Dune Prophecy Episode 3 “Sisterhood Above All” Review.

The third episode of Dune Prophecy entitled “Sisterhood Above All” largely focuses upon the backstory of Valya and Tula Harkonnen before joining the sisterhood and gives an understanding of what life was like for the Harkonnens in exile as well as a look at the noble House Atreides while still contrasting the aftermath of the events of episode two. Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson) has been banished from the Corrino palace following her confrontation with Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel) while her sister has sent word that Lila (Chloe Lea) did not make it through the agony. 

While Tula resists carrying out the Sisterhood ceremony of bidding farewell to one of the order, Valya brainstorms what her next chess move will be after vowing not to be turned away from the Palace and the plan we know that the Sisterhood will remain committed to fulfilling ten thousand years later. Hearing what Lila’s last words were while undergoing the agony. She takes pause to think of what they may mean with regard to the prophecy and Desmond Hart’s possible role therein.

It is then that we get to go back and see planet Lankiveil and witness the harsh arctic conditions of life on the planet, which has reduced the once great house to slaughtering the native blue whales for their fur and for food as there is no other economy from which the Harkonnens can hope to survive on other than serving as Whale Fur Merchants attempting to rebuild their name all the while sustaining themselves on the meat of these creatures, which is rationed in such a way that not even Harkonnen family members of the House get a free ride. Young Valya (Jessica Barden) is disgusted at what her family has been reduced to and is shunned by her parents and grandfather who are resentful of the Attraides betrayal, but seek a more peaceful and honorable way from which to earn the elevation of their house. Young Tula is not without sympathy for her sister, but seeing as Valya is being sent away to the Sisterhood by her family, she is torn between her responsibilities between her and their overall predicament. 

It is here where we learn not only that Valya was the first Sister to learn the voice, but we see her resolve when she arrives on Wallach IX and encounters resistance because of being considered a member of a disgraced family. However it is her resolve that eventually gets her noticed by the Mother Superior and sets into motion events that will eventually lead to where we see her in the series now.

Meanwhile on Caladan we witnessthe ritual surrounding the hunting of the carnivorous Salusan Bull, which is accurately betrayed as being both familiar to what we think of a bull, but yet has bony protrusions reminiscent of a reptile on it’s spine. Seeing what occurs on both worlds has a heavy impact upon the direction that House Harkonnen will take as both sisters embrace what appears to be their fated roles in the events to come.

I really liked seeing the animals that that I have only read about in the books and in particularly the blue whales with their furry bodies because I always wondered to myself what would that look like. I felt legitimate sympathy for the Harkonnens and was surprised by the ritual background and look of the inhabitants of Caladan 10,000 years in the past. 

Dune Prophecy is really a series that is works very well for fans of the books who are familiar with the universe and it does at times test the patience of those unfamiliar with its developing plot that we will ultimately lead to a confrontation and yield a surprising outcome. I think the acting was top shelf and the climax of the episode still kept me wanting to see more as every episode has so far. Dune Prophecy “Sisterhood Above All” will premiere on Sunday December 1, 2024 at 9 PM (ET/PT) on HBO and MAX.

(C) Copyright 2024 By Mark A. Rivera

All Rights Reserved.

HBO Announces Ian Bonhôte & Peter Ettedgui’s Award-Winning SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY, Debuting December 7 On HBO And Max.

HBO Announces Ian Bonhôte & Peter Ettedgui’s Award-Winning SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY, Debuting December 7On HBO And Max

An Intimate Portrait Of The Actor And Activist Told In His Own Voice And Through The Eyes Of His Family And Friends  Presented By DC Studios In Association With HBO Documentary Films, CNN Films, Words+Pictures, And A Passion Pictures And Misfits Entertainment Production

SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY, directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui (“McQueen”), debuts SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 (8:00-9:45 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. The critically acclaimed film had its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and recently won six Critics Choice Documentary Awards.   Synopsis: Following a life-altering accident, Christopher Reeve persevered, by using his fame to speak of hope and to change our perception of paralysis, all while remaining a dedicated activist, actor and filmmaker, devoted dad, and loving husband to Dana Reeve, the beating heart of the family. Chronicling his personal and professional life before and after the near-fatal horseback riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down, SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY uses Reeve’s own words, as well as intimate input from his closest family members and friends, to paint a rich, nuanced portrait of a man who refused to be defined by his physicality and who proved that you don’t need tights and a cape to be a hero. After becoming a quadriplegic, Reeve harnessed his reputation as Superman to help fund medical research through his foundation, creating initiatives to improve the lives of disabled people all over the world, becoming a charismatic leader and tireless advocate, all while continuing his career in cinema in front of and behind the camera, and dedicating himself to his beloved wife Dana and his three children. Dana cared for Reeve heroically and after his death at the age of 52, she remained committed to his advocacy work only to tragically succumb to lung cancer just 17 months later. The foundation was renamed the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation on the first anniversary of her death. Illustrated with a multitude of film clips of Reeve as Superman, as well as his other roles and the films he directed, and including never-before-seen, intimate home movies and an extraordinary trove of personal archive material, the film also features the first-ever extended interviews filmed with Reeve’s children, as well as insight from Reeve’s brother, his first wife Gae Exton, and Hollywood colleagues and friends such as Susan Sarandon and Glenn Close. The film also features extensive archival footage of Reeve with his best friend and Juilliard classmate Robin Williams, who, with his wife Marsha, was a constant source of support for Reeve and his family. A moving and cinematic story of bravery and perseverance, triumph and tragedy, love and devotion, this documentary tells the remarkable story of a man who not only embodied a supernatural hero on screen, but also through his dedication and endurance, became a real life hero and symbol of hope to his wife, his family and the millions of people he touched throughout his life.   Featured Participants: Children Matthew Reeve, Alexandra Reeve Givens and Will Reeve; actors Susan Sarandon, Glenn Close, Jeff Daniels, Whoopi Goldberg; half-brother Kevin Johnson; friend Michael Manganiello; “Superman” producer Pierre Spengler; and former secretary of state John Kerry. The film also includes archival footage of wife Dana Reeve, father Franklin Reeve, director Richard Donner, and mother Barbara Johnson.   Credits: DC Studios presents in association with HBO Documentary Films and CNN Films in association with Words+Pictures, a Passion Pictures and Misfits Entertainment production in association with Jenco Films. Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui; editor, Otto Burnham; composer, Ilan Eshkeri; produced by Lizzie Gillett, Robert Ford, Ian Bonhôte; director of photography, Brett Wiley; executive producers, Connor Schell, Libby Geist, Marie Margolius, Mark Meatto, Andrew Ruhemann, David Moulton, Andee Ryder, Daniel Kilroy; written by Peter Ettedgui; co-written by Ian Bonhôte and Otto Burnham.

What’s New On Max This December

 

What’s New On Max This December

Watch The Debuts of HBO Originals “Hard Knocks: In Season With The AFC North,” “Nature Of The Crime,” and “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” Max Originals “Creature Commandos,” “Fast Friends,” “Rose Matafeo: On And On And On,” And Season Two Of “Bookie,” And Warner Bros. Film “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” Catch Max’s Collection Of Courtroom Dramas, Comedies, and Documentaries, Along With Clint Eastwood Classics, Ahead Of The Debut Of “Juror #2”

