As a longtime fan of the Dune universe, I must say that this latest adaptation, titled “Dune: Prophecy,” has truly piqued my interest with its intricate plot twists and character development. The storyline’s focus on the Harkonnens tainting the Bene Gesserit is an interesting take, adding layers of complexity to the political machinations that underlie the events of Dune.
Now that’s more like it.
Despite appearing as if I’m urging friends to join me for a show that initially seems slow and without purpose, the third episode of “Dune: Prophecy” significantly improves upon the issues in the first two. One issue was weighed down by the laborious task of science-fiction world-building, while the other seemed to create palace intrigue without any clear thematic goal. Initially, the show appeared to be headed towards being a footnote in the broader Dune universe, rather than something unique beyond mere brand expansion. However, it still might slip back into old habits.
Titled “Sisterhood Above All,” this series, with its multifaceted meaning, clarifies the essence of “Dune: Prophecy.” It reveals that a millennium-long endeavor in human engineering is not as benign as it appears. By delving into the backstory of Valya and Tula Harkonnen, along with their significant roles within the Bene Gesserit, the narrative begins to challenge the autonomy of the Sisterhood’s purpose. The underlying objective of this sisterhood, steeped in sorrow and now seeking vengeance, becomes evident.
The idea that the Sisterhood’s long-term plan would bear fruit 10,000 years later in Paul Atreides suggests their unwavering dedication and discipline over numerous generations, which contrasts sharply with the concept of human error. However, it’s crucial to recall that Paul Atreides is a complex and potentially perilous figure, wielding a messianic power that terrifies him and, more than likely, triggers a catastrophic crusade. The title “Sisterhood Above All” hints at a troubling origin narrative, one where the Bene Gesserit leaders might actually be puppets of House Harkonnen, driven not by an ideal vision for the universe but by an endless thirst for vengeance that will ultimately transform their descendants into corrupted, decadent mutants. (Here, credit is due to David Lynch’s Dune, as his Harkonnens, led by Kenneth McMillan as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, are truly repugnant characters.)
Last week brought a significant, potentially life-altering setback for Valya Harkonnen, who was expelled from Emperor Corrino’s palace following a power struggle with Desmond Hart, the emperor’s psychokinetic soldier. “Just like the others,” she growls, hinting at her belief that Desmond will learn his lesson. However, Valya understands that the Bene Gesserit could lose influence if negative rumors spread among the other Great Houses. Simultaneously, Tula is back on Wallach IX, mourning over the unresponsive body of an aspiring apprentice, Lila, who experienced the Agony and encountered hostility upon returning. Valya had prematurely subjected Lila to the Agony without proper preparation, and now both she and her family face scrutiny for their reckless disregard for the acolyte’s life.
However, the narrative doesn’t progress chronologically. Instead, it jumps significantly back in time, focusing on Valya and Tula’s childhoods on Lankiveil, a frostbitten tundra where the Harkonnens reside alongside hardy inhabitants who subsist on whale meat and fur, their primary exports. At this juncture, the Harkonnens are not influential figures in the Imperium; rather, they are scorned as underdogs, overshadowed by the triumphs of Vorian Atreides over intelligent machines while being belittled for cowardice. Despite their parents’ acceptance of their fate on Lankiveil, Valya denounces their “apathy,” asserting that if they don’t act, their complacency will spread and affect everyone who follows. In defiance, her brother, Griffin, the family’s favorite, decides to join her in the struggle. A shockingly violent scene later ensues, resulting in Griffin’s death.
In “Sisterhood Above All,” we accompany young Valya and Tula on similar paths, leading us to believe that Valya often guides her more hesitant, uncertain sister into trouble. Given that we’ve witnessed Tula voice her disapproval of subjecting Lila, whom she considered like a daughter, to the Agony, only to have her objections overruled by Valya who seemed untrusting, it appears that way. However, as the story unfolds, they prove to share a harshness, despite Tula’s empathy seeming weak-willed. Yet, don’t jump to conclusions too quickly, let’s see how this develops further.
