The first episode of Dune: Prophecy, “The Hidden Hand,” sets up a complex web of characters and relationships while introducing a new era to the Dune universe. However, it struggles to balance its ambitious scope with its modest budget.
While the episode succeeds in adding rich lore to the franchise, particularly during its voiceover-heavy exploration of the Butlerian Jihad, it falters when delving into more complex storylines. The Emperor’s political woes and House Richese’s storyline feel stale, reminiscent of the Star Wars prequels, and disrupt the momentum.
The show does manage to elevate some elements, such as the Sisterhood’s internal conflict and the introduction of Desmond Hart as a key character. Actors like Emily Watson and Olivia Williams shine in their roles, while supporting casts struggle with clunky dialogue. The episode is also plagued by inconsistent presentation, with CGI and set design often feeling inferior to its big-screen counterparts.
Despite these flaws, “The Hidden Hand” has moments of brilliance, such as Kasha’s nightmare sequence and the burning of young Master Richese. However, it fails to fully integrate itself into the Dune universe, settling for a more nuanced exploration of lore over storytelling.
Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/dune-prophecy-series-premiere-review-the-hidden-hand