FEATURED PROGRAMMING Debuts December 3 HBO Original Sports Documentary Series HARD KNOCKS: IN SEASON WITH THE AFC NORTH Rollout: New episodes will premiere weekly on subsequent Tuesdays through the end of the NFL regular season and continue into the NFL playoffs in January. Logline: For the first time ever, television’s most acclaimed sports documentary franchise will chronicle an entire NFL division. The series will document the battle for the AFC North crown during the final six weeks of the NFL season, as well as a playoff run for the division-winner and any AFC North Wild Card teams. The 18-time Emmy®-winning series will deliver its signature all-access coverage as it follows the Mike Tomlin-coached Pittsburgh Steelers, who have never been featured on “Hard Knocks” in the history of the series, as well as coach John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens, coach Zac Taylor’s Cincinnati Bengals, and coach Kevin Stefanski’s Cleveland Browns. Quarterbacks Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Jameis Winston, and Russell Wilson will share the “Hard Knocks” spotlight with Derrick Henry, Ja’Marr Chase, Myles Garrett, TJ Watt, and an array of other AFC North star players.   Debuts December 5 Max Original Adult Animated Series CREATURE COMMANDOS  7 Episodes Rollout: Debuts with 2 episodes followed by 1 episode weekly Logline: The series tracks a secret team of incarcerated monsters recruited for missions deemed too dangerous for humans. When all else fails… they’re your last, worst option. Cast: Steve Agee as Economos, Maria Bakalova as Princess Ilana, Anya Chalotra as Circe, Zoe Chao as Nina Mazursky, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., Sean Gunn as GI Robot & Weasel, David Harbour as Frankenstein, Alan Tudyk as Dr. Phosphorus, Indira Varma as The Bride, and Viola Davis as Amanda Waller. Credits: Written and executive produced by James Gunn. Based on DC characters and produced by DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation; additional executive producers include Peter Safran, Dean Lorey, and Sam Register; Rick Morales serves as a supervising producer.   Debuts December 7 HBO Original Documentary SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY Logline: The story of Christopher Reeve is one of an astonishing rise from unknown actor to iconic movie star to global activist for disability rights and care. Chronicling his personal and professional life before and after the near-fatal horseback riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down, SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY uses Reeve’s own words, as well as intimate input from his closest family members and friends, to paint a rich, nuanced portrait of a man who refused to be defined by his physicality and who proved that you don’t need tights and a cape to be a hero. Credits: DC Studios presents in association with HBO Documentary Films and CNN Films in association with Words+Pictures, a Passion Pictures and Misfits Entertainment production in association with Jenco Films. Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui; editor, Otto Burnham, composer, Ilan Eshkeri; produced by Lizzie Gillett, Robert Ford, Ian Bonhôte; director of photography, Brett Wiley; executive producers, Connor Schell, Libby Geist, Marie Margolius, Mark Meatto, Andrew Ruhemann, David Moulton, Andee Ryder, Daniel Kilroy; written by, Peter Ettedgui; co-written by, Ian Bonhôte and Otto Burnham.   Debuts December 10 HBO Original Documentary NATURE OF THE CRIME Logline: Every day, thousands of people are sentenced to prison with the possibility of parole, which grants release back into their communities. The life-changing decision of whether parole is ultimately granted – and who decides – is an aspect of the U.S. criminal justice system with little oversight that is often shielded from public scrutiny, mired in political considerations and little understood.  This film follows two men convicted of murder in New York when they were teens, their attorneys, and their family members, as they prepare for their upcoming parole interviews, reflecting on their crimes, their rehabilitation, and the criteria for decisions about their potential release. The film also follows another incarcerated man going through the parole process in Connecticut, a state that recently reformed its process to allow for public observation and additional legal protections. Credits: HBO Documentary Films presents NATURE OF THE CRIME, a Break Thru Films Production. Produced, directed, and written by Ricki Stern and Jesse Sweet; senior producer, Seth Keal; executive producers, Joe Caterini and Logan Snyder.   Debuts December 12 Max Original Comedy Series BOOKIE S2 8 Episodes Rollout: Episodes debut weekly at 9 p.m. ET Logline: From Emmy®-nominated creator Chuck Lorre (“The Big Bang Theory”) and Nick Bakay, this darkly funny comedy follows veteran Los Angeles bookie Danny (Sebastian Maniscalco) as the potential legalization of sports gambling in California threatens to upend his business for good. Alongside best friend and former NFL player Ray (Omar J. Dorsey), side-hustling sister Lorraine (Vanessa Ferlito), and reluctantly reformed drug dealer Hector (Jorge Garcia), Danny must contend with his increasingly unstable clients as he tries to settle their debts – all while making plenty of risky bets of his own. Full of relatable mishaps, Bookie chronicles one man’s journey to adapt to an ever-changing world as he attempts to charm and con his way to the top. S2 Cast: Stars Sebastian Maniscalco, Omar J. Dorsey, Vanessa Ferlito, Jorge Garcia, Andrea Anders, Maxim Swinton and Rob Corddry. Guest stars this season will include Charlie Sheen, Ray Romano, Zach Braff, and Brad Garrett. Credits: Produced by Warner Bros. Television, BOOKIE is created, written, and produced by Chuck Lorre and Nick Bakay; executive produced by Sebastian Maniscalco, Judi Marmel, and Andy Tennant, who directed multiple episodes.   Debuts December 19 Max Original Game Show Special FAST FRIENDS Rollout: Episodes debut weekly Logline: Max is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the global phenomenon Friends with the premiere of FAST FRIENDS, a four-part “Friends” fan challenge special hosted by comedian Whitney Cummings. Filmed at The FRIENDS Experience: The One in New York City, FAST FRIENDS takes place in the celebrated series’ iconic sets in a fast-paced competition event. From racing through Rachel and Monica’s apartment to darting across Joey and Chandler’s bachelor pad and grabbing a coffee at Central Perk, fans will re-live their favorite moments while being put to the test with trivia, puzzles, and games that will keep even the most die-hard FRIENDS fans on their toes. The quickest team will win the title of Ultimate Fast Friends Champion. Cast: Hosted by Whitney Cummings Credits: FAST FRIENDS is produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon. The new four-part game show is executive produced by Dan Sacks, Bridgette Theriault and Dan Norris. Richard Burgio serves as co-executive producer.   Debuts December 19 Max Original Comedy Special ROSE MATAFEO: ON AND ON AND ON Logline: "Starstruck” creator/star Rose Matafeo returns to Max for her second stand-up special. Building her hourlong set around a 16,000-word note kept over time on her phone, Matafeo leans into her insightful and self-deprecating humor to share candid takes on relationships – from dating in her 20s vs. 30s to supporting friends through breakups and the stark differences between herself and her parents at the same age. The comedian also explores whether she wants children, how aging has impacted her comedy, and her strong feelings about online relationship coaching. Filmed live at London’s Britten Theatre, ROSE MATAFEO: ON AND ON AND ON reflects on the difficulties of endings as well as the seemingly endless loops that shape our lives. Credits: Written and performed by Rose Matafeo; directed by Barbara Wiltshire; executive producers, Richard Allen-Turner, Cath Gagon, Alice Snedden, Jon Thoday, and Rose Matafeo. Produced by Avalon.   Debuts December 20 Max Original Film JUROR #2 Logline: The film follows family man Justin Kemp (Nicholas Hoult) who, while serving as a juror in a high-profile murder trial, finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma…one he could use to sway the jury verdict and potentially convict—or free—the accused killer. Cast: The film stars Nicholas Hoult, Oscar® nominee Toni Collette, Oscar® winner J.K. Simmons, Chris Messina, Gabriel Basso, Zoey Deutch, Cedric Yarbrough, Leslie Bibb, and Kiefer Sutherland. The film also features Amy Aquino and Adrienne C. Moore. Credits: Academy Award® winner Clint Eastwood directs from a screenplay by Jonathan Abrams. The film is produced by Eastwood, Tim Moore, Jessica Meier, Adam Goodman and Matt Skiena, and executive produced by David M. Bernstein, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell.   Coming Soon Warner Bros. Film BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE Logline: Beetlejuice is back! After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia's life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened. With trouble brewing in both realms, it's only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice's name three times and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem. *An American Sign Language (ASL) version of the film will be available to stream in the U.S. and Europe, performed by Sophia Morales. A Língua Brasileira de Sinais (LIBRAS) version will be available to stream in Brazil in addition to the ASL version, performed by Andrey Baptista. Cast: Michael Keaton returns to his iconic role alongside Oscar® nominee Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz and two-time Emmy® winner Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz, with new cast members Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti, with Emmy® nominee Jenna Ortega as Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, and Oscar® nominee Willem Dafoe. Credits: Tim Burton directs from a screenplay by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar, story by Gough & Millar and Seth Grahame-Smith, based on characters created by Michael McDowell & Larry Wilson. Produced by Marc Toberoff, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Tommy Harper and Burton, with Sara Desmond, Katterli Frauenfelder, Gough, Millar, Brad Pitt, Larry Wilson, Laurence Senelick, Pete Chiappetta, Andrew Lary, Anthony Tittanegro, Grahame-Smith and David Katzenberg executive producing.

