29/38
Anderson’s Great Dune School trilogy
Line of Events
Two Harkonnen sisters battle forces that threaten the future of humanity and have found a legendary sect known as the Bene Gesserit. Whether exploring the stars, escaping dystopias, or making the world a better place, these women are sci-fi. a… This episode draws on material from Brian Herbert and Kevin J. The original Dune intro tells the story of how a Rossak Sister evolved into a Bene Gesserit. The voice-over incident with Valya Harkonnen comes from Mentats of Dune. All three books intertwine the evolution of the Sisters, Mentats, Navigators, and Suk Doctors.
It’s visually stunning
AniMat’s Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020) references it. Let’s be clear: it’s a backlash against perceived “DEI politics”; this series is not only frustrating, but fundamentally flawed. Anyone familiar with Frank Herbert’s Dune universe knows that women, and the nurse in particular, have always been central to the story. This isn’t some modern “rewrite”; appeasing the audience is embedded in the story’s DNA. To complain about women in power here is tantamount to accusing her of showing up in the desert. If that makes you uncomfortable, it’s worth considering why that might be. Still, let’s focus on what’s important: the series itself.
It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough to feel engaging
The art direction pays homage to the bold aesthetic established in Denis Villeneuve’s films, creating a seamless visual connection to the wider Dune universe. The scope is ambitious yet intimate, balancing grand, sweeping shots with more personal, tightly framed moments. Sure, the CGI shows its budgetary limitations at times, but the overall design is so sharp and thoughtful that it hardly matters. The writing, while not as philosophically dense as the main Dune saga, respects the intelligence of the audience. It doesn’t simplify or diminish the complexity of Herbert’s world to satisfy newcomers. Instead, it builds on the power dynamics and political intrigue that make Sisterhood so compelling. It’s a cerebral, slow-burning narrative that rewards attention without feeling too self-indulgent.
It’s another dimension of the vast Dune universe
The final 20 minutes of the first episode in particular build a tension and payoff that best captures the spirit of Dune, both compelling and quietly monumental. What makes this series stand out is the way it explores the bonds of sisterhood. The political machinations are more front and center, offering a new perspective on the currents of power that often drive the broader narrative. It has shades of early Game of Thrones, but with a decidedly Dune sensibility: less trivial, more thoughtful, and more closely connected to the philosophical questions that have defined Herbert’s work. The cast is a compelling mix of seasoned artists and rising stars, with several standout performances that hint at bigger things. As for the adaptation itself, it’s clear that the creators have been very careful not to compromise the integrity of Herbert’s vision. This isn’t a watered-down reimagining, but a serious, ambitious continuation of the world he created.
Trust me, the effort is worth it
Admittedly, newcomers may find the dense history and shady politics intimidating, 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 logical expansion—a chance to delve deeper into the nuances of Herbert’s universe. If you’re new, this is a good entry point, although you may have to work a little harder to keep up.
