Anderson’s Great Schools of Dune trilogy
Plot
Two Harkonnen sisters battle forces that threaten the future of humanity and establish the legendary sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. Whether they’re 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 Brian Herbert and Kevin J. 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 of one called the ‘Mentat of Dune’. All three books intertwine the development of the Sisterhood, the Mentats, the Navigators, and the Suk Doctors.
Referenced in AniMat’s Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020)
Let’s get this out of the way right away: the backlash over the perceived ‘DEI policy’ in this series is not only tiresome, it’s fundamentally misguided. Anyone familiar with Frank Herbert’s Dune universe knows that women, and particularly the Sisterhood, have always been central to the story. This isn’t a modern “rewrite” to appease audiences—it’s built into the very DNA of the lore. Complaining about women in power here is like criticizing sand for appearing in the desert. If that makes you uncomfortable in any way, it’s worth reflecting on why that is. That said, let’s focus on what matters: the series itself.
Visually, it’s stunning
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 scope feels ambitious yet intimate, balancing big sweeping shots with more personal, well-framed moments. Sure, the CGI occasionally shows its budgetary constraints, but the overall design is so crisp and deliberate that it hardly matters. It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough to feel immersive. The writing, while not as philosophically dense as the main Dune saga, respects the intelligence of its audience. It doesn’t overly simplify or dilute the complexities of Herbert’s world to cater to newcomers.
It’s a slow-burn, cerebral narrative that rewards attention without ever feeling overly self-indulgent
Instead, it leans into the power dynamics and political intrigue that make The Fellowship so compelling. The final 20 minutes of the first episode, in particular, deliver a level of tension and payoff that captures the spirit of Dune at its best—layered, gripping, and quietly monumental. What sets this series apart is how it uses The Fellowship to explore a different dimension of the sprawling Dune 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 early Game of Thrones , but with a distinctly Dune sensibility: less gratuitous, more thoughtful, and deeply connected to 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.
Trust me, it’s worth the effort
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 built. Granted, newcomers might find the dense lore and murky politics daunting, 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 meaningful expansion—a chance to delve deeper into the nuances of Herbert’s universe. If you’re new, this is a worthy entry point, though you might have to put in a little extra effort to keep up.
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