48/45
Mentioned in Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020) by AniMat
Two Harkonnen sisters fight against forces that threaten the future of humanity and found a legendary sect that would become known as the Bene Gesserit. Whether exploring the stars, escaping dystopias, or making the world a better place, these women are the essence of science fiction. This series draws on 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 Rossak Brotherhood evolved into the Bene Gesserit. The incident with Valya Harkonnen using her voice is taken from an incident called “Mentats from Dune.” These three books intertwine the development of the Brotherhood, the Mentats, the Navigators, and the Suk doctors.
Visually, it’s stunning
Let’s get this straight: Aversion to the perception of “DEI politics” The fact that the characters in this show are not only annoying, but also fundamentally misleading. Anyone familiar with Frank Herbert’s Dune world knows that women, and the Brotherhood in particular, have always been at the heart of the story. This isn’t a modern “rewrite” to appease audiences; it’s ingrained in the very DNA of the story. Complaining about women in power is like criticizing the sand that appears in the desert. If that makes you uncomfortable, it’s worth considering why that might be the case. That said, let’s focus on what matters: the series itself.
It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough to keep you engrossed
The art direction pays homage to the bold aesthetic established in Denis Villeneuve’s films and creates a seamless visual connection to the larger Dune universe. The scope feels ambitious yet intimate, balancing grandiose, sweeping shots with more personal, tightly framed moments. Sure, the CG sometimes hints at budgetary constraints, but the overall design is so clean and thoughtful that it almost doesn’t matter. The writing, while less philosophically dense than the Dune saga, respects the intelligence of its audience. It doesn’t simplify or dilute the complexity of Herbert’s world to appeal to newcomers. Instead, it relies on the power dynamics and political intrigue that make Brotherhood so fascinating.
It’s a slow, soulful story that rewards attention without ever feeling overly indulgent
The last 20 minutes of the first episode in particular deliver a level of suspense and reward that captures the spirit of Dune at its best: multi-layered, captivating, and quietly monumental. What sets this series apart is how it uses the Brotherhood to explore another dimension of Dune’s vast universe. The political machinations are more prominent here, offering a fresh perspective on the undercurrents of power that often drive the larger story. There are shades of early Game of Thrones, but with a sensibility specific to Dune: less gratuitous, more thoughtful, and deeply connected 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 suggest greater things are to come. As for the adaptation itself, it’s clear that the creators have taken great care not to compromise the integrity of Herbert’s vision.
Trust me, the effort is worth it
This is not a watered-down reinvention, but a serious and ambitious continuation of the world he built. Granted, newcomers may find the rich history and arcane politics daunting, but for fans of Villeneuve’s books or films, that’s part of the appeal. For those already invested 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 good place to start, although you may have to work a little to keep up.