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They are referenced in AniMat’s Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020)

Two Harkonnen sisters battle forces that threaten the future of humanity and establish the legendary sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. Whether they’re exploring the stars, escaping dystopias, or making the world a better place, these women are what science fiction is all about… This series uses material from the Great Schools of Dune trilogy by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. A prequel to the original Dune, it tells how the Rossak Sisterhood evolved into the Bene Gesserit. The incident with Valya Harkonnen using the voice is from one called ‘Mentats of Dune.’ The three books intertwine the development of the Sisterhood, the Mentats, the Navigators, and the Suk Doctors. Let’s get this straight right away: the backlash to the perceived “DEI politics” in this series is not only tiring, it’s fundamentally wrong.

Visually, it’s stunning

Anyone familiar with Frank Herbert’s Dune universe knows that women, and particularly the Sisterhood, have always been central to the story. This isn’t a modern “rewrite.” To appease audiences: it’s in the very DNA of the tradition. Complaining about women in power here is like criticizing sand for appearing in the desert. If this somehow makes you uncomfortable, it’s worth reflecting on why that might be. That said, let’s focus on what matters: the series itself. 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.

It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough to feel immersed

The scope feels ambitious yet intimate, balancing grand, panoramic shots with more personal, precisely framed moments. Sure, the computer special effects occasionally show their budgetary limitations, but the overall design is so crisp and deliberate that it almost doesn’t matter. The writing, while not as philosophically dense as the main Dune saga, respects the intelligence of its audience. It doesn’t oversimplify or water down the complexities of Herbert’s world to satisfy newcomers. Instead, it focuses on the power dynamics and political intrigue that make the Brotherhood so fascinating. It’s a cerebral, slow-burning narrative that rewards attention without ever becoming overly self-indulgent.

This isn’t a watered-down reimagining — it’s a heartfelt, ambitious continuation of the world he built

The final 20 minutes of the first episode, in particular, offer a level of tension and a denouement that captures the spirit of Dune at its most gripping and quietly monumental. What sets this series apart is how it uses the Brotherhood to explore a different dimension of the sprawling Dune universe. Political machinations take center stage here, offering a fresh perspective on the undercurrents of power that often drive the larger narrative. It has shades of early Game of Thrones, but with a distinctly Dune sensibility: less gratuitous, more thoughtful, and deeply tied to the philosophical questions that define Herbert’s work. The cast is a compelling mix of seasoned actors, performers, and rising stars, with some standout performances that hint at bigger things to come. As for the adaptation itself, it’s clear that the creators were very careful not to compromise the integrity of Herbert’s vision.

Trust me, it’s worth the effort

Admittedly, newcomers might find the dense lore and dark politics daunting, but for fans of Villeneuve’s books or films, that’s part of the appeal. For those already interested in Dune, this series feels like a significant expansion — a chance to dig deeper into the nuances of Herbert’s universe. If you’re new, this is a good entry point, though you might have to work a little harder to keep up.