, there was a lot of information thrown at us. To start off, we were introduced to the Great Machine Wars, also known as the Butlerian Jihad. Additionally, we learned about a prophetic vision that the first Mother Superior had, regarding a catastrophic event named Tiran-Arafel, which could potentially wipe out the Sisterhood. Lastly, it was revealed that Valya killed Dorotea to further Raquella’s mission.

The story begins by setting the stage for a series, then skips ahead 10,000 years to show Javicco Corrino governing the Empire from Salusa Secundus. During this time, Valya and Tula are training the future acolytes.

As you delve into Episode 2, here are two crucial points to bear in mind: Firstly, Desmond is responsible for the deaths of Pruwet Richese and Truthsayer Kasha. Secondly, Valya claims to have uncovered the “scorching truth.

The Sisterhood investigates Kasha’s death

The episode opens on Wallach IX. Nazir, a young Sister, is called from the Suk School (medical school, basically) to figure out what happened to Kasha. She believes it wasn’t due to an external accelerant: it was an “internal heat source” that caused an “acute imbalance in the meridian network.”

Essentially, she suffered a gruesome fate, being consumed internally by flames. Tula is riddled with remorse, Kasha was petrified, yet their ears remained closed to her warnings, which might have spared her life.

In the study room below, some young assistants are discussing Kasha’s demise. Theodosia is convinced it wasn’t just luck – she thinks it was an assassination.

Following Pruwet’s demise, Valya resolves to journey to Salusa Secundus. She confides to Tula, “This is indeed the truth as Raquella foretold,” sensing it’s crucial for their purposes (to induct the princess into the sisterhood and potentially install a Truthsayer, or even a Reverend Mother, on the throne) given Kasha’s power at court.

Yet, Valya has a proposition that unnerves Tula – it involves Lila undergoing “The Agony” to reach out to their ancestors.

Valya suggests they need to understand the course of this prophecy… it’s perilous, but if you guide her, she’ll survive, as you’ve done so before, Valya says. Tula worries that not only Lila’s life, but also the clandestine truths of the Sisterhood could be put at risk, yet for Valya, it’s a calculated gamble.

Before she heads off, Valya asks Theodosia to accompany her.

Desmond confesses to Javicco

In a circle, stand the Duke, his wife, daughter Shannon, Natalya, and Lord Constantine, all paying their respects to Pruwet. Conspicuously missing is Javicco. Natalya offers an apology, but the Duke firmly rejects it – he suspects that something untoward may have led to his son’s demise.

He oversteps boundaries and makes his intentions clear to Natalya: he subtly mentions that his army of fighter planes are hovering over the planet, suggesting a potential invasion and seizure of power. However, Natalya remains unfazed by this threat, instead calmly stating that “mishaps occur, and this one was exceptionally unpleasant.

In another location, Javicco encounters Desmond, who openly confesses to murdering Pruwet. This notion that Javicco might have played any role in Pruwet’s death unsettles the emperor. However, Desmond believes the emperor wanted him to commit the crime. “What I’ve done, I did for you, and I can do it again,” Desmond proposes, but Javicco rejects this suggestion and orders his arrest, sending him to the floating detention cells, where prisoners remain indefinitely suspended.

Tula breaks the news to Lila

At Wallach IX, Tula queries Lila about why newborns are taken away from their mothers within the Sisterhood. “This practice discourages personal ties stronger than our communal bond,” Tula explains, “ensuring we’re all equal.

Tula elaborates on Raquella’s prophecy and the potential threat of a tyrannical power that may overpower the Sisterhood. In order to either defeat or comprehend this emerging foe, Lila must uncover the genetic memories of her distant ancestor – Mother Raquella!

Lila appears quite anxious regarding the ordeal, which, as of yet, remains unclear (though it seems to share some resemblance with what Lady Jessica experienced in Dune: Part Two). However, Tula is confident that Lila has the strength to bear the discomfort.

Constantine hooks up with Lady Shannon

At Pruwet’s funeral, instead of just a heated look, we are treated to an extended love scene between Constantine and Lady Shannon. He tries to lighten the mood by joking about it being one way to cope with grief, but it’s evident that there is no affection left between them. “I hardly knew the impish child,” she admits, explaining how they were raised on different planets during their upbringing. However, she does acknowledge that Pruwet’s death was particularly harsh.

