Dune Prophecy is worse than bad... (Episode 3 SPOILERS)

[@FilmSchoolDad]

I'm STILL worried about the Dune Universe NOW... more than ever. Dune Prophecy Season 1 Episode 3 Was it as good as we hoped? Did it live up to YOUR hype? Does this sow suffer from poor writing and a rushed production? Could Dune: Prophecy be so much more? My perspective is as a fan of the films and of the original Frank Herbert 6 Dune Chronicles. What are your thoughts on this Prestige HBO drama? Does it live up the the hype? Let me hear in the comments below. -FSD

[@hitskwaad]

That so many people are shocked and upset at politics and girlbossery in a show about an all-female coven of fanatical science witches who are canonically on a _10,000 year mission to create the ultimate Mary-Sue SheEO in the _*_most literal way_*_ those words could possibly be used_ demonstrates that there are now 2 distinct media audiences with little overlap: the kind of people who require an unambiguously good, self-insert ready protagonist to engage with a story, who fall asleep when less than 7 explosions are going on at the same time, and are constantly looking under their beds and in their closets for the DEI boogieman they've been instructed to care about... and normal people.

[@ashleyelisabeth4]

I realized the major issue with this show is that we weren't given internal conflict right away and we had to wait until episode 3 to see who the story's focal point is. We shouldn't be told that Lila is our main character and that Valya and Tula's internal struggles are to be seen and/or heard at the midpoint of the story. If you compare it to shows like "Breaking Bad" or even "The Penguin" we are told in the first 5-10mins who the main character is and what their struggles and goals are. Walter White always felt restrained and that his life was wasting away until he was diagnosed with cancer and became a drug dealer. Oz on the otherhand wanted to rise in society and be seen as a hero to the people of Gotham, similar to how Bruce Wayne/Batman is idolized because he was always looked over. Despite these characters evil/selfish actions we still root for them because their internal struggles are what enable the audience to relate to them, furthermore having us care about their story.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

That's a great point. The show tries this LOtR intro narration dump in the first 5 min and it just doesn't work. Plus, like you said we don't learn the "why" these characters want to do thing. No true motivation. The show saying Valya wants to do what Mother Superior wanted to do isn't good enough. We need to know why.

[@ashleyelisabeth4]

@@FilmSchoolDad Yes exactly and episode 3 being the best episode so far proves why internal conflict and backstory is important. As well as why it should've been the pilot. Although we were info dumped with LOTR, the pacing of the story is still slowed down to introduce Frodo and show what his life in the Shire is like because it's how you make a high fantasy world seem believable. We don't see his journey in destroying the ring until later on for a reason. If Dune followed this same story structure, then the show would've been more engaging and the world building and main story wouldn't feel like an info dumb or a side quest

[@FilmSchoolDad]

100%

[@godfr012]

I feel like this was the strongest episode. Less about introducing characters and more about making us care about what happens to them. The flashbacks for the sisters were powerful, because it really deepens the thought that they are not really the protagonists we want them to be. The murder in the woods was jaw dropping after the proposal to the guy and the acting was superb! Finally felt like an HBO show. In fact the flashback scenes from episode 1 and 3 are probably the best acting portrayals of any in this show so far. Also nearly killing her mother with the voice had me on the edge and really turned me into thinking, i shouldn't be rooting for this..... BUT I AM. Also the students reactions while paying respect to Lila and bringing up the sacrifice they made her do and keeping Lila alive at the end on spice created many possibilities AND further highlighted the selfishness of these sisters. I hope they lean more into this for the "current day" story line and perhaps make is root for Desmond.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

I'm glad we can both watch the show and get different things out of it. Honestly and thank you for come ting here what you liked! My problem with the flashbacks were that I found them to be expository in nature. Even in the past the sisters' actions all take place off camera. The "learning" of the voice is never seen either. Valya is just able to control people and "says" it's something she's been working on, but we never see the "work" being done to figure it out... I feel the show wants gravitas without earning them. But... this is just my opinion. Thank you for yours!!!!

