**Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Dune: Prophecy Episode 4. Reader discretion is advised.**
Dune: Prophecy introduced an important lore from Frank Herbert's Dune: Messiah in Episode 4. Sister Theo, one of the most knowledgeable and top pupils at the Sisterhood, is revealed to be a shapeshifter, and this hints that she might be a Face Dancer.
Based on Herbert's son, Brian, and Kevin J. Anderson's novel Sisterhood of Dune, the show introduced the lore of Face Dancers, who are a subspecies of the Bene Tleilax. According to the books, "Face Dancers were a sterile race of metamorphic transhumans engineered by the Bene Tleilax."
Another sect, like the Bene Gesserit, these subspecies are sophisticated beings who can shapeshift into any human form. Face Dancers are said to have the power to mimic the appearance and the personalities of other human beings.
Their introduction in Sister Theo is interesting for the show and will surely complicate the storyline, as Valya seems to be manipulating Theo's powers for her own selfish vendetta.
More on Face Dancers and Theo's abilities in Dune: Prophecy in our story.
Valya is using Theo's shapeshifting abilities to her advantage in Dune: Prophecy
While Sister Theo is one of the top pupils at the Sisterhood, it was unclear why Valya kept her close and even took her to visit her uncle Evengy and her nephew Harrow. But the latest revelation in Dune: Prophecy Episode 4 about Theo's shapeshifting abilities explains Valya's motives to keep Theo close by her.
Episode 4 saw Theo shapeshifting into Valya's brother Griffin, who Valya believes was murdered by Vorian Atreides. In the flashback story shown in Episode 2, the events leading up to Griffin's death reveal that Valya considers him her brother's murderer and wants to avenge his death by killing Vorian.
However, Theo's abilities reveal that Valya is using her not only to avenge her brother's murder but also to firm the Sisterhood's hold on the Imperium against Desmond.
Theo's transformation into Griffin helps Valya stay motivated and reminds her that she must avenge his death. While Theo considers her abilities a curse, Valya considers them a gift.
Exploring Face Dancers in the Dune lore
Face Dancers are an important subspecies introduced in Herbert's book Dune: Messiah and the main subject for Denis Villeneuve's upcoming third and final Dune movie.
Similar to the Bene Gesserit, Face Dancers are ''a group of secretive, genetically altered humans who inhabited Tleilax, the sole planet of the star Thalim." Known for their shape-shifting abilities, Theo could be a Face Dancer in Dune: Prophecy who might be now brainwashed or disillusioned by Valya about her identity, as she is living like a human for so long.
Theo could also be a spy sent to infiltrate the Sisterhood but is instead used by Valya for her ulterior motives. While Theo's role in the upcoming events is unclear, the show has just revealed one of the most important pieces of lore about the Dune universe. It will be interesting to see how Theo's abilities will be used in the future and whether Valya will make her a vessel to realize her motives.
Trending
For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.
Reply
