The Official Dune: Prophecy Podcast – Episode 3 Summary: "Sisterhood Above All"

Release Date: December 2, 2024
Hosts: Ahmed Ali Akbar and Greta Johnsen
Guests: Jordan Goldberg (Executive Producer/Writer), Richard Lewis (Director), Mark Tobey (Executive Producer), Bojana Nikitović (Costume Designer), Jessica Barden (Actress as Valya Harkonnen), Emma Canning (Actress as Tula Harkonnen)

Introduction

In Episode 3, titled "Sisterhood Above All," hosts Ahmed Ali Akbar and Greta Johnson delve deeper into the intricate world of HBO's Dune: Prophecy. This episode explores the Harkonnen family dynamics, character backstories, and the evolution of key relationships, enriched by exclusive insights from the show's creative team and lead actresses.

Episode Recap

The episode opens with a poignant quote from Valya Harkonnen (Jessica Barden) [00:06], setting a tone of resilience and ambition:

"Sometimes our misfortunes are the sails that take us to the shores we are meant to be on. You can achieve extraordinary things here, even shape the course of the Imperium, if you decide to stay." [00:06]

Title: "Sisterhood Above All"

• Setting: The dreary planet Lankaveil, home to the Harkonnens post-Great Machine Wars.
• Plot Highlights:
  • Flashbacks: Introduction to young Valya and Tula's childhood, showcasing Valya's first use of the voice to save her brother Griffin, his subsequent death, and her vow of revenge.
  • Present Day: Valya devises a plan to defeat Desmond Heart and regain Imperial trust, leading her to confront her Harkonnen family.
  • Tula's Arc: Embarks on a secret mission to infiltrate the Atreides clan, resulting in significant bloodshed, including the possible loss of a loved one.
  • Wallach 9: Tula uses a thinking machine and spice to keep Lila alive after she falls into a coma during the agony.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Character Dynamics: Valya and Tula

The heart of this episode revolves around the complex relationship between the Harkonnen sisters, Valya and Tula. Greta Johnson [01:16] and Amidal Akbur [02:42] discuss the depth of their bond, shaped by shared trauma and divergent paths:

Greta Johnson: "I found Valya's origin story with the sisterhood really helpful and brought a lot of story that I didn't know existed." [03:09]

They explore how Griffin's death serves as a catalyst for both sisters, propelling them into their respective journeys—Valya towards power and vengeance, and Tula into strategic infiltration and survival.

2. Family Dynamics and Legacy

The episode sheds light on the dysfunctional dynamics within the Harkonnen family. Quotes from Valya Harkonnen [00:06, 05:10] and Emma Canning [11:21] highlight themes of entitlement and rebellion:

Valya Harkonnen: "Your father has plenty of status." [10:56]
Emma Canning: "I won't sit by and let it happen." [11:21]

Jordan Goldberg [06:17] elaborates on the family’s legacy, emphasizing the historical burdens and generational feuds that drive Valya's ambitions.

3. Creative Insights from the Team

Jordan Goldberg (Executive Producer/Writer) discusses the rationale behind integrating flashbacks at this juncture of the season:

"Backstory origin stories deepen your characters and help them make their journey going forward." [06:17]

Richard Lewis (Director) shares his approach to creating the bleak atmosphere of Lankaveil:

"My whole thing was, like, it has to feel brutal." [08:29]

He opted for a handheld shooting style during family scenes to convey tension and unease, fostering an authentic portrayal of the family's dysfunction.

Mark Tobey (Executive Producer) highlights the serendipitous location choice for Lankaveil shots:

"When we saw that location, it was hands down stunning." [14:25]

The production team's commitment to authenticity extends to practical elements like weather conditions and intricate set designs, enhancing the visual storytelling.

4. Costume Design with Bojana Nikitović

Bojana Nikitović [41:53] provides an in-depth look into the costume design, focusing on functionality and aesthetic coherence for the sisterhood. Key points include:

• Functional Design: Incorporation of hidden pockets to accommodate weapons, ensuring practicality without compromising style.

  Bojana Nikitović: "The pockets were really helpful because sometimes they're putting knives or other things they're carrying." [44:52]

• Monochrome Palette: Reflects the stormy environment of Wallach 9, with variations distinguishing novices from reverend mothers.

• Wedding Dress: A standout piece designed with silk satin duchess and laser-cut layers to symbolize entrapment and transformation.