[@godfr012]

@FilmSchoolDad I would have liked to have seen that too. Maybe they thought we'd seen enough of it in the movies with Jessica teaching Paul, but it would be great to see how she taught herself.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

@@godfr012 Exactly. I'd love to find her stumbling upon it. Instead we find her practically at full strength even at her young age and as a new sister. it just doesn't feel earned. I'm only so hard on the show because I want it to be great... -FSD

[@justinklenk]

​@@FilmSchoolDad Agreed. I'm watching this (begrudgingly now, it's come to) solely for a bit of Dune storytelling, at this point - uninspired as it is, in its production/direction/acting/casting/writing/language/set pieces/canonical errors, and yes - cheap/lazy use of expository skips. It's okay - I've learned to take from things what they're truly worth and not let the uninspired milieu of most of the entertainment industry's offerings ruin my own basic standards... Much happier!!

[@FilmSchoolDad]

I think I like your perspective better than mine! ...It's just frustrating to think of what it could be. Ahh Dune...

[@JBM444]

Not surprising considering it’s based on Brian Herbert’s books

[@FilmSchoolDad]

And he came out on twitter yesterday saying he was happy with the show. So big time it's no good.

[@Jzanderm]

The actors are just bad. The princess attacking the dumby because she is mad was a terrible scene. She is a terrible actress.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

Princess is rough in general. Yeah

[@FeelingPoyChina]

I just found out about this show like 10 minutes ago.. decided to go ahead and start watching it was pleasantly surprised to know that its an HBO show. cause most tv shows that I love are released on HBO and then the first episode started.. and I'm hearing a harkonnen lady.. talk about another harkonnen lady.. who's talking bout another harkonnen lady and I laughed out loud when human beings were fighting huge machines ON FOOT lmaooooooooooo I just couldn't take the DEI NPC BOT WOKE stupidity anymore lolol women in the dune world are nothing but wives, mistresses and hack witches who are scared of the water of life unlike Paul. so putting so much emphasis on DEI GIRL POWER is not only stupid but unbelievably shallow and 2D no thanx lol

[@FilmSchoolDad]

(See response in Ep3 video. Thanks for both comments!) For anyone reading my reply - it's basically half yeah and half no. I don't think this is technically DEI. But I do think the writers leaned into it a bit too hard when, in fact, the sisterhood or BG should feel different 10,000 years earlier and they should t feel so fully formed. There are good stories to tell... I just don't think they're being told.

[@solarydays]

I could make a very long video taking apart this episode because the more I think about the worse it gets. Probably not worth my time, but just writing comments is not enough to tell how bad I think it is 😩 Man that is how I am with everything I watch nowadays, I didn't have high expectations from this show to begin with, but is it too much to ask for coherent conversations at least? I feel like the writers never observed real human interactions.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

I love this take. Your last sentence is on point so hard I think k you're 100% right. Ugh. I hope there's no AI in this script...

[@solarydays]

​@@FilmSchoolDad I'm inclined to believe they are just very shallow hollywood people. Even AI adds some flavor

[@FilmSchoolDad]

@ 🤣

[@antfunny2187]

Youre making me feel like im a boring person because i found the show great so far 😂😂

[@FilmSchoolDad]

Please take no offense. I, too am boring...

[@Alejojojo6]

Im with you, I like it. It's normal, was its not is to feel it boring or dull. This guy is on the minority. A lot of people considered the Dune film boring (surprisingly). But the show isnt boring or dull... people this days are used to so much fast stuff they have lost track of what needs to be a good coocking. Tik tok brain.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

This guy? Hi. Nice ta meet cha. I just don't like the show and I'm bummed. Have a great day. We don't need to agree to be buds. Come say hi again sometime. -FSD

[@BlorbusUnimax]

they should have made god emperor of dune with fish women and all

[@FilmSchoolDad]

I'd watch God Emperor all day.

[@misanthropicservitorofmars2116]

9 hour television show about a big worm guy explaining his views on things. And Jason Mamoa banging literally every female with a heartbeat. Because worm guy likes it.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

Sounds like a banger.

