10/30
Anderson’s Great Schools of Dune trilogy
Two Harkonnen sisters fight against forces that threaten the future of humanity and found the legendary sect that would become known as the Bene Gesserit. Whether they’re exploring the stars, escaping dystopias, or making the world a better place, these sci-fi women. This series uses material from Brian Herbert and Kevin J. A prequel to the original Dune, it tells the story of how the Evil Sister evolved into the Bene Gesserit. The incident featuring Valya Harkonnen’s voice is from an event called the “Mentats of Dune.” All three books involve the development of the Sisterhood, the Mentats, the Navigators, and the Suk Doctors. Referenced in AniMat’s Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020).
In the meantime, let’s focus on what matters: the series itself
Let’s get this straight right away: the echo of the supposed “DEI policy” in this series is not only tiresome, it’s fundamentally wrong. Anyone familiar with Frank Herbert’s Dune universe knows that women, and especially sisters, have always played a central role in the story. This isn’t a modern “rewrite” to appease audiences—it’s ingrained in the story’s DNA. Complaining about women in power here is like criticizing sand for appearing in the desert. If that makes you uncomfortable in any way, you might want to consider why that is. Visually stunning.
It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough to feel immersive
The art direction pays homage to the bold aesthetic of Denis Villeneuve’s films, creating a seamless visual connection to the wider Dune universe. The scope is ambitious yet intimate, balancing gorgeous, sweeping shots with more personal, well-framed moments. Sure, the CGI shows its budgetary limitations at times, but the overall design is so crisp and thoughtful that it hardly matters. The writing, while not as philosophically dense as the main Dune saga, respects its audience’s intelligence. It doesn’t oversimplify or water down the complexity of Herbert’s world to cater to newcomers. Instead, it leans into the power dynamics and political intrigue that make the Sisterhood so fascinating.
another dimension of the vast Dune universe
It’s a slow-burn, cerebral narrative that rewards attention without feeling overly self-indulgent. 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, gripping and quietly monumental. What sets the series apart is how you explore it with Sisterhood . The political machinations are more front and center here, offering a fresh perspective on the underlying currents of power that often drive the larger narrative. There are 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 an impressive mix of seasoned actors.
Trust me, it’s worth the effort
The series is packed with rising stars and performers, with a few standout performances hinting 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. This isn’t a watered-down reimagining—it’s a serious, ambitious continuation of the world he built. Granted, newcomers may find the dense story 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 worthwhile expansion—a chance to delve deeper into the nuances of Herbert’s universe. If you’re new, it’s a decent entry point, though you may have to work a little harder to keep up.