32/18

Two Harkonnen sisters battle forces that threaten the future of humanity and form the fabled 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 science fiction is all about… This series uses 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 in which Valya Harkonnen used her voice comes from a film called Mentats of Dune. All three books intertwine the evolution of the Sisterhood, the Mentats, the Navigators, and the Suk doctors. Referenced in AniMat’s Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020). I wanted to keep this short and concise, but felt compelled to expand on my thoughts, so here it is. There was a time when writers knew how to fit exposition into a narrative without it feeling forced and contrived. I understand it’s a first episode, but do they need to spell everything out like it’s not common knowledge? Watson (Valya), Mark Strong (Emperor), Travis Fimmel (Hart), and Sarah-Sofie Boussnina (Princess) deliver good performances. I feel like the show is in good hands. The rest of the characters left me disinterested. They move the story but are forgettable. I guess we’ll see how it plays out. I had a hard time focusing on the first episode. It seems to be part of a whole that can’t be divided. I’ll wait the whole season before watching any more episodes. They did a great job on the visuals. The CGI is high quality, the costumes are perfect, the tone of Villeneuve’s vision is maintained and expanded upon. The art department should receive awards for its beautiful appearance.

ALADDIN JINN 2025