HBO’s six-part series Dune: Prophecy has quickly captured the attention of fans. Diving deep into the origins of the Bene Gesserit and Anderson, the show explores events set 10,000 years before the rise of Paul Atreides, the central figure of the Dune movies.
Episode 2, titled "Two Wolves," premiered on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 9 PM ET on HBO and Max. Dune: Prophecy is a six-episode series. With Episode 2 being released, four more episodes will follow, released weekly with the finale being released on December 22, 2024.
The first episode introduced Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson), the cunning leader of the Bene Gesserit, and her sister Tula. The story begins with the shocking murders of Prince Pruwet Richesse and a high-ranking Bene Gesserit Sister. These events create chaos within the Imperium, setting up intense power struggles.
What to expect from episode 2: Two Wolves
With the main characters introduced and the stage set, Dune: Prophecy starts to take off in Episode 2. The first episode had the tough job of reintroducing us to the massive Dune universe, set 10,000 years before Paul Atreides. Now, as tensions rise for the Bene Gesserit, the conflict has begun to take shape.
After the shocking murder of a young prince from a noble house and the emperor's former Truthsayer, Kasha, by Desmond Hart, chaos erupts in House Corrino. Emperor Javico faces a dilemma: should he trust this mysterious man who survived the desert's deadly Shai-Hulud?
And even if Desmond is loyal to the royal family, can his brutal actions be overlooked? These questions are central to the story and will be interesting to watch but Episode 2 really shines when it dives into Bene Gesserit's role in this brewing conflict.
Desmond Hart and Bene Gesserit
The most important moment in Episode 2 happens when Valya Harkonnen confronts Desmond Hart. Both characters reveal their true intentions, but it's Valya who ends up losing the battle. Desmond is unaffected by Bene Gesserit's powerful “Voice” and reveals that Emperor Javico has turned against Valya and her sisterhood.
This twist derails Valya's carefully crafted plans. The Bene Gesserit, known for always having a strategy, now find themselves at rock bottom. Valya and her allies, including Tula Harkonnen, must regroup and rebuild their influence.
Even though we know that the Bene Gesserit will eventually regain their power, the journey is captivating. Thanks to strong performances by Emily Watson (Valya) and Olivia Williams (Tula), the struggle to reclaim their place in the universe is one of the highlights of the series.
The episode also introduces subplots about rebellion on Salusa Secundus and the complex relationships within House Corrino. These political storylines can feel slower and less engaging compared to the drama surrounding the Bene Gesserit and the Harkonnen sisters. Still, they add layers to the larger narrative.
A standout subplot involves Kerian Atreides, the ancestor of Paul Atreides, who works as Princess Ynez Corrino's combat instructor. His connection to the Atreides legacy hints at future conflict, especially if Valya Harkonnen sets her sights on him.
One of the most visually striking moments in Episode 2 is the ordeal of Lila, a young Bene Gesserit acolyte. She undergoes "The Agony," a dangerous ritual similar to the one that the Bene Gesserit sisters endure to become Reverend Mothers. The sequence reveals the sisterhood's collective memory as a shadowy, ghost-filled realm where past Bene Gesserit linger.
Lila’s attempt ends in tragedy. She becomes trapped in this eerie world, haunted by the vengeful spirit of Dorotea, a Bene Gesserit Valya killed in Episode 1. This failure is a painful blow, especially for Tula, who had doubts about putting Lila through the ritual.
By the end of Episode 2, Valya’s plans are in shambles, and the Bene Gesserit face their lowest point. However, Harkonnens are known for their resilience. The question is not if Valya will recover but how. This certainly takes some tension out of the story, but there’s still enough intrigue to keep viewers invested.
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While some subplots feel unnecessary and slow the pacing, Dune: Prophecy hints at exciting twists and developments that could make the rest of the season thrilling. As the series continues, the focus on Bene Gesserit's rise will likely remain its strongest element.
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