Episode 1 of Dune: Prophecy introduces us to the Bene Gesserit more than 10,000 years before the birth of the films’ protagonist, Paul Atreides. It was mostly set up, establishing the relationships in play in this outer space-set palace drama. However, now that we have been introduced to all of the characters, we can get into the juicy drama in episode 2.
If you have not seen episode 2 of Dune: Prophecy, stop reading here because this article contains MASSIVE spoilers.
Dune: Prophecy Episode 2 Recap
In the aftermath of Kasha’s death at the end of episode 1, Tula (Olivia Williams) feels guilt, thinking she might be responsible. Meanwhile, the sisters at the school begin to doubt why this death was allowed to happen, speculating that it might have been an assassination.
After Valya (Emily Watson) tells Tula that the report is inconclusive, she informs her sister that she must go to Salusa Secundus, as it is Raquella’s “burning truth” and the Princess must be retrieved. She asks Theodosia (Jade Anouka) to join her on Salusa. Meanwhile, Tula insists that Lila (Chloe Lea) must lead to fulfill the prophecy.
On Salusa, Duke Richese confronts Emperor Corrino (Mark Strong), angry that he was not at his son’s funeral. Corrino claims that it was the boy’s thinking machine that killed him, but suspects that it was actually Desmond (Travis Fimmel). In private, Desmond readily admits to killing the younger Richese, and the Emperor arrests him.
Back on Wallach IX, Tula tells Lila that a new enemy has emerged to undermine the sisterhood’s power. She asks Lila to speak with the deceased Raquella by unlocking her genetic memory through the Agony.
Prince Corrino has sex with Richese’s daughter, who explains that control is about the Spice, and the Prince reveals to her that Desmond has been arrested for her brother’s murder.
Emperor Corrino reveals to his wife that Desmond survived an attack from the sandworm, and she suggests that they keep him alive to use as a weapon. Later, Duke Richese demands that Corrino hand over Desmond for interrogation, but he lies and claims that no one is being held as a suspect.
Now on Salusa, Valya informs the Emperor that Kasha was burned from the inside and asks to question Desmond herself. Valya and Theodosia also speak with the Princess and tell her that they are going to convince her father to let her study with the Sisterhood. The Princess asks Theodosia how Kasha died.
Valya interrogates Desmond, who admits to killing Kasha in addition to Richese. She demands that the Emperor punish Desmond, but he refuses unless she is able to provide concrete proof. Valya then travels to Zimia to talk with Mikaela, who reveals that Atreides (Chris Mason) is a spy working with smugglers who are attempting to assassinate Corrino.
Back on Wallach IX, Tula administers the Agony to Lila. In her hallucination, Raquella tells Lila that Valya killed her. She then unsuccessfully tries to kill Lila.
Meanwhile, Duke Richese attempts to betray the Emperor, and Desmond almost kills him in retaliation. Desmond also tells Valya that she is no longer welcome in the palace and that he wants to wipe out the Sisterhood. Valya attempts to use the Voice on him, but after faking compliance, he reveals he is immune.
He says, “It’s not that no one will hear you; it’s that they’ll hear you and just won’t care.”
Is episode 2 of Dune: Prophecy good?
As Valya begins to unravel the mystery of what happened to Kasha (even if it doesn’t stay a mystery for very long), we begin to see the political intrigue that the rest of the series will have to offer. The production values remain strong, although there’s not a ton of action or excitement in this episode.
With this adaptation of Sisterhood of Dune being confined to only six episodes, Dune: Prophecy will have to pick up its pace — and fast — to be a particularly memorable entry in its franchise.
New episodes of Dune: Prophecy air on HBO and Max every Sunday at 9pm ET/PT.
