Anderson’s Great Dune School trilogy
Two Harkonnen sisters battle forces that threaten the future of humanity and discover a fabled sect called the Bene Gesserit. Whether they’re exploring the stars, escaping a dystopia, or making the world a better place, these women are science fiction. is about… This episode uses material from Brian Herbert and Kevin J. The opening scene of Dune describes how Rossak’s sister became a Bene Gesserit. The incident with Valya Harkonnen, using voiceover, is from the Mentats of Dune. The development of the Sisters, Mentats, Navigators, and Suk Doctors intertwines throughout all three books.
It’s visually stunning
Mentioned in AniMat’s Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020). Let’s be clear: backlash over perceived “DEI policies”; this series is not only frustrating, but fundamentally flawed. Anyone familiar with Frank Herbert’s Dune universe knows that women, and the sister in particular, have always been at the heart of the story. This isn’t some modern “rewrite”; appeasing the audience is built into the story’s very DNA. To complain about women in power here is tantamount to accusing them of showing up in the desert. If that makes you uncomfortable, it’s worth considering why that might be. That said, let’s focus on what’s important: 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 phone feels ambitious yet intimate, balancing grand, expansive shots with more personal, tightly framed moments. Sure, the CGI shows its budgetary limitations at times, but the overall design is so sharp and thoughtful that it almost 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 diminish the complexity of Herbert’s world to please newcomers. Instead, it relies on the power dynamics and political intrigue that make Sisterhood so compelling. It’s a cerebral, slow-burning narrative that rewards attention without ever feeling too self-indulgent.
another dimension of the vast Dune universe
The last 20 minutes of the first episode in particular build tension and payoff that best captures the spirit of Dune, compellingly and quietly monumentally. What sets this series apart is how it explores the Sisterhood. Here, the political machinations are more front and center, offering a fresh perspective on the currents of power that often drive the larger narrative. It has the feel of early Game of Thrones, but with a distinctly Dune sensibility: less trivial, more thoughtful, and more closely tied to the philosophical questions that define Herbert’s work. The cast is a compelling mix of seasoned artists and rising stars, with several standout performances that suggest even greater things are to come. As for the adaptation itself, it’s clear that the creators took great care not to compromise the integrity of Herbert’s vision. This isn’t a watered-down reimagining—it’s a serious, ambitious continuation of the world he created.
Trust me, the effort is worth it
Admittedly, the dense history and shadowy politics may seem daunting to newcomers, but for fans of the books or Villeneuve’s films, that’s part of the appeal. For those already invested in Dune, this series feels like a sensible expansion—a chance to delve deeper into the nuances of Herbert’s universe. If you’re new, this is a decent entry point, although you may have to work a little harder to keep up.