44/26
Anderson’s Great Schools of Dune trilogy
Line of Events
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 the stuff of science fiction. This series uses material from Brian Herbert and Kevin J. 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 the voice is from an incident called “Mentats of Dune.” The three books intertwine the development of the Brotherhood, the Mentats, the Navigators, and the Suk Doctors. Referenced in AniMat’s Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020).
Visually, it’s stunning
Let’s get this straight right away: The backlash against the perception of “DEI politics” The fact that the characters in this show are not only boring, but fundamentally misguided. Anyone familiar with Frank Herbert’s Dune universe knows that women, and the Brotherhood in particular, have always been central to the story. This isn’t some modern “rewrite” to appease the audience; it’s ingrained in the very DNA of the story. Complaining about women in power here is like criticizing the sand that appears in the desert. If that makes you uncomfortable, it’s worth thinking about why that might be. That said, let’s focus on what matters: the series itself.
It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough to be immersive
The art direction pays homage to the bold aesthetic established in Denis Villeneuve’s films, creating a seamless visual connection to the larger Dune universe. The scope feels ambitious but intimate, balancing grand, sweeping shots with more personal, tightly framed moments. Sure, the CGI sometimes hints at budgetary constraints, but the overall design is so clean and deliberate that it hardly matters. The writing, while less philosophically dense than the Dune series, respects its audience’s intelligence. It doesn’t oversimplify or dilute the complexities of Herbert’s world to appeal to newcomers. Instead, it leans into the power dynamics and political intrigue that make the Brotherhood so compelling.
It’s a slow-burning, cerebral narrative that rewards attention without ever feeling too self-indulgent
The final 20 minutes of the first episode, in particular, deliver a level of tension and reward that captures the spirit of Dune at its best: layered, gripping, and quietly monumental. What sets this series apart is how it uses the Brotherhood to explore a different dimension of Dune’s sprawling universe. The political machinations are more foregrounded here, offering a new perspective on the undercurrents of power that often drive the larger narrative. There are shades of early Game of Thrones, but with a 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 greater things 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, it’s worth the effort
This isn’t a watered-down reimagining, but a serious and ambitious continuation of the world he built. Sure, newcomers might find the depth of the story and murky politics intimidating, 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 meaningful expansion—a chance to delve deeper into the nuances of Herbert’s universe. If you’re new, it’s a good place to start, though you might have to work a little harder to keep up.