Bleacher Report Live Sports in December: Please note this list may not be comprehensive and is subject to change. All times are in ET.   Pre- and post-event programming will also be available to stream live, along with condensed replay highlights available after each event.   College Football Playoff – First Round Dec. 21 Matchup TBA, 12 p.m. Matchup TBA, 4 p.m.   NBA Regular Season Note: The B/R Sports Add-On will have Knockout Round coverage of the Emirates NBA Cup 2024 from Las Vegas, NV. Please check the NBA’s listings for matchups and times, when announced.   Dec. 3 Memphis Grizzlies at Dallas Mavericks, 7:30 p.m. Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets, 10 p.m.   Dec. 19 Oklahoma City Thunder at Orlando Magic, 7 p.m. New York Knicks at Minnesota Timberwolves, 9:30 p.m.   NHL Regular Season Dec. 4 Boston Bruins at Chicago Blackhawks*, 7:30 p.m. Dallas Stars* at Los Angeles Kings, 10 p.m.   Dec. 11 New York Rangers at Buffalo Sabres, 7:30 p.m.   Dec. 18 Philadelphia Flyers at Detroit Red Wings, 7 p.m. Florida Panthers at Minnesota Wild*, 9:30 p.m.   Dec. 31 2025 Discover NHL Winter Classic (Wrigley Field, Chicago) St. Louis at Chicago Blackhawks, 5 p.m.   U.S. Soccer Dec. 3 Netherlands vs. U.S. Women’s National Team, 2:30 p.m.   Cycling Dec. 6-7 Champions League | London | UCI Track   Dec. 14 Trophy | Herentals | Men & Women   *Telecast will not be available in the local indicated market

