Prophecy Episode 5 Review – “In Blood, Truth”

On By Littum

The following review contains spoilers for the fifth episode of Dune Prophecy, “In Blood, Truth”

Yes! Finally! Some drama! I really want more of Dune: Prophecy felt like “In Blood, Truth.” It has big reveals, big action, and big decisions being made, and it all feels so much more exciting than everything leading up to it. Almost every element of the episode feels elevated, from how the visuals and action come together to give the audience fresh new things to look at, and an energy to the performances that feels much better now that the actors have something to chew on. Even the boring Imperial story gets new excitement – especially with the introduction of Mother Francesca into the mix. This is the first time Dune: Prophecy has really hit the Game of Thrones impression it’s been trying to do all along, and it’s confusing why the whole show isn’t like that. With only one episode left, it looks like the excitement will be short-lived.

It’s probably easiest to see the effects of the more engaging script in how much the younger actors are able to step it up in “In Blood, Truth.” It’s really the first time Dune: Prophecy has given Josh Heuston something to work with as Constantine Corrino, and he’s finally able to make the bastard son trying to win his father’s favor a more compelling part of the series. Sarah-Sofie Boussnina is also enjoying it, and with where Princess Ynez’s story is left in “In Blood, Truth,” it will be exciting to see where things go and if they can get a good ending for the character. Chloe Lea, who has already been one of the standouts among the younger actors in the series, will play an entirely new character in episode 5 as her foremothers battle for control of Sister Lila’s mind, and her impersonation of Mother Raquella is spot on – she expertly mirrors Cathy Tyson’s movements, quirks and speech patterns. A rising tide lifts all boats, and a more exciting story does the same for these shows.

Visually, “In Blood, Truth” still doesn’t come close to the Dune movies, but the increased action of the episode obviously makes it all the more visually interesting. As things start to pick up (literally) with Keiran and Mikaela, we’re treated to some solid fight choreography as they fight their way through the newly minted Sardukar, and while the explosions that follow don’t always look amazing, it’s just more exciting to see when the story more naturally works together with the action. It’s a welcome change of pace for a series that has so far struggled with its more stunt-heavy scenes.

But that’s the question: This is far too little, too late. There’s one more episode next week, and while I have relatively high hopes for it now that things seem to be coming together, this won’t save Dune: Prophecy from what it’s been. Too much time was spent setting up the dominoes, and now there is little or no time left to enjoy watching them fall. Giving Dune: Prophecy only 6 episodes to work with does the series a huge disservice, tying it with the many recent streaming series (perhaps most notably Disney+ MCU shows) to follow the same trajectory: feeling sluggish at the beginning, only to to have to hasten the end.