“Just because the leaders are informed,” she argues, “doesn’t mean they will use [the truth] for good purposes. Truth is a tool.” This fundamental difference in perspective between Valya and Dorotea, as they both strive to follow Raquella, is further highlighted by an act of startling violence. Clearly, this demonstrates that humanity may not always act in its own best interests.
Currently, Tula hesitates to remove Lila from life support despite her personal resolve that she will act decisively when needed. This leads to another memory where she’s in a romantic relationship with a strong young man named Orry, who invites her to meet his family. In a subtle hint of what’s to come, young Tula teaches Orry’s younger brother how to set a lure for catching an evasive forest bull, saying “True strength isn’t always visible on the surface.” She also shows him a small pouch containing potent poison capable of killing a human. As his family celebrates around a bonfire, Orry proposes to Tula, and she accepts wholeheartedly, making their joy seem like a feud between Montagues and Capulets. The following morning, however, Orry finds out that Tula had poisoned his entire family except for his brother, leaving a dagger for him as well.
The chilling yet intriguing aspect of young Tula’s actions is that she really did seem to like Orry. She had just made the hard decision of choosing her family over him. She’s genuinely more empathetic than Valya, but just as capable of ruthlessness and subterfuge. The two threads come together over a “secret” that Raquella shares with young Valya — but not yet with us — after Valya staunchly refuses to take the sisterhood vow along with the other acolytes. It’s important to know that Raquella seeing Valya’s defiance as a strength rather than a disqualification means that she probably favored Valya over Dorotea to lead the Bene Gesserit into the future. Because what we discover later, when Tula has presumably laid Lila to rest, is that Raquella was hiding a massive, forbidden thinking machine in secret. Now Tula has taken Lila back to this machine in the hopes of resuscitating her.
And thus, the story of Dune: Prophecy progresses, revealing that the Bene Gesserit is not an independent group striving to steer the universe towards a more spiritually advanced future, but rather a political entity entangled in the longstanding feud between the Harkonnens. These women are attempting to draw other Sisters into their faction.
Kwisatz Haderachs
Instead of delving into Valya’s backstory that led to her using the Voice, we can see a hint of her heroic destiny from an early age when she utilized the Voice to help her brother Griffin escape the ice, similar to how Paul Atreides’ genetic talents marked him as destined for greatness.
In my perspective as a movie reviewer, Tula’s firm decision to administer poison instead of a crude instrument to alleviate Orry’s horse’s suffering showcases a delicate touch that distinguishes her from the booming cries of her sister. This act suggests a deeper capacity for compassion within her character.
Young Valya using her Voice to instruct her bunkmates (“Address her; physically rebuke her”) is seen as an entertaining party stunt.
Sister Jen’s rebellious nature is something to keep an eye on, as she’s the lone acolyte who challenged Tula for exploiting Lila’s curiosity about her heritage to manipulate her into performing a ritual that proved fatal. The Harkonnen sisters are not likely to tread this path alone in influencing the Bene Gesserit’s destiny.
Valya’s older father might not appear pleased when she visits, but it’s significant that she goes to see him in a cozy high-rise building instead of the chilly outskirts of Lankiveil.
Read More
- SUI PREDICTION. SUI cryptocurrency
- „People who loved Dishonored and Prey are going to feel very at home.” Arkane veteran sparks appetite for new, untitled RPG
- LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
- Destiny 2: A Closer Look at the Proposed In-Game Mailbox System
- Clash Royale Deck Discussion: Strategies and Sentiments from the Community
- Jennifer Love Hewitt Made a Christmas Movie to Help Process Her Grief
- ICP PREDICTION. ICP cryptocurrency
- Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic Was Inspired By Akira And Cowboy Bebop
- Critics Share Concerns Over Suicide Squad’s DLC Choices: Joker, Lawless, and Mrs. Freeze
- EUR IDR PREDICTION
2024-12-02 07:56