29/36
Two Harkonnen sisters fight the forces that threaten the future of humanity and form the legendary sect that would 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 science fiction is all about. It’s 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 the story of how the Sisterhood of Rossak evolved into the Bene Gesserit. The incident in which Valya Harkonnen used the voice comes from one called the Mentats of Dune. All three books intertwine the evolution of the Sisterhood, the Mentats, the Navigators, and the Suk doctors. Referenced in AniMat’s Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020). I wanted to keep this short and concise, but felt compelled to elaborate on my thoughts, so here we go. There was a time when writers knew how to weave exposition into the narrative without it seeming forced and contrived. I understand it’s a first episode, but they have to explain everything as if it wasn’t common knowledge. Watson (Valya), Mark Strong (The Emperor), Travis Fimmel (Hart), and Sarah-Sofie Boussnina (The Princess) deliver good performances. I feel like the show is in good hands. The rest of the characters left me disinterested. They drive the story forward, but are forgettable. I guess we’ll see how it plays out. I had a hard time focusing on the first episode. It seemed like part of a whole that couldn’t be divided. I’ll wait for the entire season before consuming more episodes. They did a wonderful job with the visuals. The CGI is high quality, the costumes are perfect, the tone of Villeneuve’s vision is maintained and expanded upon. The art department should be awarded for its beautiful look.
