23/22
This series uses material from the Great Schools of Dune trilogy by Brian Herbert and Kevin J
Chronology
Two Harkonnen sisters battle forces that threaten the future of humanity and form the fabled sect that becomes known as the Bene Gesserit. Whether they’re exploring the stars, escaping dystopias, or making the world a better place, these women embody what science fiction is all about. Anderson. A prequel to the original Dune, it tells how the Sisterhood of Rossak evolved into the Bene Gesserit. The incident in which Valya Harkonnen uses her voice comes from a book called Mentats of Dune. All three books weave together the evolution of the Sisterhood, the Mentats, the Navigators, and the Suk doctors.
Quoted in AniMat’s Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020)
Let’s get this straight right away: The backlash against the perceived “DEI policy” in this series is not only tiring, but fundamentally misguided. Anyone familiar with Frank Herbert’s Dune universe knows that women, and sisterhood in particular, have always played a central role in the story. This isn’t a modern “rewrite” to appease audiences—it’s baked into the DNA of the lore. Complaining about women in power here is like criticizing sand for appearing in the desert. If that makes you at all uncomfortable, consider why that might be. With that said, let’s focus on the important thing: the series itself.
Visually, it’s stunning
The art direction pays tribute to the bold aesthetic of Denis Villeneuve’s films, creating a seamless visual connection to the larger Dune universe. The scope feels ambitious yet intimate, balancing grand, sweeping shots with more personal, tightly framed moments. Sure, the CGI techniques occasionally show the budget constraints, but the overall design is so sharp and thoughtful that it hardly matters. It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough to the original to be haunting. The writing style, while not as philosophically dense as the core Dune saga, is respectful of the audience’s intelligence. It doesn’t oversimplify or water down the complexity of Herbert’s world to accommodate newcomers.
It’s an intellectual, slow-burn narrative that rewards attention without ever feeling overly complacent
Instead, it leans into the power dynamics and political intrigue that make the Sisterhood so fascinating. The final 20 minutes of the first episode in particular deliver a level of tension and impact that captures the spirit of Dune at its best—layered, engrossing, and quietly monumental. What sets this series apart is the way it uses the Sisterhood to explore another dimension of the sprawling Dune universe. The political machinations are more front and center here, offering a fresh perspective on the underlying currents of power that often drive the larger narrative. It has shades of early Game of Thrones, but with a distinct Dune sensibility: less gratuitous, more thoughtful, and deeply connected to the philosophical questions that define Herbert’s work. The cast is a compelling mix of veteran performers and rising stars, with some standout performances that hint at bigger things to come.
Trust me, it’s worth the effort
As for the adaptation itself, it’s clear the creators took great care 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 built. Admittedly, newcomers might find the dense lore and shady politics off-putting, 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 worthwhile extension – a chance to delve deeper into the nuances of Herbert’s universe. If you’re new, it’s a worthwhile entry, though you may have to put in a little more effort to keep up.