MAX PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHT: JURY’S OUT   As the highly anticipated “Juror #2” arrives on the premier streaming destination this December, check out Max’s catalog of courtroom and legal dramas, documentaries, and notable episodes from fan favorite series, alongside Clint Eastwood classics. Featuring Emmy® and Golden Globe winning HBO Original series “Big Little Lies,” Emmy®-nominated and Golden Globe®-winning HBO Original “Indictment: The McMartin Trial,” Emmy®-winning HBO Original series “The Night Of,” investigative documentary series “Johnny vs Amber: The U.S. Trial,” and episodes from “The Wayan Bros” and “Looney Tunes,” Max has it all for your courtroom compulsion.   Judge, Jury and Drama  All Rise (OWN) Big Little Lies (HBO Original) Cold Case Conviction (2010) Indictment: The McMartin Trial (1995) Jamie vs. Britney: The Father Daughter Trials (discovery+) Perry Mason (HBO Original) Rich & Shameless (TNT) The Jinx (HBO Original) The Night Of (HBO Original) The Staircase (Max Original) The Trial of Christine Keeler The Wire (HBO Original) Trial By Fire (2019) The Undoing (HBO Original)   Courtroom Stories  Chaos In Court (ID) Gwyneth vs Terry: The Ski Crash Trial (discovery+) Inside the Trump Trial (CNN) Johnny vs Amber: The U.S. Trial (discovery+) No Accident (HBO Original, 2023) The Truth vs Alex Jones (2024) Truth About Murder with Sunny Hostin (ID) I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth V. Michelle Carter (HBO Original, 2019)   Gavel Gags  Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law (Adult Swim) Ted 2 (2015)   Episodes on Trial  The Boondocks, Season 1, Episode 2 “The Trial of Robert Kelly” (Adult Swim) Animals, Season 3, Episode 7 “Episode Twenty-Seven: The Trial” (HBO) Batman: The Animated Series, Season 2, Episode 4 “Trial” (Warner Bros. Animation) Anni: The Honeymoon Murder, Season 1, Episode 4 “The Trial” (discovery+) Fareed Zakaria Documentaries, Season 1, Episode 4 “Presidents on Trial: An Inside Look at Impeachment” (CNN) Ken and Barbie Killers: The Lost Murder Tapes, Season 1, Episode 4 “The Trial” (discovery+) The Wayan Bros, Season 2, Episode 22 “Trial and Error” (The WB) Looney Tunes, Season 7, Episode 4 “The Trial of Mr. Wolf” (Cartoon Network) Deadwood, Season 1, Episode 5 “The Trial of Jack McCall” (HBO) Little People, Big World, Season 5, Episode 2 “Matt on Trial” (TLC) How it Really Happened, Season 3, Episode 3 “Ted Bundy: The Murder Trials Part 3” (CNN)   Legendary Clint Eastwood Juror #2 (2024) Cry Macho (2021) Dirty Harry (1971) Invictus (2009) Jersey Boys (2014) Unforgiven (1992)