  Greta Johnson: "Why a red wedding dress?" [49:25]
  Bojana Nikitović: "In India, bridal color is red. It has a clean silhouette and represents getting trapped in the whole situation." [50:36]

This meticulous attention to detail underscores the show's commitment to world-building and character development.

5. Themes of Revenge, Grief, and Transformation

The episode delves into how personal loss drives the characters' actions:

• Valya's Quest for Power: Fueled by grief and a desire to erase her family's tarnished legacy, Valya's journey is marked by ambition and strategic maneuvering.

  Valya Harkonnen: "I cannot be here anymore. I cannot do this anymore." [21:18]

• Tula's Strategic Brutality: Her mission to penetrate the Atreides clan involves moral compromises, leading to internal conflict and a hardened exterior.

  Emma Canning: "She's a wolf in sheep's clothing, understanding consequences yet reveling in her actions." [37:14]

The interplay between their personal motivations and broader political intrigues highlights the intricate narrative fabric of Dune: Prophecy.

Notable Quotes

1. Valya Harkonnen [00:06]:
   "Sometimes our misfortunes are the sails that take us to the shores we are meant to be on. You can achieve extraordinary things here, even shape the course of the Imperium, if you decide to stay."

2. Emma Canning [11:21]:
   "This complacency is a disease. If we don't act now, it will infect all of us and all who come after us. I won't sit by and let it happen."

3. Richard Lewis [08:31]:
   "It's not supposed to be an inviting place. It's supposed to be a place you want to escape from."

4. Jordon Goldberg [06:17]:
   "In the books, the Harkonnens are not who we think they really are. Their descendant was marked a coward and banished to this place."

5. Bojana Nikitović [44:24]:
   "Those are pants. Whether they're wearing a dress, they're wearing pants."

Character Analysis

Valya Harkonnen (Jessica Barden)

Valya emerges as a complex protagonist driven by ambition and a desire to redefine her family's legacy. Her interactions reveal a blend of resilience, strategic acumen, and underlying vulnerabilities shaped by grief and loss.

"My brother Griffin will still be dead." [17:33]

Tula Harkonnen (Emma Canning)

Tula's character arc explores themes of survival, moral ambiguity, and strategic brutality. Her duality as both a compassionate individual and a ruthless operative underscores the intricate power dynamics within the sisterhood.

"They just need each other to survive." [26:24]

Themes Explored

• Power and Ambition: Valya's journey underscores the quest for power as a means to overcome personal and familial constraints.
• Grief and Vengeance: The sisters' motivations are deeply intertwined with their grief over Griffin's death, propelling them towards actions that shape their destinies.
• Family Legacy and Betrayal: The Harkonnens' struggle with their legacy and the broader political landscape of the Imperium adds layers of complexity to their motivations.
• Identity and Transformation: Both Valya and Tula navigate their identities amidst familial expectations and personal aspirations, highlighting the transformative power of their experiences.

Production Highlights

• Location Shooting: The snowy terrain of Lankaveil was captured in real-time snowfall, adding authenticity to the bleak setting. The use of the World War II-era tunnels in Budapest provided an atmospheric backdrop for pivotal scenes.

  Mark Tobey: "The Caledon location was stunning and perfectly complemented the story." [15:32]

• Costume Functionality: The design choices, such as hidden pockets and practical fabrics, reflect the characters' need for mobility and readiness in their harsh environment.

Conclusion

Episode 3, "Sisterhood Above All," masterfully intertwines character backstories, complex family dynamics, and thematic depth to enrich the Dune: Prophecy narrative. Through insightful discussions with the creative team and compelling performances by Jessica Barden and Emma Canning, the podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of the episode's pivotal moments and underlying themes. As the sisters navigate their tumultuous paths, the stage is set for further developments that promise to unravel the intricate tapestry of power, revenge, and redemption within the Imperium.

Notable Quote with Attribution and Timestamp:

• Emmet's Recap:

  "We're meeting young Valya and Tula in their childhood home... Valya vows revenge." [01:04]

• Jessica Barden on Character Motivation:

  "Our families choose hate because of what they're taught." [17:22]

• Emma Canning on Tula's Internal Conflict:

  "It's really sad." [32:33]

These quotes exemplify the episode's focus on personal motivations and the complexities of familial relationships, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of the characters' journeys.

For those intrigued by the intricate world of Dune: Prophecy, Episode 3 offers a deep dive into the motivations and transformations of its central characters, setting the stage for an enthralling continuation of the saga.