As a longtime fan of Frank Herbert’s epic saga, I must say that the latest adaptation of Dune has certainly piqued my interest. The intricate web of political machinations, the rich world-building, and the tantalizing hints at the lore yet to unfold have left me eager for more.


In one of the most outrageous intimate scenes seen on premium cable TV recently, there’s an unexpected encounter between Lady Shannon (Tessa Bonham Jones) and Constantine (Josh Heuston), the emperor’s illegitimate son but a legitimate heartthrob in the galaxy. This scene takes place after they exchange significant glances over the veiled body of Pruwet Richese, the newlywed 9-year-old boy, his sister.

The setting may seem overly humorous and stiff, but the show Dune: Prophecy manages to overcome it quite effortlessly. Interestingly, the second episode, following the drawn-out introduction of the pilot, offers a more captivating dramatic experience. This is mainly because it reduces explanatory elements and increases the multiple sources of conflict. The conversation between Lady Shannon and Constantine provides significant insights about the significance of those “tiny orange specks” on Arrakis and the Corrino soldier being held for the murder of Purwet, which occurred during their post-romantic discussion.

However, with all the intrigue being built up, it raises a fundamental query that the series Dune: Prophecy hasn’t addressed after two episodes: What is the main theme or focus of this show?

Instead of focusing on the events unfolding within the show, it’s important to note that the perspective and depth found in Frank Herbert’s novel Dune, as well as its film adaptations, is not yet apparent in Dune: Prophecy. The latter appears disconnected from the political allegory and the spiritual struggle of the protagonist, whose power could potentially lead to catastrophic consequences. Currently, the show seems more akin to the less compelling Star Wars spin-offs or series on Disney+, providing additional context within the timeline but lacking its own clear thematic purpose. Enhancing the action through palace intrigue alone is insufficient.

In the realm of cinematic experiences, “Two Wolves” offers a mind-boggling tapestry of political maneuverings that unfolds amidst the aftermath of Pruwet and Kasha’s seemingly simultaneous, psychic self-immolations. For your next heartburn episode, consider using the intriguing phrase “an acute imbalance in her meridian network.

Inspired by her passion for prophecy and what she believes is the genuine truth as foretold by Mother Raquella, Valya takes decisive action with characteristic intensity in this episode. However, a captivating aspect of the storyline is that it appears she may be misinterpreting the situation. Following Kasha’s demise, she swiftly departs for Salusa Secundus to handle the crisis, entrusting her sister Tula with leadership during her absence, despite having doubts about Tula’s ability to make sound decisions. Yet, Valya’s instructions for Tula are startlingly daring and perhaps imprudent: She wants Tula to subject their young acolyte Lila (Chloe Lea) to the Agony – a torturous ritual involving poisoning that is designed to reveal ancestral memories. As Raquella’s great-great-granddaughter, Lila might help Valya verify whether she’s on the correct path.

In Denis Villeneuve’s films, although it’s not directly referred to as “the Agony”, there are scenes reminiscent of Paul Atreides’ ordeals in ‘Dune’, such as his hand in the Bene Gesserit “pain box” and Lady Jessica drinking from the Water of Life. These instances are pivotal, serving as tests of endurance and training. However, for Lila, this remains a question due to her status as an acolyte and apparent vulnerability compared to her peers. Tula feels a maternal bond with Lila that Valya seems to ignore in her relentless pursuit of information, causing Tula to ponder if the Sisterhood is truly a community or just a means for Valya to amass and use power. Interestingly, when Lila undergoes the Agony, it’s not just her communicating with ancestors; it’s Dorotea, the woman Valya had killed 30 years ago in the struggle following Raquella’s death, who speaks instead.

For Valya, more humbling moments lie ahead on Salusa Secundus. In front of Emperor Corrino, Desmond admits to murdering Pruwet at his command, as it was clear that Corrino did not wish for the wedding to proceed. Shocked by Desmond’s bold action, Corrino orders his arrest and confines him in a “suspended cell,” where prisoners are raised high off the ground (the details of bathroom arrangements are left unclear). However, Corrino’s right-hand woman, Natalya, appears to consider Desmond as a potential asset, who could help them preserve their power and influence that seem to be dwindling. Despite the risk of empowering a psychopath, if Desmond truly acts in Corrino’s best interests, he may prove to be an indispensable tool. At the very least, he effectively silences Duke Richese’s complaints permanently.

For Valya, the dread she’s been trying to avoid seems to be drawing near. Simultaneously, Dorotea is seeking her revenge through the Agony, while Valya faces Desmond in a scene reminiscent of one 30 years past where Valya used her Voice to make Dorotea plunge a dagger into her own neck. When confronted with a clear danger to the Sisterhood’s schemes, she attempts to do the same to Desmond, but her mind control proves useless against his apparent second sight bestowed by a sandworm. “I’ve always been curious about your deepest fear,” Desmond says to Valya. “Now I know. It’s not that no one will listen to you; it’s that they will hear you, but won’t show any concern.

10,000 years from now, the Sisterhood’s voice will resonate strongly. For the present, though, one sister’s voice remains captivatingly muted.

Kwisatz Haderachs

The colossal and unwieldy spacecraft from “Dune” and “Dune: Prophecy” may have inadvertently paved the way for the sleeker, more impactful design of the Cybertruck, surprising humanity with its influence.

As I ponder over Tula’s cryptic words, it strikes me that there might be hidden truths we’ve diligently concealed. If Lila is somehow still alive, her awakening will undoubtedly uncover a significant secret, shedding light on Valya’s ascension to power.

The interactions between the young characters on the show, namely the acolytes and the royals, still seem undeveloped. Last week’s extravagant club scene hinted at potential troubles in terms of explicit content.

Corrino praises his wife as an expert debater, reminiscent of Bill Paxton’s exclamation about Newt in ‘Aliens’: ‘Why not let her take command?’

As a book enthusiast, I must say our collection is truly something special. It’s filled with books that hark back to the era when paper was made from wood pulp. There’s just something undeniably charming about the tactile experience and the unique aroma of these classic tomes that e-books can’t replicate.

• Sister Jen’s words to her fellow acolyte Lila are prophetic: “Sisterhood above all. Not sisters. They don’t care about you. Not like they care about the Order overall.” Valya will be facing some trouble from within, too.

An additional twist in the story could be the impact that the rebellion, including a secret saboteur among its ranks, may have on the emperor’s affairs on Arrakis as well as the Sisterhood’s dominion.

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2024-11-25 07:54