Which is referenced in AniMat's Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020)
Narrative
Two Harkonnen sisters battle forces that threaten the future of humanity and found the legendary sect that would become known as the Bene Gesserit. Whether exploring the stars, escaping dystopias, or making the world a better place, these women are what science fiction is all about. This series draws on material from the Great Schools of Dune trilogy by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. A prequel to the original Dune, it tells the story of how the Sisterhood of Rossak evolved into the Bene Gesserit. The incident with Valya Harkonnen using the voice is from one called “Mentats of Dune.” All three books intertwine the development of the Sisterhood, the Mentats, the Navigators, and the Suk Doctors.
Visually, it’s stunning
Let’s get this straight: the backlash against the perceived “DEI politics” in this series is not just tiresome, it’s fundamentally wrong. Anyone familiar with Frank Herbert’s Dune universe knows that women, and the Sisterhood in particular, have always been central to the story. This isn’t a modern “rewrite” to appease audiences — it’s written into the very DNA of the tradition. To complain about women in power here is like criticizing sand for appearing in the desert. If that makes you uncomfortable, it’s worth considering why that might be. That said, let’s focus on what matters: 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 wider Dune universe. The telescope feels ambitious yet intimate, balancing grand, sweeping shots with more personal, well-framed moments. Sure, the CGI occasionally shows its budgetary constraints, but the overall design is so clean and deliberate that it hardly matters. The writing, while not as philosophically dense as the core Dune saga, respects its audience’s intelligence. It doesn’t oversimplify or water down the complexities of Herbert’s world to accommodate newcomers. Instead, it gets right down to the power dynamics and political intrigue that make The Sisterhood so fascinating.
It’s a cerebral, slow-burning narrative that rewards attention without ever feeling overly self-indulgent
The last 20 minutes of the first episode, in particular, deliver a level of tension and payoff that captures the spirit of Dune at its most layered, captivating, and quietly monumental. What sets this series apart is how it uses the Sisterhood to explore a different dimension of Dune’s sprawling universe. The political machinations are more front and center here, offering a fresh perspective on the undercurrents of power that often drive the larger narrative. It has shades of the early Game of Thrones, but with a distinctly Dune sensibility: less gratuitous, more thoughtful, and deeply engaged with the philosophical questions that define Herbert’s work. The cast is a compelling mix of seasoned performers and rising stars, with a few standout performances that hint at bigger things to come. As for the adaptation itself, it’s clear that the creators have taken great care not to compromise the integrity of Herbert’s vision.
Trust me, the effort is worth it
This isn’t a watered-down reimagining—it’s a serious and ambitious continuation of the world he built. Sure, newcomers might find the dense narrative and dark politics off-putting, but for fans of Villeneuve’s books or films, that’s part of the appeal. For those already invested in Dune, this series feels like a significant one. expansion – a chance to delve deeper into the nuances of Herbert’s universe. If you’re new, this is a worthy entry point, although you may have to work a little harder to keep up.