is all about
Scenario
Two Harkonnen sisters battle forces that threaten the future of humanity and found a 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 the stuff of science fiction. This series uses material from Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s The Great Dune Trilogy. The prequel to the original Dune tells the story of how Rossak’s sister evolved into the Bene Gesserit. The incident with Valya Harkonnen using the voice is from one of the Mentats of Dune.
AniMat Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020) references
The development of the sisters, Mentats, Navigators, and Doctor Who characters intertwines throughout all three books. Let’s get this straight: opposition to perceived “DEI politics”; this series is not only frustrating, but fundamentally misleading. Anyone familiar with Frank Herbert’s Dune world knows that women, and especially the sister, have always been central to the story. This isn’t some modern “rewrite” to appease viewers—it’s ingrained in the very DNA of the tradition. Complaining about women in power is like blaming the sand for showing up in the desert. If that’s what you care about, it’s worth considering why that might be.
It’s visually stunning
So let’s focus on what matters: the series itself. The art direction pays homage to the bold aesthetic employed in Denis Villeneuve’s films and creates a seamless visual connection to the wider Dune universe. The scope feels ambitious yet intimate, balancing grand, wide shots with more personal, tightly framed moments. Sure, the CGI sometimes shows its budget limitations, but the overall design is so sharp and thoughtful that it almost doesn’t matter. It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough to be engaging. The writing, while not as philosophically dense as the main Dune saga, respects the audience’s intelligence.
It’s a cerebral, slow-paced story that rewards attention without feeling too self-indulgent
It doesn’t simplify or diminish the complexity of Herbert’s world to suit newcomers. Instead, it relies on the power dynamics and political intrigue that make Sisterhood so fascinating. The final 20 minutes of the first episode, in particular, build tension and payoff that best captures the spirit of Dune, which is tense and quietly monumental. What sets this episode apart is how it uses the Sisterhood to explore another dimension of the vast Dune universe. The political machinations here are more front and center, allowing for a fresh look at the currents of power that often drive the larger story. It has shades of early Game of Thrones, but it feels distinctly Dune: less frivolous, more thoughtful, and more closely connected to the philosophical questions that define Herbert’s work.
Trust me, the effort is worth it
The cast is a compelling mix of seasoned performers and rising stars, with some standout performances that suggest there’s more to come. As for the adaptation itself, it’s clear that the creators have gone to great lengths to preserve the integrity of Herbert’s vision. This isn’t a watered-down remake—it’s a serious and ambitious continuation of the world he created. Granted, the thick story and dark politics may be daunting to newcomers, but for fans of the books or Villeneuve’s films, that’s part of the appeal. For those already invested in Dune, this series feels like a meaningful expansion—a chance to delve deeper into the nuances of Herbert’s universe. If you’re a newcomer, it’s a worthy entry point, though you might have to work a little harder to keep up.