WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for the Dune: Prophecy season 1 finale.
The finale of Dune: Prophecy has introduced a fascinating new development concerning the Bene Gesserit’s iconic power of Voice. Set over 10,000 years prior to Paul Atreides’ journey, depicted in Denis Villeneuve’s adaptations, this series expands the Dune universe in unexpected ways.
In the premiere episode, “The Hidden Hand,”we’re introduced to Valya Harkonnen, a strategic and formidable leader, alongside her sister Tula Harkonnen. The second episode delves into the fates of Lila and her grandmother, Reverend Mother Dorotea, after Valya and Tula urge Lila to undergo a perilous trial known as The Agony. As the series progresses, episode 3 reveals Tula’s desperate attempt to save Lila post-ritual. By the fourth episode, the narrative takes a turn as Lila is resurrected through the Thinking Machine, Anirul. As the season unfolds, Desmond Hart’s ascent becomes central in episode 5, while episode 6 offers a poignant moment as Tula reconnects with her forsaken half-Atreides child.
HBO/MAX has officially confirmed that a second season of Dune: Prophecy is currently in the works.
Tula’s Use of the Voice on Valya: A Game-Changer
A Surprising Twist: Valya’s Apparent Immunity
Image via Max
In a climactic moment during the season finale, Tula wields the Voice against her sister, Mother Reverend Superior Valya, effectively preventing her from harming Desmond Hart, who is her estranged son. Prior to this event, it appeared that Valya was impervious to the deadly effects of the Voice—imagined to be a privilege that only she could command. In fact, Valya was instrumental in the discovery and teaching of this powerful technique to select members of the Sisterhood, including Tula herself.
Interestingly, it was believed that no Sister would dare to invoke the Voice against Valya, not purely out of capability but from deep-seated respect for her advanced powers. Tula’s unexpected success in using the Voice against her sister shatters that perception, marking a significant moment in their history. Valya’s astonishment indicates that this was an unprecedented confrontation.
Reimagining the Voice: Beyond Cinematic Realms
Desmond Hart: A Unique Resistance to the Voice
The concept of the Voice, integral to the lore of the Bene Gesserit, remains a central theme in the Dune saga. Traditionally depicted as an immensely potent ability exclusive to the Sisterhood, the exploration of its origins and the moral complexities surrounding its application in Dune: Prophecy adds depth to its narrative. Furthermore, the introduction of Desmond Hart as the first character to successfully resist the Voice shifts our understanding of this power, suggesting it may not be the omnipotent force previously portrayed in the films.