Constantine queries whether the Duke intends to lead his naval forces to conquer Salusa Secundus and claim the throne, but, according to her, the palace holds no significance – it’s actually Arrakis that wields real power within the Imperium.

He attempts to discuss with her about Desmond and his belief that he originated from Arrakis, yet they take another dose of Spice and engage in sexual activity once more. I suppose that’s acceptable.

In the following moment, Jacinto confides in Natasha, revealing that Desmond performed an action, possibly bestowed upon him by the colossal worms known as Shai-Halud, a mysterious power or ability.

As a gamer, I can empathize with his concerns; it’s not hard to see why the Duke might suspect me of Pruwet’s death. But Natalya urges caution – after all, Desmond claims he’s working for the Imperium, so why would they eliminate such a valuable ally?

“Let’s not rush to execute our friends to please our enemies,” Natalya says.

Lila learns about martyrdom

As Tula mixes up the Rossak poison (essentially an early form of the Water of Life), Lila engages Emeline in a conversation about death. Emeline shares her tragic tale of losing her family during the Battle of Corrin. Together with Rayna Butler, they had fought bravely, knowing their fate was sealed. To buy time for the fleets to arrive with pulse atomics and destroy the machines, they gave up their lives in a selfless act of sacrifice.

Emeline expresses that human life is of great value, so much so that offering one’s own life holds the greatest respect. She adds that there’s no need to fear death, as it serves as a reunion with our ancestors.

Initially, Jen observes from afar. Later, Lila confides in her that Jen might hold the solution to prevent a calamity, yet Jen feels Valya is manipulating her. “Solidarity before everything, not just siblings,” she responds, convinced they’re safeguarding the organization rather than the individuals within it. “I stand by our purpose,” Lila replies, but Jen counters: “It’s difficult to have a cause when one is already deceased.

In the course of the show, Lila confesses to Tula that she once feigned being her mother, and Tula acknowledges the same sentiment. Tula elaborates on how Lila might theoretically tap into her mother’s memories – a mother who passed away during childbirth, as it seems – if the Agony succeeds. However, Tula emphasizes that this isn’t a certainty, underscoring the importance of Lila making the decision with other factors in mind.

Valya meets Desmond

Upon their arrival at Salusa Secundus, Valya cautions Theodosia to be aware that each person within the palace serves their own purpose. She advises Theodosia to prioritize the princess and establish a position of trust with her, while Valya takes care of the matter involving Richese.

In the grand throne room, when the Duke calls for Desmond and Javicco rises to reprimand his arrogance, the enigmatic Valya enters. Instantly, all eyes shift towards her. She swiftly persuades the Duke’s Truthsayer to lead him away before he speaks out of turn, manages to convince Javicco to let her question Desmond, and even finds a moment to counsel Ynez on dealing with sorrow.

When Valya encounters Desmond, the situation is palpably tense. He openly shares with her his origins in Balut, describing it as a difficult environment for a child. He explains how faith led him to the palace, and assures her that he has nothing to conceal. “And you, can you and your sisters honestly say the same?” he questions.

When questioned about killing Pruwet, he openly acknowledges his actions, viewing them as a matter of justice. He likewise confesses to murdering Kasha, asserting that she was unfit to associate with the Emperor due to perceived corruption within her heart, much like he sees blood on your every step.

Shai-Halud drew my attention and bestowed upon me a present to perceive things that are hidden even from you, he confides in Valya, vowing to serve “the Imperium exclusively.” Valya advises Javicco that although his words may hold truth according to him, they are indeed deceitful. Desmond claims Kasha challenged his power, something he silently acknowledges as true.

Valya anticipates that Javicco will either put Desmond to death or exile him elsewhere, but instead, he returns Desmond to the storage cells and prohibits Valya from disclosing their conversation to anyone. This is to prevent the Imperium from becoming a playground of dread and gossip.

Keiran Atreides is a spy

We make our way to a club located in Zimia, which is notable as the venue where Keiran Atreides previously had an intimate encounter with Ynez (Episode 1). Here, we encounter Horace, the head of a resistance movement against the Imperium. Upon entering, it becomes apparent that Keiran is a covert operative for this rebellion.

He tells Horace that he was able to scan the entire palace during the funeral. Makaela is worried that he’s gotten too close to the Corrinos, but his commitment is steadfast. “The Great Houses are hoarding spice and forcing people into violence to survive,” he says. Horace wants to launch an attack against the emperor soon, but not yet.