[@greggreg2027]

There are so many flashbacks it should have been the first episode. But if this was the first episode it would be too boring and tank the show immediately, unless they trimmed it to be half the length and then cram the important parts of episode one after it.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

@@greggreg2027 maybe they could have been cross cutting the flashbacks throughout the whole season. That would give room to both stories and maybe create some tension... build suspense? Yup. Instead it's a snooze fest.

[@ashleyelisabeth4]

I agree, the flashbacks are way too much and it is an issue if the story relies too heavily on them. But I would have to disagree about this episode not being the pilot instead because backstory is essential in introducing a story and I felt more connected to these characters than I did with the previous episodes. Yeah maybe it would've bombed but even Game of Thrones started off slow and people were still drawn in so maybe a slow start is what this show needed to develop it better

[@Corion2121]

Yeah, this show is trash. And seeing all the retread actors from previous HBO shows is a little lazy on their part, don’t you think? 🤨🤷🏾‍♂️

[@FilmSchoolDad]

I like the idea that there are a few HBO actors in a trailer just waiting for the next pilot 🤣

[@wlodarka]

I think this series is unable to show the spirit of dune. It just uses the name but can't portray what this universe actually is. I know that we are thousands of years before actual dune books but still... The machine war scenes looked like a terminator movie, harkonnens planet felt like Game of Thrones.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

I think a big problem this show has is assuming everyone already knows the lore. Big mistake. Most Dune fans are new and are coming from The Villeneuve films, like me. This show should have spent the first episode showing us the entire galaxy. Instead we live in a throne room and an old cottage. It's just lazy. I agree with you that the locations they do show feel disjointed and unconnected. Bummer. Dune is so dope and they really could be doing some wild stuff but it's just too safe and boring. They spent time showing us soft-core love in each episode but the camera barely lingers on the Atreides massacre we're not even allowed to see. It's so lame and tame and thinks it's something more than it is. lol sorry. Rant over. You just got me thinking. It isn't in the spirit of dune... good point.

[@wlodarka]

@@FilmSchoolDad first season has only 6 episodes and it is not enough to show the base of this universe (but let's put a sex scene in every episode why not). They throw names like Vorian without any context. The viewer who didn't read the books has no idea about the origins of Atreides - Harkonnens conflict even if it's an important part of the plot - the revenge. I think the plot itself could be interesting but the storytelling is not entertaining, sets are small and I just don't care about most of the characters.

[@paramahansayoga84]

Probably not the right time to start a series about A Coven of Lesbian Space Witches.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

I hear ya, but the failure of the show is more than that. If the show was well written I think we'd all be on board with it. This is just pretentious and boring.

[@misanthropicservitorofmars2116]

Nah, lesbianism isn’t in the Bene Gesserit playbook. Sisters need to be ready to breed with males. They’re eugenicists.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

This is true. And yet, these feel like those first BG sisters who aren't sure if they wanna Kwisatz first and Haderach second.. or the other way around...

[@alphagerudo]

They need to stop hiring Activists masquerading as 'writers' as they did for HOTD S2 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@FilmSchoolDad]

Agree. I just want a story. Not a lesson.

[@LolitaDavidovich934]

DV MOVIES ARE WORSE.

[@Ipsissimus]

All the film renditions of Dune really suck ass.

[@TheHypercarnivoreChef]

I even forgot this week episode, i did not see it yet Nd probably i will not

[@FilmSchoolDad]

Suuuuuper boring. I'd suggest, if you do decide to watch next weeks ep, just throw this on first. But, it is what it is.

[@johnt7303]

The way Frank wrote the BeneGeseret was special. Part of his unique written style. The internal monolog and all that. They were truly bad ass and always many steps ahead. David Lynch captured that. Brian Hurber ruined them, and the new movies are better, close, but not spot on. This show's depiction is awful.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

Loved the way the BG were described in the books. Highly entertaining and engaging while simultaneously making perfect sense somehow. Frank Herbet's Dune Chronicles are special. No doubt their endurance is what keeps this franchise alive. DVs films are fantastic iMO but they still are based off these incredibly written original stories.

