19/19
Referenced in AniMat’s Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020)
Synopsis
Two Harkonnen sisters battle forces that threaten the future of humanity and establish the legendary cult 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 could be based on the novel Sisterhood of Dune, by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. A prequel to the original Dune, it’s the first in the Great Schools of Dune trilogy, and tells the story of how the Sisterhood of Rossak evolved into the Bene Gesserit. Let’s get one thing straight right away: the backlash over the perceived “DEI politics” of this series isn’t just annoying, it’s fundamentally misguided.
Visually, it’s stunning
Anyone familiar with Frank Herbert’s Dune universe knows that women, and the Brotherhood in particular, have always been at the heart of 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 considering 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 larger Dune universe.
It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough to feel immersive
The setting feels ambitious yet intimate, balancing grand, sweeping shots with more personal, tightly framed moments. Sure, the CGI sometimes shows its 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 the intelligence of its audience. It doesn’t oversimplify or dilute the complexities of Herbert’s world to suit 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.
This isn’t a watered-down reimagining, but a serious, ambitious continuation of the world he built
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 in it, 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, the effort is worth it
Sure, newcomers might find the rich history 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, this is a valid entry point, though you may have to work a little harder to keep up. To the detractors who cling to outdated criticisms: Strong female protagonists aren’t a threat to the story—they’re its foundation. Instead of criticizing them, perhaps you should take a moment to reconsider why their strength feels like a challenge.
