Spoiler alert: This article discusses plot points from the first episode of Dune: Prophecy.
HBO’s new series, Dune: Prophecy, unfolds 10,000 years before Paul Atreides’s arrival. It depicts the Bene Gesserit’s early development, from its origins as a school for gifted women to its evolution into the powerful organization influencing the imperial government in the events of the original Dune.
Dune: Prophecy adapts Brian and Kevin J. Anderson’s 2012 novel, Sisterhood of Dune. Showrunner Alison Schapker’s adaptation centers on the Harkonnen sisters, Valya and Tula (played by Emily Watson and Olivia Williams as adults, and Jessica Barden and Emma Canning in flashbacks). Born around 60 years after the Butlerian Jihad—a war that eradicated machines—they are ancestors of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, Feyd-Rautha, Beast Rabban, Jessica, and Paul Atreides.
Historical accounts credit Vorian Atreides with leading humanity to victory over machines, while Valya and Tula’s great-grandfather, Abulard Harkonnen, is depicted as a deserter. This led to House Harkonnen’s disgrace and exile to Lankiveil. Valya, however, believes this history is fabricated and aims to gain power through the Bene Gesserit.
Internal conflict within the sisterhood
In the premiere, young Valya is positioned as the successor to the Bene Gesserit’s first Mother Superior, Raquella Berto-Anirul (Cathy Tyson), instead of Raquella’s granddaughter, Dorotea (Camilla Beeput). Raquella, a war hero, established the order to train truthsayers for the Great Houses.
However, a division arises over Raquella’s plan for a breeding program to influence royal lineages. Valya supports this, while Dorotea, considered a “zealot,” opposes it, believing the order should guide, not control, the Imperium. This breeding program is the same one used 10,000 years later to create the Kwisatz Haderach, a powerful male Bene Gesserit.
On her deathbed, Raquella reveals a prophecy to Valya: “Red dust. It’s coming. Titan-Arafel,” referring to a coming reckoning. “You will be the one to see the burning truth and know.” Dorotea’s subsequent attempt to destroy the breeding index prompts Valya, using her newly developed Voice skill, to force Dorotea’s suicide.
Valya Harkonnen: Mother Superior
As Raquella’s successor, Valya strengthens the Bene Gesserit’s influence. She manipulates Princess Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) into joining the order after her marriage to Pruwet Richese (Charlie Hodson-Prior). However, Pruwet’s death and that of Reverend Mother Kasha (Jihae), at the hands of Desmond Hart, a seemingly resurrected soldier claiming to possess a “great power,” indicates a shift, aligning with Raquella’s prophecy.
According to Schapker, Desmond is central to the series’ mystery. His empowerment is a key question the sisters must unravel.
The remaining episodes of Dune: Prophecy will air weekly on HBO at 9 p.m. ET on Sundays and stream on Max.