Dune: Prophecy Episode 4 & 5 Review
Episodes four and five of ‘Dune: Prophecy’ strike a much better balance between the politics on Salusa Secundus and the mystical goings on at the Sisterhood School on Wallach IX. Valya is trapped as Desmond Hart takes more and more power on the Imperial planet, despite her efforts to dislodge him. Back at the school, the acolytes are possessed by a mysterious evil hat Tula turns to extreme methods. There are some key reveals in both episodes, some that land stronger than others.
Episode four sees Valya team up with House Harkonnen representative Harrow Harkonnen using his desire to join the Landsraad as a way to manipulate him to do her bidding
This episode fulfils some of the politicking that was missing in episode three, with the Landsraad pushing Harrow to do their bidding and a rebel plot brewing. This rebel group still seems a bit underexplored with regards to their motivations, but they’re not afraid to make their own move on the palace to blow it up. This is in itself a ploy from Valya, she wants to foil the plot to get back into the Emperor’s good graces, though there are a couple of wrinkless that wreck her plan.
The first one seemingly helps her. The Emperor’s daughter storms in to demand a full investigation into her fiancee’s death, which Harrow was failing to do. She however pushes her look with one more, accusing Desmond Hart. Hart here shows his winning hand, manipulating the situation to his advantage, burning those that opposed him in the Landsraad, a devasting display of power, where Valya was supposed to display hers. A secondary effect of Hart’s performance is that it forces the Emperor to adopt a harder line against the rebels, something Corrino warned Hart not to do.
Episode five picks up with Hart gaining more and more power, now commanding his own goons to try and seek out rebels. Corrino does attempt o give a rousing speech, but it’s clear this is only a fake demonstration of power, as Hart is the one that gives the Emperor orders about the fleet. This part of Corrino’s character has been fascinating to watch unfold, showing that while his position is powerful Corrino lacks spirit, something that comes across thanks to Mark Strong’s quiet performance.
Hart manages to get a len the rebels’ hideout, and takes several of his men to investigate. This results in a rare bit of action in a series content with mysticism, and while it won’t blow anyone’s breath away it’s a welcome pace changer. Keiran Atreides, the Swordmaster, manages to get away, though unfortunately is caught by Corrino’s son, who is on his own quest to get on his father’s good side.
While Mother Raquella’s return is surprising, she brings some news of the Sisterhood’s impending peril, thanks to a virus. This has yet to be fully explained, but it seems like an unwhelming threat to pair up against the Bene Gesserit, as they’re spritual in nature. Hart was that compelling threat, as it’s clear he has mystical powers of his own, and the acolytes vision of two eyes was intriguing, but the virus reveal cheapens this, as it’s only a case of getting the cure now, no spiritual growth required. It’s the wrong antagonistic force to pit against the group.
Another key reveal in the episode is the heritage of Desmond Hart. While it’s not fully stated that he’s Tula’s son, the cuts between him an Tula (and Olivia Williams’ emotional reaction) suggest that it’s the case. This adds personal stakes into the mix, showing that Hart’s journey isn’t just to protect the Imperium like he claims but to further his own goals. These
Episodes four and five of ‘Dune: Prophecy’ kick everything up a notch with the increase in threat that Hart poses, complete with an intimidating performance from Travis Fimmel. The finale is looking strong. The spiritual aspect of the show however doesn’t manage to uphold its side of the show, with the final threat there not spiritual at all, but instead a mysterious virus.
