Set in the expansive Dune universe, Dune: Prophecy is just one episode away from its finale. The TV series is a prequel to the 2021 film and explores the origins of the Bene Gesserit, a powerful sisterhood. Fans have praised the show for its rich narrative and diving into themes like power, politics, and survival.
While the Sisterhood is the primary focus of Dune: Prophecy, it also introduced fans to another key character named Desmond Hart, whose real identity has been recently revealed in the penultimate episode. Since his introduction, Desmond has played a big role in politics, especially in manipulating the emperor.
In Episode 4, Valya Harkonnen's plan is ruined due to Desmond's action, which leads her to use the Sisterhood's secret gene bank to uncover more about his background. Her plan left viewers eager to uncover Desmond's secrets, and Episode 5, "In Blood, Truth," finally revealed him to be both a Harkonnen and an Atreides.
Not only this, but Emperor Javicco Corrino also elevated Desmond's rank as the Bashar, empowering him with high authority and strategic responsibility. But what does a Bashar mean in Dune: Prophecy? And why was Desmond given this title?
Continue reading to explore all the answers you might be looking for about Desmond and his role as a Bashar.
Desmond Hart becomes a Bashar in Dune: Prophecy
Since the beginning of Dune: Prophecy, Desmond Hard's identity has been one of the biggest questions. He's not only incredibly smart at crafting strategic plans but also possesses magical abilities.
He cleverly managed to get the emperor on his side by proving his loyalty and power. Later, in Episode 5, Desmond is declared to be a Bashar, a significant military rank within the Dune franchise.
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A Bashar has military control over a specific planet, and in Desmond's case, he's now the head of the Emperor's elite Sardaukar army, known for its ruthlessness and loyalty. This decision to make Desmond a Bashar is a strategic and political move by the Emperor, who wants to use Desmond as both a weapon and a safeguard from his enemy.
The Emperor wants Desmond to stay close to him and secure loyalty, especially after he sees Desmond burning a few members of the Noble House for him. Additionally, the Emperor knows about Desmond's magical abilities, and by gaining his loyalty, he will likely avoid becoming another victim of Hart’s wrath.
This way, the Emperor will be able to use Desmond for his own plans and also avoid any potential conflict with him. However, Desmond Hart seems to have his own agenda in Dune: Prophecy, and the finale is expected to reveal the same.
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Desmond Hart's identity is finally revealed in Dune: Prophecy
One of the biggest reveals in Dune: Prophecy Episode 5 is undeniably about Desmond Hart's identity. It's revealed that Hart is the descendant of both House Harkonnen and House Atreides, having a direct connection to Tula and Valya Harkonnen and even Keiran Atreides.
This revelation makes him a key figure in the Dune universe and also connects him with Paul Atreides, Lady Jessica, and even Vladimir Harkonnen. While his surname is quite mysterious, it might be possible that Hart is using it to hide his actual identity.
The episode also hints at Tula being Desmond's mother, considering her complex history with both the Sisterhood and Orry Atreides. She has been caring for Lila like her own daughter, but the idea that she may have abandoned her own son adds another layer to her character. It would be intriguing to see if Tula confesses to being the mother of Desmond and explains why she abandoned her son.
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