HBO Releases Dune: Prophecy: The Bene Gesserit Is Here to Slay

(Courtesy/ HBO Max)

Earlier this year, HBO announced the release of their TV series “Dune: Prophecy”. With thousands of devoted fans craving something to fill the void left by “Dune: Part 2”, a TV series seemed like the perfect solution.

On Nov. 17, the first episode of the series hit small screens. 

While the “Dune” films focus on protagonist Paul Atreides’ rise to power, “Dune: Prophecy” is set ten thousand years before his birth. 

To deepen this division, rather than focusing on a patriarch, the show centers on the all-mighty, all-powerful and very devious, Bene Gesserit.

The Bene Gesserit is a sisterhood of powerful women who have a significant influence on the world’s political, religious, and social climates. They possess powers such as “The Voice,” which can make anyone obey any command, and “Truth Saying,” which can determine the validity of a claim. 

The Bene Gesserit seeks to shape a messiah-like figure to save humanity. “Dune: Prophecy,” uncovers their endeavor along with their rise to prominence. 

The episode starts at the end of humanity’s man vs. machine war, resulting in a universal ban on the “thinking machines”—artificial intelligence that grew to surpass human intelligence. 

After this disaster, Bene Gesserit’s sinister scheme was born: to cultivate and control the leaders of the universe’s future.

At the head of this master plan is Valya Harkonnen, played by Emily Watson, who leads the sisterhood, and her sister Tula Harkonnen, played by Olivia Williams. 

Valya makes it known that she will stop at nothing to secure a legacy of power within the sisterhood.

With a weakened Imperium recovering from the tolls of the recent war and its Princess Ynez soon leaving the nest to become a student of the sisterhood, it seems like the perfect time for the Harkonnen sisters to get to work. 

However, unbeknownst to the sisterhood, their efforts to maintain power from the shadows have been recognized, and just like the Harkonnen sisters, they will stop at nothing to ensure their wishes are met.

With a stellar cast starring actors like, Travis Fimmel as Desmond Hart, Emily Watson as Valya Harkonen, Olivia Williams as Tula Harkonnen (Sister to Valya) and Mark Strong as Emperor Javicco, “Dune: Prophecy,” brings a new perspective on the “Dune” universe. 

By exploring the origins of the mysterious Bene Gesserit, the series answers questions fans have long pondered and raises new ones. Don’t miss Dune: Prophecy on HBO Max, airing every Sunday at 9 p.m. EST.