Uncovering the Flaws of HBO's Dune: Prophecy

Self-Serious and Derivative - A Disappointment

Self-serious and derivative, Dune: Prophecy stands as a prime example of what can go wrong with prestige genre TV. The show, which is a spinoff of Denis Villeneuve's blue ribbon blockbuster adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic Science Fiction novel Dune and his upcoming adaptation of the sequel novel Dune Messiah, fails to bring anything new to the table. It simply takes elements from other popular shows and movies, giving a sense of déjà vu. The sex, politics, war, and murder tropes are all too familiar, making it feel like a rehash of what we've already seen. Even the filming and design resemble those of other shows, leaving little to distinguish it from the crowd.

For instance, when watching Dune: Prophecy, one can't help but draw comparisons to Game of Thrones. The similarities are striking, from the plotlines to the visual aesthetics. It seems that the show's creators were more focused on imitating the success of other shows rather than creating something unique. This lack of originality makes the viewing experience dull and unengaging.

The "Heroes" - The Bad Guys

Dune: Prophecy employs the common HBO trope of choosing assholes as the main characters. Valya and Tula Harkonnen, along with the rest of the sisterhood, are ruthless manipulators who secretly control the power of the known universe. They act as a cross between the Church and the Mafia, plotting and murdering to get their way. But the question remains: why should we care about these terrible people? They bring nothing but chaos and destruction, and the world would likely be better off without them. The show fails to provide any compelling reasons for us to root for these characters, making them unlikable and uninteresting.

Unlike the beloved characters from shows like The Sopranos, the sisterhood in Dune: Prophecy lacks any charm or relatability. They are one-dimensional and serve only to advance the plot in a predictable manner. There is no depth or complexity to their characters, making it difficult for the audience to connect with them on an emotional level.

Boringly Derivative - A Rehash of Past Glories

As mentioned earlier, Dune: Prophecy is incredibly derivative. It takes inspiration from various sources, but fails to add any new twists or turns. The show feels like a carbon copy of other Sci-Fi and Fantasy shows, lacking any originality or creativity. Even the spirits of the dead mothers in The Agony resemble those from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, further highlighting its lack of uniqueness.

The gratuitously protracted sex and space cocaine scenes also feel like a cheap imitation of past HBO shows. It seems that the creators felt the need to include these elements simply because it's HBO, without considering whether they added any value to the story. This lack of restraint in borrowing from other shows only serves to undermine the show's own identity.

Ridiculously Humourless - A Missed Opportunity

Dune: Prophecy is incredibly po-faced and humourless, which is a surprising trait for a show that is supposed to be about Science Fiction nonsense. While the show attempts to explore themes of power, religion, and propaganda, it fails to inject any humor into the mix. The characters are so serious and their shenanigans are so portentous that it becomes unintentionally funny.

Imagine a show where every time something goes wrong, it's accompanied by the same Curb Your Enthusiasm music. It's as if the writers forgot that humor is an essential part of human nature and can help relieve tension. The Sopranos was frequently funny, and even Game of Thrones had its moments of levity. But Dune: Prophecy seems to have missed this crucial aspect, leaving the audience feeling bored and detached.

In conclusion, HBO's Dune: Prophecy is a disappointment. It fails to live up to the hype and offers little that is new or exciting. While it may have its moments, they are overshadowed by the show's many flaws. It's a reminder that even in the world of prestige TV, quality and originality still matter.

Dune: Prophecy is on HBO. Watch it for a laugh, but don't expect too much.