TITLES COMING TO MAX IN DECEMBER: *This list may not be comprehensive and is subject to change   December 1 Cedar Rapids (2011) Clash of the Titans (2010) Cop Out (2010) Death Race (2008) Glee The 3D Concert Movie (2011) Hamlet 2 (2008) How I Live Now (2013) Invisible Stripes (1939) It All Came True (1940) Jupiter Ascending (2015) Key Largo (1948) Kid Galahad (1937) King of the Underworld (1939) Lightning Strikes Twice (1951) Lord of the Rings (1978) Man from God's Country (1958) Marine Raiders (1944) Marked Woman (1937) Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) Megamind (2010) Mr. Popper’s Penguins (2011) National Velvet (1944) Ninja Assassin (2009) Overland Telegraph (1951) Passage to Marseille (1944) Person to Person (2017) Pistol Harvest (1952) Results (2015) Riders of the Range (1950) Saddle Legion (1952) San Quentin (1937) So This Is Paris (1926) Stagecoach Kid (1949) State's Attorney (1932) Strike Up the Band (1940) Take This Waltz (2012) Teen Titans Go! 400th Episode (Warner Bros. Animation) The Goonies (1985) The Hobbit (1977) The Maltese Falcon (1941) The Oklahoma Kid (1939) The Return of Doctor X (1939) The Return of the King (1980) The Roaring Twenties (1939) The Secret Fury (1950) The Shop Around the Corner (1940) The Threat (1949) The Two Mrs. Carrolls (1947) The Wagons Roll at Night (1941) The Woman on Pier 13 (1950) They Drive by Night (1940) Tomorrow is Another Day (1951) White Bird in a Blizzard (2014) White God (2015) Words and Music (1948) You Can't Get Away with Murder (1939)   December 3 90 Day: The Last Resort (Between the Sheets), Season 2 (TLC) 90 Day: The Last Resort, Season 2 (TLC) Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North (HBO Original) Kids Baking Championship: Frosting the Snowman (Food Network) Mecum Full Throttle: Las Vegas NV 2024   December 5 Creature Commandos, Season 1 (Max Original) Roadworthy Rescues, Season 3   December 6 Batwheels, The Great Christmas Caper, Season 2 (Cartoon Network) Mini Beat Power Rockers, Season 4 Mini Beat Power Rockers: A Villain's Carol (2024) Teen Titans Go!, Season 8, Episodes 30-34 (Cartoon Network) The Official DC Podcast (Max Original) Tiny Toons Looniversity: Winter In Blunderland, Season 2 (Cartoon Network) December 7 Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (HBO Original) Evolve and Flex, Episode 1   December 8 A Season to Remember (OWN) Motortrend: Mecum Presents: The 2025 Kissimmee Preview Show Motortrend: Mecum Presents: The Steve McQueen 917K   December 9 999 Murderer Calling, Season 1 (discovery+)   December 10 Nature of the Crime (HBO Original)   December 12 Bookie, Season 2 (Max Original) Fear Thy Neighbor, Season 10 & 11 (ID) Lost in the Amazon: The Rescue That Shocked the World (Max Original) Was I A Sex Object? (Max Original) December 13 Batwheels, Season 2 Episodes 22-37 (Cartoon Network) December 14 Evolve and Flex, Episode 2   December 15 Frozen Planet II, Season 2 (discovery+) Mistletoe & Matrimony (OWN)   December 16 Truck U, Season 20 Two Guys Garage, Season 23 Very Scary People, Season 6 (ID) White House Christmas (HGTV)   December 17 Dr. Sanjay Gupta Reports: Is Ozempic Right For You? (CNN)   December 19 Fast Friends (Max Original) Rose Matafeo: On and On and On (Max Original) Texas Cheerleader Murder Plot (ID) The Head, Season 3 (Max Original) December 20 Juror #2 (Max Original) X-Rated Queen, Season 1 (Max Original) December 21 Evolve and Flex, Episode 3   December 22 Build for Off-Road, Season 1 24-Karat Christmas (OWN)   December 23 Alien Files: Reopened, Season 1   December 27 Building Outside the Lines, Season 2 (Magnolia Network) In with the Old, Season 7 (Magnolia Network) The Flipping El Moussas, Season 2 (HGTV)   December 28 Evolve and Flex, Episode 4 Mecum Full Throttle: Kansas City MO 2024   December 30 Home Town, Season 9 (HGTV) Teen Titans Go!, Season 8, Episodes 35-37 (Cartoon Network) Yellowstone Wardens, Season 6 (Animal Planet)