Later on, it’s disclosed that Makaela belongs to the Sisterhood! She has a meeting with Valya where she is commended for arranging the raids on Arrakis. Valya explains, “Our role is to bolster the Great Houses and keep them in check through rebellion, ensuring power remains balanced.

Currently, Valya is seeking the names of those involved to allay the emperor’s anxieties, fend off potential threats such as Desmond, and emphasize the importance of the Sisterhood. Immediately, Makaela reveals Keiran Atreides’ name, and when Valya hears it, there seems to be a hidden tale attached, possibly the origin of the rivalry between Harkonnens and Atreides.

Keiran and Ynez fight… and kiss

Upon discovering the tragic details of Kasha’s demise, I channel my fury into honing my fighting techniques. As Keiran enters the scene, I express that I’m not ready to discuss it yet, leading us to train side by side instead.

Just as anticipated, they find themselves extremely near one another. Ynez informs him about their childhood kidnapping alongside Constantine during a minor uprising. “We’re all just pawns in the game to gain power and spice,” she remarks. They exchange a kiss, but she steps back. “It wouldn’t be beneficial for either of us,” he concurs.

Lila endures the Agony

As Lila readies herself for the ordeal known as the Agony, Tula clarifies: “Crisis, survival, progress. Raquella was poisoned, yet she utilized her body’s internal processes to endure, converting the toxins at a cellular level, which in turn awakened something profound within her. This awakening allowed the voices of her mother, her grandmother, and all the women who had come before her to resonate within her, eventually allowing them to communicate their thoughts directly to her.

Grace Anirul, Lila Cho, it’s now time for those who created you to awaken. It’s a painful process, but it happens just this once. Whenever you find yourself in the shadows, look for the light. Your ancestors will stir restlessly, famished – do not let them sway your resolve. The only thing that truly matters is finding the light. It will guide you back to existence, back to us, and you shall re-emerge as a Reverend Mother.

Tula splatters the toxin onto Lila’s eye, eliciting a bloodcurdling shriek and writhing agony. The venom coursing through her veins finds her unconscious in a dismal crypt, enclosed by towering piles of skulls and spectral figures draped in skeletal robes. They tear her limb from limb until she stirs anew, now lying beneath just one figure: Raquella.

Raquella conveys through Lila that the solution to this puzzle is someone who has been reborn – first as a living being through blood, and second as something else, possibly symbolized by spice. This person is a revenant, marked by scars of war, a weapon forged in conflict, and their journey is tragically brief.” And indeed, it appears that Valya was correct in her guess.

All of a sudden, the familiar figure envelops Lila in a comforting hug. She believes it’s her mother, but they inform her, “I’m afraid I must disappoint you, my dear granddaughter, your mother isn’t here… but I have been eagerly anticipating your arrival.

Moments after, it’s as if Dorotea’s ghostly presence guides Lila, demonstrating her own grisly death at the hands of Valya. In a heart-wrenching instant, she is suffocated by darkness, fading away and meeting her end before everyone’s eyes.

Javicco uses Desmond to discipline Richese

Towards the conclusion of the episode, it’s Javicco versus the Duke. He makes it clear that his warnings can no longer be dismissed. “Feeble one, I will rip you from your throne and give the wolves a feast, choking on you,” he growls menacingly.

Jacopo summons Desmond and demonstrates the same act that led to Prue’s demise. As the Duke begins to burst into flames from within, on the brink of death, Jacopo signals for him to halt. “Go back home, lay your son to rest. Keep silent about what occurred here, let these unfortunate events be forgotten by time,” he instructs.

After a while, Valya encounters Desmond once more, but on this occasion, he has been released from the confinement chambers. “It appears things have changed while I was gone,” she remarks.

As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this: “The House Corrino has decided to part ways with me, stripping me of my palace privileges… For the greater good of the Imperium, it’s crucial that any remaining trace of me and my siblings is erased from our galaxies.

There seems to be a deep reason for his intense dislike of the Sisterhood; maybe his past could provide further insights, or possibly, the hatred was something he carried over from the Shai-Halud following their attack.

Valya states, “You think I’m fearful,” before trying to manipulate Desmond into self-harm using the Voice, similar to how she made Dorotea end her own life. However, Desmond manages to withstand her order, leaving Valya noticeably unnerved.

He often pondered about the thing you’re most afraid of; it’s not simply being ignored when you speak, but rather, being heard and yet, having no impact on others.” As she leaves, she goes.

2024-11-25 13:26