20/21
Anderson’s Great Schools of Dune trilogy
Story
Two Harkonnen sisters battle forces that threaten the future of humanity and found a fabled sect known as the Bene Gesserit. Whether they’re exploring the stars, escaping a dystopia, 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 chronicles how the Rossak sisterhood evolved into the Bene Gesserit. Valya Harkonnen’s use of voice comes from an event called “Mentats of Dune.” All three books intertwine the development of the Sisterhood, the Mentats, the Navigators, and the Suk Doctors. Referenced in Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020) by AniMat.
Visually, it’s stunning
Let’s get this straight: the backlash against the perceived “DEI policy” Not only is this series boring, it’s fundamentally misguided. Anyone familiar with Frank Herbert’s Dune universe knows that women, and especially the Sisterhood, have always been central to the story. This isn’t a modern “rewrite” to appease the audience: it’s ingrained in the story’s DNA. Complaining about women in power here is like criticizing sand for performing in the desert. If that makes you uncomfortable in any way, you should think about why that might be. So let’s focus on the essentials: the series itself.
It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough to feel included
The art direction honors the bold aesthetic of Denis Villeneuve’s films and creates a seamless visual connection to the larger Dune universe. The scope feels ambitious yet intimate, balancing big, sweeping shots with more personal, tightly framed moments. Sure, the CGI sometimes shows its budget limitations, but the overall design is so sharp and thoughtful that it doesn’t really matter. The writing isn’t as philosophically dense as the Dune series, but it respects the intelligence of its audience. It doesn’t oversimplify or dilute the complexity of Herbert’s world to grab the attention of newcomers. Instead, it relies on the power dynamics and political intrigue that make Sisterhood so compelling.
A different dimension of the vast Dune universe
It’s cerebral, slow-burn storytelling that rewards attention without ever feeling too self-indulgent. The final 20 minutes of the first episode, in particular, offer a thrill and triumph that best captures the spirit of Dune, gripping and quietly monumental. What sets this series apart is the way it uses the Sisterhood to explore. Here, the political machinations are more front and center, offering a fresh perspective on the undercurrents of power that often drive the larger narrative. It has shades of the first Game of Thrones, but with a distinct Dune sensibility: less pointless, more thoughtful, and deeply tied to the philosophical questions that define Herbert’s work. The actors are a compelling mix of seasoned artists and rising stars, with some standout performances that hint at greater things to come.
Trust me, it’s worth it
As for the adaptation itself, it’s clear that the creators have taken great care not to compromise the integrity of Herbert’s vision. This isn’t a watered-down retelling: It’s a serious, ambitious continuation of the world he built. Sure, newcomers might find the dense history and murky politics off-putting, 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, this is a valuable entry point, even if you might have to work a little harder to keep up.