[@shashasivuyile]

I enjoyed the third episode way more than the last 2 episodes... The pacing is a bit worrying - considering they only have 6 episodes. Overall I love this show.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

I'm jealous that you love the show. I wish I did. Do you have any theories as to where the story is going? I'd love to know what the community is enjoying about the show and looking forward to. REAL QUESTION. I'd love to pick your brain and find out what you love most. -FSD

[@deankruse2891]

i couldn't get through the first episode. Its so on the nose and so poorly written that i'm not investing my time. These shows all take themselves so seriously but don't earn it

[@FilmSchoolDad]

Yeah it's a real bummer the show is too pretentious and has no stakes.

[@josepheridu3322]

I do appreciate the visuals and the attempt to create a plot. Rings of Power had good visuals but its plot was pathetic and weak. So I do agree that the story is totally alien to Dune, yet it is entertaining. But yeah, it seems that HBO still uses the same script it uses for Game of Throne shows.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

They (HBO Execs) forget what made GOT so loved was the story it told.

[@electronic-dreams]

Horrific episode

[@FilmSchoolDad]

Each week its harder and harder for me to sit through the whole thing.

[@theanc316ientone]

I love the show

[@cepopeye]

What do you like about it? I’m so bored I’m actually trying to figure out what I’m supposed to like

[@theanc316ientone]

@cepopeye the way they're slow playing everything into the timeliness of dune. Giving bits and pieces of the story without it being too obvious. Bringing in characters from the novel, and showing how they act within the community of dune. You may notice there is no real hero, and there is no real antihero, it's filled with real life like politics and then on top of that, there is a sense of mysticism... I love it.

[@NirudhaPerera]

IMO the first episode was middling, the second was strong, and the third was boring.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

I can't decide if I think episode 3 was the worst because it stops the plot dead in its tracks or if I think it's the best because it stops the plot dead in its tracks...

[@johnt7303]

I don't know if Brian Herbert was involved, but this shows as bad as his books.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

Herbet is loosely involved as the show seems to be sourced from some of his material. He's also come out on Twitter commanding the show. I don't disagree with you.

[@notasinglesoul1179]

Not every piece of media needs to be constant action and brain tickling.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

I love all types of film and television. Slow burns to fast paced. My issues here are that I don't believe the show is written well. For example. I'm a huge fan of HBOs THE LEFTOVERS. Talk about a slow burn. 3 slow and eerie seasons filled with dread, depression and grief. But... it's written expertly. Each character a fleshed out soul. Each location a real place.... it's a great show. Give me a good story and I'm there no matter the venue, IP, brand. I'm here for the real stuff.

[@notasinglesoul1179]

@@FilmSchoolDad Ah okay, I guess I understand more writing wise.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

I hear you too. I'm a bit... extra passionate. 🤣

[@notasinglesoul1179]

@@FilmSchoolDad I mean, makes an interesting video so 🤷‍♂😆

[@FilmSchoolDad]

@@notasinglesoul1179 I have a new video coming out tomorrow or Saturday morning and it's less angry. Promise. Best, -FSD

[@jaekwon1822]

I haven't watched the show yet - I'm afraid it's the Rings of Power of the Dune IP. I hope it doesn't turn out to be girl-power modern-audience silliness...

[@FilmSchoolDad]

It's not exactly that. The Bene Gesserit are a powerful and interesting group of people in the Dune-iverse. Problem is... the writers aren't great storytellers, so it comes off feeling a bit that way just by proxy.

[@darththor3982]

i didn't think you could get more boring than the Dune movies. Well, they showed me

[@dingross]

This show is a stinker

[@FilmSchoolDad]

100%

[@cactusfloydx5d]

if this was suppossed to be a "feminist" show it doesn't do the job, all women here are ass_oles and yes, it's boring. I'm also watching it only because it's Dune. I give it a 5 stars so far... I watched the movies many times now, but I would NOT watch this again later.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

Oh yeah. Not re-watchable.

