Dune Prophecy episode 1 review: This origin story may finally let the women and the politics of the Dune universe take center stage!

Focusing on the origins of the Bene Gesserit, primarily through the formation of the sisterhood, this prequel offers a chance to dig deep into Dune's political intricacies, often sidelined like the women in the film series!

The issue with many "war of the world" magnum opus epics is that they often focus on male heroes, embracing the classic "rise of the messiah" male saviour trope. And when they do elevate women, it's often by reducing and moulding them into figures that work of the same structures of masculinity. This is precisely where the Bene Gesserit of the Dune universe stands out. Rather than reducing women to overtly heroic or machismo arcs, these women wield their power from the shadows as they do in reality. They operate in the margins, subtly influencing the men in power and controlling the narrative while remaining hidden in plain sight. These women allow potent men to take centre stage, letting them believe they hold control, when in truth, the black-robed women, with their philosophical wisdom, sharp political cunning, and mastery of persuasion, are the true architects of power, pulling the strings from behind the veil like Birbal to Akbar! 

But how long before even these women with third-eye vision begin to act like gods? Seduced by the throne and its power, instead of merely interpreting prophecies, they start making up their own and manipulating them to their advantage, using their magic of persuasion to shape and control their desired narrative. This is the central political struggle embodied in Dune, a theme that Denis Villeneuve also explores in his films. Whether it is history, as recorded by the victors, more influential, or does prophecy—a slightly conjured-up future meant to shape the present—carry more weight? This prequel Dune Prophecy, adapted from the 2012 novel Sisterhood of Dune while serves as an origin story for the Bene Gesserit, also delves deeper into the philosophical and political complexities of the Dune universe, layering what is only briefly touched upon in Villeneuve’s films.

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Frank Herbert’s Dune world, with its blend of technological advancements and monarchical structures, is understandably complex and not easily grasped by everyone. For Villeneuve to capture this highly ambitious, intricately layered universe on screen with such precision and entertainment value is a remarkable achievement. However, despite the film adaptation justifying Herbet's universe, it focuses primarily on Paul Atreides' journey and can only delve so deep into the broader world. Hence, Alison Schapker and Diane Ademu-John's prequel, set 10,000 years before the film's events, offers a chance to explore the Dune universe in more depth with an understanding of various motivations, particularly by bringing the sidelined women to the forefront. Much like House of the Dragon sets the stage for the events in Game of Thrones, this prequel lays the groundwork for what we see unfold in Villeneuve's Dune, offering a richer understanding of the landscape! 

Since the show centres on the origins of a religious order, the Bene Gesserit, it adopts a political tone that mirrors its characters' secretive, manipulative nature. Even the space they inhabit changes from warm desserts to cold sepulchral palaces. It begins at a compelling moment—just after the war with the thinking machines eradicating technological dominance (ironically, we are still dealing with it) as Arrakis stabilises and the hunt for spice, a newly discovered currency set to change the world, begins. However, this quest will pit them against the Fremen, creating another looming conflict. Simultaneously, the episodes explore the rigorous training of young girls as Truthsayers (Gesserit's) under the iron-fisted guidance of Valya Harkonnen, the Mother Superior. She is a commanding presence who will go to any length to uphold her beliefs and steer the course of the Imperium, making her a dominant force with her controlling voice shaping this universe.

The premiere episode does a solid job of introducing us to this new world that will end up dividing into factions fighting each other while capturing the magic of the Dune universe with nods to iconic elements like the sandworms, spice trading, and, of course, the Sisterhood. Although the hour-long episode looks like it is still finding its pace, voice, and rhythm as a show existing of its own, it showcases immense potential with its character development, impeccable timing, ambitious world-building, and shocking moments—such as a princess marrying a nine-year-old boy, mysterious visions, and deaths. It strikes the perfect balance between drawing you in and leaving you wanting more, much like the compelling and enigmatic presence of the Bene Gesserit themselves. And I, for one, am looking forward to seeing how this pursuit of power and tussle of the legacies unfolds and, of course, Tabu's entrance.

Dune Propehcy's weekly episode will be streamed on JioCinema Premium every Monday!