27/36
Referenced in AniMat’s Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020)
Chronology
Two Harkonnen sisters battle forces that threaten the future of humanity and establish the legendary sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. Whether they’re exploring the stars, escaping dystopias, or making the world a better place, these women are what sci-fi is all about. This series uses material from the Great Schools of Dune trilogy by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. A prequel to the original Dune, it tells how the Rossak Sisterhood evolved into the Bene Gesserit. The incident with Valya Harkonnen using the voice is from one called ‘Mentats of Dune.’ The three books intertwine the development of the Sisterhood, the Mentats, the Navigators, and the Suk Doctors.
Visually, it’s stunning
Let’s get this straight right away: the backlash over the perception of "DEI policy" Not only is this series tedious, it’s fundamentally misguided. Anyone familiar with Frank Herbert’s Dune universe knows that women, and in particular the Sisterhood, have always been central to the story. This isn’t some modern “rewrite” to appease audiences, but is built into the very DNA of the lore. Complaining about women holding power here is like criticizing sand for appearing in the desert. If this makes you uncomfortable in any way, it’s worth reflecting on why that might be. That said, let’s focus on what matters: the series itself.
It’s not perfect, but it comes close enough to feel immersive
The art direction pays homage to the bold aesthetic established in Denis Villeneuve’s films, creating a seamless visual connection to the wider Dune universe. The scope feels ambitious yet intimate, balancing grand, panoramic shots with more personal, precisely framed moments. Sure, the computer special effects occasionally show their budgetary limitations, but the overall design is so crisp and deliberate that it hardly matters. The script, while not as philosophically dense as the main Dune saga, respects the intelligence of its audience. It doesn’t oversimplify or water down the complexities of Herbert’s world to please newcomers. Instead, it leans into the power dynamics and political intrigue that make the Brotherhood so fascinating.
It’s a slow-burning, cerebral narrative that rewards attention without ever feeling too self-indulgent
The last 20 minutes of the first episode, in particular, deliver a level of tension and denouement that captures the spirit of Dune at its best—engaging and quietly monumental. What sets this series apart is how it uses the Brotherhood to explore a different dimension of the sprawling Dune universe. Political machinations figure more prominently in this film, offering a fresh perspective on the underlying power currents that often drive the overarching narrative. It has shades of early Game of Thrones, but with a distinctively Dune sensibility: less gratuitous, more thoughtful, and deeply tied to the philosophical questions that define Herbert’s work. The cast is a compelling mix of seasoned performers and rising stars, with some standout performances that hint at bigger things to come. As for the adaptation itself, it’s clear that the creators were very careful not to compromise the integrity of Herbert’s vision.
Trust me, it’s worth the effort
This isn’t a watered-down reimagining, but rather an earnest, ambitious continuation of the world he built. Admittedly, newcomers might be intimidated by the dense lore and dark politics, but for fans of Villeneuve’s books or films, that’s part of the appeal. For those already interested in Dune, this series feels like a significant expansion, a chance to delve deeper into the nuances of Herbert’s universe. If you’re new, this is a worthwhile entry point, though you may have to work a little harder to keep up.