[@cactusfloydx5d]

@@FilmSchoolDad do you think it will get better? the trailer for next episode looks... better

[@FilmSchoolDad]

Just re-watched the trailer to give you my honest thoughts. To me, it looks like more of the same from the first two episodes. Maybe the best part of the third ep was that I didn't have to be in that silly golden throne room... Yeah more Valya yelling at people that she shouldn't have to apologize for how strong she is... more Travis Fimmel in the Emperor's ear... more steamy scene with The Princess and the her sword-master... ugh... But hey... I'm hopeful.. right? I think...

[@cactusfloydx5d]

@@FilmSchoolDad yeah... sadly this will mean no more Dune series. it sucks, all this "empowered weeemeeeen" kills everything it touches

[@FilmSchoolDad]

They could have managed to get it right.... but alas...

[@JMMBenson]

No one is good or evil in this universe, they all survive.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

Booooooring 😆

[@LeesaLilHop]

I like the show.

[@Zszeda]

The show is good enough for what it is a TV series… and if you come into this expecting Denis Villeneuve levels of cinematography and story telling ( for me the writers haven’t done a good job so far) then you’re definitely gonna be disappointed. That’s exactly what I did unfortunately, I was expecting something truly amazing and for now it has only left me dissatisfied and almost bitter in some instances, but I want to keep watching just because it’s based off of a universe that I came to adore thanks to Villeneuve… I’m seriously considering reading the books due to the bad taste this show has left in my mouth so far. I feel like this is not doing justice to Frank Herbert imagination and writing… (or maybe it is, and I’m just disappointed that this show won’t give me what Dune part1&2 from Denis gave us 😭)

[@FilmSchoolDad]

The books are excellent and what we do learn in them about the Bene Gesserit is quite interesting. The books go into what The Voice truly is as well. It's quite interesting and without spoiling that here.. it would be simple enough for the writers to implement. The books are great and I recommend them but honestly you sound like me... big fan of the movie and looking for HBO levels of quality in a continuing series. The Penguin just executed this expertly. It's do able. But this story is being told by someone telling their own stories... these don't feel like Dune tales at all...

[@CSLintheCASINO]

👎

[@graplingurty]

I'm tired of the transmuted Lady Boss scripting. What a farce.

[@BlorbusUnimax]

the movies sucked, got to go back to 2000 sci fi channel to find the best one

[@Ben-s4q]

If you think that then it’s fine but the majority of people ever love the dune movies, and considering I have to go to obsure channels to even find people shittalking the second movie especially makes it seem like your wrong by most people understanding they are good movies. Plus Dune Prophecy isn’t great but its overhated

[@FilmSchoolDad]

I do love the films. Can't lie there. Dune part two got me to read The 6 Chronicle books. They differ from the books but I believe that it plays to both of their strengths (the book and the film). As for the Sci-Fi channel version I want to watch it but havent found a good place to stream them.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

Preciate it, Ben. I think he just loves that old school TV vibe. I get it. I never saw it, but I used to watch Stargate-SG1. Super corny fun sci-fi is pretty great.

[@BlorbusUnimax]

@@Ben-s4q no, they took liberties with the script that were unforgivable like making a liet kynes a female, or putting women in leadersphip roles of the sietch. It destroys the reasoning behind God Emperor of Dune and why Leto creates the fish women. It was a travesty that it was marred in such a way.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

Ooooh interesting take. Yes - these changes in the films do have ramifications for the latter stories... Again, it's tough for people like me who saw the films first. All that extra detail in the books were so enlightening. I can see how reading the books first, one could be offended by these changes.

[@boiboiboi1419]

You should put unpopular opinion on your tittle

[@FilmSchoolDad]

I hear ya. Only so much room in a title though 🤣 - I had assumed "Worse than Bad" was a pretty good giveaway, but I hear ya.

