Moments of vulnerability unite the otherwise frenzied activity in episode 4 of Dune: Prophecy. Even Valya and Desmond Hart let down their guard in their schemes to push the Imperium in their desired direction.
Note: This article contains spoilers for events in Dune Prophecy episode 4.
The Leads
Valya is usually the epitome of strength and fortitude. But in the wake of the new threat that has cast her out of the Emperor’s company, she shows signs of cracking. We gain a glimpse of a more vulnerable side of her after her entry into the apartment of her Harkonnen relatives. She lets her hair down and records a message to Tula asking for her presence at this challenging time. In an exchange with her bitter uncle, the resentment lingering from Valya’s youth makes her raise her voice and become more animated as she justifies her hostile attitude toward the family. However, she quickly reverts to her usual hard persona. She smashes the voice recording when Theodosia walks in, seemingly ashamed of having let herself ask for help. Then she steels herself enough to forever dismiss the weakness still lingering in her uncle.
In the case of Desmond Hart, we see the physical toll his special burning ability takes on him, revealing more of the man behind the tough soldier image. As he sits hunched over on the ground, the wounds on his bare back recall the kinds of scars and bleeding seen in cases of religious flagellation. Indeed, he appears possessed while he engages his ability, holding his hands to his head and having visions. He seeks to exorcise both forbidden technology and the powerful Sisterhood through literally cleansing via fire, but this comes at a cost to his health. Otherwise, though, Hart radiates a compelling energy as a kind of Australian Outback figure, telling tales of the dangerous creatures on Arrakis and becoming one himself when he immolates people at will.
The Acolytes
The acolytes have vulnerabilities in the realm of the mind. The psychic connections between these young women are ramped up to the point that all of them are shown having the same nightmare. Twisting and moaning in their beds, they appear to have no control over their unconscious. One of them even goes to the brink of death, suggesting that they are quite susceptible to psychic manipulation. Tied up with this disruption is an unsuccessful attempt to reclaim the term ‘hysteria’. Both Avila and Tula use this term in their debate about how to handle the strange situation with the acolytes, but it only emphasizes the historic dismissal of women’s experiences.
When Tula doubles down by asking the women to take spice and return to their nightmare, this pushes them into another uncontrollable psychic episode. It is fear that awakens them back to reality rather than Tula’s yoga-like instruction to bring their awareness back into their bodies. Nearly everything in these scenes shows that the acolytes cannot escape this mental torture, despite the fact that they are being trained to exert exactly this kind of control over mind and body.
The Nobility
The vulnerabilities of the noble families are more straightforward. Men focus on whether they can preserve or build their legacy. The Emperor worries about his bloodline, and Hart fans the flames of his concern at being remembered as a weak ruler. Meanwhile, both the Emperor’s son, Constantine, and the Harkonnen heir, Harrow, appear to feel helpless and weak in the shadows of their patriarchs. Constantine is open to his sister’s bold suggestions, and Harrow is primed to be used by Valya toward her own ends. These young men’s self-doubt becomes leverage for the women in their lives, whether that’s a spouse, a sister, or an aunt.
The Landsraad
Government scenes can be tricky. Too much talking and the audience is snoozing. Not enough talking and no one knows what’s going on. This episode introduces the Landsraad council in a way that allows for politicking but doesn’t overdo it. It also makes sure the Sisters’ significant influence as Truthsayers and advisors is clear. The Reverend Mothers file into the main assembly room alongside their nobles and so are visibly valued in affairs of governance.
Later, the episode cuts to one Sister after another in the corridors making targeted suggestions to each of their nobles about what to do next. This culminates in all of them appearing at the Harkonnen’s place to support Harrow’s elevation to the council, just as Valya had planned. There is no doubt here of the women’s ability to orchestrate others’ behavior and serve both their nobles and the Sisterhood. A trusted advisor can move the levers of power without needing to hold the political seat herself.
Reaction
Seeing the Landsraad come to life was a highlight, especially since this governing body is understated in the Dune books. But the unexplainable psychic phenomena went too far for my liking. The simultaneous nightmares, the mind-reading, and another strange ability introduced at the end of this episode distorted the nature of women’s skills in the Dune universe. These reflected more of the horror element that the series has leaned into.
Thanks to Warner Bros. Discovery for providing Dune News Net team members with review screeners for this episode of Dune: Prophecy.