Dune Prophecy continues to captivate fans with its third episode, which aired this week. This episode, arguably the best so far, delves deeper into the origins of the Bene Gesserit and the harsh, dark world of the Harkonnen family, set 10,000 years before the events of Denis Villeneuve's Dune film... SPOILERS AHEAD!
All images courtesy of HBO.
Setting the Stage: A Bleak, Miserable World
The episode introduces us to a young Valya and Tula Harkonnen, two key figures in the Harkonnen family’s complex history. The bleakness of their upbringing is immediately apparent, not just within their family, but across their entire home planet. The tone is dark, mirroring the harsh, unforgiving environment of the Harkonnen lineage. The story explores how this environment has shaped the two sisters, both of whom harbour a deep hatred for the Atreides family.
Valya Harkonnen: Hatred and Revenge
Valya's character is central to the episode’s plot. Throughout the episode, we hear her express a burning resentment toward the Atreides family, especially after the tragic death of her brother, Griffin, during an altercation with them. She is determined to restore the Harkonnen name to power and seeks to strengthen her position, believing that the Atreides are weak. This personal vendetta against the Atreides lays the groundwork for the tension that will ultimately shape the greater events of the Dune saga.
The Bene Gesserit and the Sisters' Journeys
The episode explores the establishment of the Bene Gesserit, an ancient order of women with profound mental and physical abilities. Valya is sent to train in the ways of the Bene Gesserit, while her sister, Tula, takes a different path by embedding herself within the Atreides family. Tula's storyline introduces a fascinating twist when she grows close to a young Atreides boy. However, her path takes a violent turn when she massacres a large group, sparing only one young boy. The significance of this boy remains unclear, but it's a detail that could have major implications as the series progresses.
The Agony and the Return of Sister Lila
Last week, viewers witnessed the tragic end of Sister Lila, who underwent the deadly ritual known as The Agony. Unfortunately, she did not survive. However, in a surprising development, this week's episode reveals that Tula has secretly kept Lila alive through the use of spice—a potent substance that plays a critical role in the Dune universe. Tula is trying to preserve Lila’s memory, suggesting that the connection between the sisters and the Bene Gesserit is more intricate and enduring than originally thought.
Valya’s Struggles with Power and Control
In addition to her family struggles, Valya is also facing personal challenges in the episode. She is unable to control Desmond using the Voice, a powerful tool employed by the Bene Gesserit to command others. This loss of control highlights her growing frustration and vulnerability, which drives her to seek support from her Harkonnen relatives. She aligns herself with them to challenge the empire and reclaim power, signalling that Valya’s path will continue to intersect with larger political movements.
A Dark Future Awaits!
Episode 3 takes viewers deeper into the complex relationships that will shape the future of the universe. The Harkonnens' bitter history, filled with personal losses and vendettas, is intricately intertwined with the rise of the Bene Gesserit and the political struggles that will define the galaxy. As we move forward, the dark themes of family, control, and revenge continue to loom large, promising more twists and turns as the saga unfolds.
Make sure to catch new episodes weekly on Sky in the UK and HBO Max in the US. With its stunning world-building and captivating narrative, Dune Prophecy promises to be a must-watch for Dune enthusiasts.