[@peterolofsson9871]

I guess you've only seen the movies

[@FilmSchoolDad]

@@peterolofsson9871 if you check out my first Dune Prophecy video I talk about my connection to the Dune-iverse. Quick re-cap: I'm a movie guy first and foremost. My intro to Dune was Lynch's and then Villeneuve's interpretation got me to read The Dune Chronicles. I stop my Dune fandom right there with the last book Frank Herbert wrote. All I want is for a high quality telling of this story. I'm not sure we're getting that.

[@peterolofsson9871]

@@FilmSchoolDad my bad, well the books are quite bad and dull. And a lot of the dune is this sort of political intrigue and plotting. I agree that the show is a bit slow, but it might pick up, there are shows that build up slowly with a greater impact later on. If Dune Prophecy is this kinda show remains to be seen. I'm still fascinated. Sorry for jumping the gun a bit, and you still bothering to reply with something articulated.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

@@peterolofsson9871 I enjoy the discourse. Honestly, I'm still on board too and haven't given up on it completely... like I have with other franchises. I hope to be pleasantly surprised and if so I plan on doing a full season re-cap with my thoughts. Thanks for YOUR time!!! Best, -FSD

[@baronwarborn9107]

You missed reading all 18 books or maybe any of them. The Villeneuve second film is garbage. Completely different from the first book. Chani is not a spoilt entitled girl slapping Paul and having a hissy fit when he marries for political reasons. Or how Paul calls the biggest worm and that is part of the prophecy or the bene gesserit prophecy having any effing relevance!! So messiah a great book will have to continue these shite plotlines. If you love Dune you hate Villeneuve's crappy interpretation.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

I read The Dune Chronicles after seeing Dune part two. Yeah. I'm a Villeneuve guy. 100%. I get why his version may bug you - having read the books after I found all the detail even more exciting... but for me the movies got me to read. And that's an important part of who I am as a Dune fan. As a bigger Dune fan than I, could you tell me how you feel about the show? Brian Herbert tweeted last night that he's happy with how the show has interpreted his novels. Obviously there are many happy fans... I'd love to hear your thoughts. -FSD

[@baronwarborn9107]

@FilmSchoolDad I prefer this show a million times better than Villeneuve's Dune part 2. Horrified of the mainstream BS he will create in the next film. At least this show they are making an effort to keep it aligned to the books. Cymek opening was cool hope to see more. Raquella sharing the AI used for the genealogy database to Valeya and the rift it creates with Doretea in the school was in the books. Hoping a reveal of Vorian. Can't be Desmond Hart as Valeya met him and believe she killed him.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

As only a reader of The Dune Chronicles I can't say I'm familiar with Brian's continuation of the story. But please note. I am merely a very passionate fan ( in my own way ). I'm jealous of those who like the show and I'll continue to watch till the end.

[@bsicc]

I love the show... maybe you're just a whiner and a hater 🤷‍♂

[@FilmSchoolDad]

I ask myself this everyday. Then I make another video. 🤷‍♂️ Best, -FSD

[@urbandiscount]

raises hand..... yup yup. thoroughly bored.

[@FilmSchoolDad]

I'm so bored I'm dreading making a third/final wrap up video when this whole thing is over.

[@Infinitruss]

It’s so bad

[@FilmSchoolDad]

Superbad

[@rickyred001]

I'm enjoying it, you're not enjoying it because you do not understand whats going on

[@FilmSchoolDad]

That's exactly my point. And it's the shows job to tell me. I feel it's trying.. but failing. Trust me. I want to like this show.

[@deankruse2891]

They did a terrible job depicting a feudal space society in this show, the people are insufferable and boring. And the themes are goofy

[@rickyred001]

@@deankruse2891 fair enough dean, but i'm liking it, theres only 2 eps left, its motoring on nicely, good cast too

[@FilmSchoolDad]

@@rickyred001 to be honest. I'm glad people like it and I wish I were one of them. I'm happy Dune: Prophecy is giving you a good show. Wish I saw what you did. Best, -FSD