HBO’s Dune: Prophecy takes on the formidable challenge of diving 10,000 years back into the mythos of the Duneuniverse, far preceding the events of Denis Villeneuve’s films. Developed by Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker, the series attempts to weave its own tapestry out of Frank Herbert’s complex mythology. With a November 17th premiere, Prophecy is an ambitious attempt to fill in the gaps and establish a prelude to the Bene Gesserit's rise.

At the center of Prophecy is Valya Harkonnen, played with conviction by Emily Watson. Valya is a leader among the proto-Gesserit, balancing her duties as both a headmistress and a strategic mastermind. Watson’s portrayal offers a glimpse into a formative and raw period of the universe, attempting to bring the mystical Bene Gesserit lore to life. Alongside her is Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina), the headstrong daughter of a space emperor, caught in a politically motivated engagement, and entangled with Keiran Atreides (Chris Mason), a character whose own motives remain murky. The intertwining relationships, layered politics, and mysticism all set the stage for a fascinating narrative, but one that at times feels heavy under its own complexities.

The first episode of Prophecy introduces the core elements that made Dune captivating: power dynamics, intrigue, and an overarching sense of destiny. However, where House of the Dragon succeeds in drawing lines to the legacy of Game of Thrones, Prophecy struggles with the 10,000-year distance from the core Dune films. While it offers rich backstories and the groundwork of the Bene Gesserit, the wide chasm in time often diminishes the connection to the audience’s existing attachment to the lore.

Visually, Prophecy continues HBO’s reputation for high production values. The series captures the cosmic expanse and mystic beauty of the universe, with intricately designed costumes and evocative settings that contribute to the atmosphere. However, even with solid performances and stunning visuals, Prophecy feels a bit lost, struggling to cohesively blend the mysticism of its narrative with the political intrigue it aims for. It’s a show with ambition but lacking the fine-tuned clarity to make its mythological foundations accessible to both casual viewers and devoted Dune fans.

While Prophecy does well in establishing the conflicts and stakes, it stumbles in its pacing and ability to engage with viewers new to the series' dense lore. It’s a project filled with potential, but its reach seems somewhat constrained by the weight of its own mythological ambition.

TCG Score: ★★★½ [ 3.5/5 ]