Dune: Prophecy Episode Two Review.

The second episode of Dune: Prophecy begins with a new opening credit sequence very similar to Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon. I kind of prefer the more feature film like opening of the premiere episode, but understand the needs for a television series to establish itself over a long time to presumably come.

There was one scene however that felt out of place where one of the characters is engaged in R-rated love making with bare breasts and full rear end nudity. It was not that the scene was distasteful, but somehow it did not feel right as far as my recollections of the Dune universe. This felt as though it was meant to serve as some kind of adult eye candy, but honestly did nothing to forward the plot or define the characters involved beyond what we know from episode one so I felt it could have been edited out with little effect to the progression of the episode and hope HBO will not fall on scenes like this because viewers tune in for character and story and not for nudity. At least not as far as Dune is concerned. 

I was surprised at the pace the plot involving Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel) was brought ahead. I thought there would be more denial, but am glad they did not dance around the subject and got to the point fast. There is a scene between Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson) and Desmond Hart that illustrates how formidable both characters are. There is an effect involving “suspensors” that looked really bad. I mean fake and not up to the high standards one expects from an HBO original series. 

Mark Strong as the Emperor seems rather weak at times. I am not used to seeing that actor playing a character that at times seems almost lost lost in the headlights whereever he’s standing however, I do have hopes that his character will become stronger as the series progresses.

We learn a bit more visually regarding the right that the sisterhood goes through to obtain greater prescience, and it is both a frightening and enlightening sequence that is a highlight of the episode. Overall, I thought this was a good installment with nice pacing for the most part, good effects and fine acting performances. May The Spice Flow.

(C) Copyright 2024 By Mark A. Rivera

All Rights Reserved.