47/39
Reference AniMat’s Crazy Cartoon Cast: The New Normal (2020)
Scenario
Two Harkonnen sisters battle forces that threaten the future of humanity and form a fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. Whether they’re exploring the stars, escaping a dystopia, or making the world a better place, these women are science fiction. is about… This series uses material from the Great Schools of Dune trilogy by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The prequel to the original Dune tells the story of how Rosak’s sister became a Bene Gesserit. The incident with Valya Harkonnen, using voiceover, is from one called “Mentats of Dune.” All three books deal with the development of the sisters, Mentats, Navigators, and Brush Doctors.
Visually, it’s stunning
Let’s get this straight: the backlash over the perceived "DEI policy" in this series is not only tiresome, but also fundamentally misguided. Anyone familiar with Frank Herbert’s Dune universe knows that women, and especially sisters, have always been at the center of 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 is like criticizing sand for showing up in the desert. If that makes you uncomfortable in any way, it’s worth considering why that might be. That said, let’s focus on what’s important: the series itself.
It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough to feel immersive
The art direction pays homage to the bold aesthetic established in Denis Villeneuve’s films, creating a seamless visual connection to the larger Dune universe. The phone feels ambitious yet intimate, balancing grand, expansive shots with more personal, tightly framed moments. Sure, the CGI occasionally shows its budgetary limitations, but the overall design is so sharp and thoughtful that it almost doesn’t matter. The writing, while not as philosophically dense as the Dune saga, respects the intelligence of the audience. It doesn’t oversimplify or dilute the complexity of Herbert’s world to please newcomers. Instead, it leans into the power dynamics and political intrigue that make Sisterhood so compelling.
It’s a cerebral, slow-burning narrative that rewards attention without ever feeling overly complacent
The final 20 minutes of the first episode, in particular, deliver a level of suspense and payoff that captures the spirit of Dune at its best, gripping and quietly monumental. What sets this series apart is how it uses the Sisterhood to explore a different dimension of Dune’s vast universe. The political machinations here are more front and center, offering a fresh perspective on the undercurrents of power that often drive the larger narrative. It has the feel of early Game of Thrones, but with a distinctly Dune sensibility: less pointless, more thoughtful, and deeply engaged with the philosophical questions that define Herbert’s work. The cast is a solid mix of seasoned performers and rising stars, with some standout performances that hint at even greater things to come. As for the adaptation itself, it’s clear that the creators took 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, ambitious continuation of the world he created. Sure, newcomers might find the dense history and shadowy politics daunting, but fans of the books or Villeneuve’s films find that part of the appeal. For those already invested in Dune, this series feels like a significant 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 work a little harder to keep up.