20/14

It was mentioned in the film Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020) produced by AniMat

Scenario

Two Harkonnen sisters battle forces that threaten the future of humanity and have found the legendary sect that would become known as the Bene Gesserit. Whether it’s 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 the Great Schools of Dune trilogy by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The original Dune prequel tells the story of how Sister Rossak evolved into the Bene Gesserit. The incident with Valya Harkonnen using the voice comes from “Mentats of Dune.” All three books intertwine the development of the Sisterhood, the Mentats, the Navigators, and the Suk Doctors.

It’s visually stunning

Let’s get one thing straight: the backlash against the alleged “DEI Directive” in this series is not only boring, it’s fundamentally wrong. Anyone familiar with Frank Herbert’s Dune universe knows that women, and especially sisters, have always been central to the story. This isn’t a modern “rewrite” to please the public, but is rooted in the DNA of the tradition. Complaining about women in power here is like criticizing sand for showing up in the desert. If this makes you uncomfortable in any way, it’s worth considering why that might be. Still, let’s focus on what matters: the series itself.

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

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 is ambitious yet intimate, balancing grand panoramic shots with more personal, tightly framed moments. Sure, the CGI sometimes shows its budgetary limitations, but the overall design is so sharp and thoughtful that it doesn’t matter. The writing, while not as philosophically dense as the main Dune saga, respects the intelligence of the audience. It doesn’t oversimplify or dilute the complexities of Herbert’s world to satisfy newcomers. Instead, it leans into the power dynamics and political intrigue that make Sisterhood so compelling.

It’s a slow, cerebral narrative that rewards attention without feeling overly complacent

The final 20 minutes of the first episode, in particular, offer a tension and reward that best captures the spirit of Dune: layered, compelling, and quietly monumental. What sets this series apart is the way it uses the Sisterhood to explore another dimension of Dune’s sprawling universe. The political machinations here take on a more foregrounded role, offering a new perspective on the underlying currents of power that often drive the larger narrative. It has the nuances of the first Game of Thrones, but with a distinctly Dune sensibility: less gratuitous, more thoughtful, and deeply engaged with the philosophical questions that have defined Herbert’s work. The cast is a compelling mix of seasoned performers and rising stars, with some standout performances that hint at bigger things. As for the adaptation itself, it’s clear that the creators have been very careful not to compromise the integrity of Herbert’s vision.

Trust me, the effort is worth it

This isn’t a watered-down retelling, but a serious and ambitious continuation of the world he built. Sure, newcomers might find the dense story and dark 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 significant expansion, offering a chance to delve deeper into the nuances of Herbert’s universe. If you’re new, this is a worthy starting point, although you may have to work a little harder to keep up.