Dune's New The Voice Twist Is Its Most Shocking Yet

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for the Dune: Prophecy season 1 finale.

The Dune franchise introduced a new twist involving the Bene Gesserit power of Voice in the Dune: Prophecy season 1 finale. Dune: Prophecy is a six-part series based on the 2012 novel Sisterhood of Dune, which was written by original Dune author Frank Herbert’s son, Brian, and Kevin J. Anderson. The story takes place more than 10,000 years before the rise of Paul Atreidies, which is chronicled in Denis Villenueve’s Dune (2020) and Dune: Part Two (2024).

Dune: Prophecy episode 1 “The Hidden Hand” introduced Valya Harkonnen, a fierce and calculated leader, and her biological sister, Tula Harkonnen. Dune: Prophecy episode 2 reveals what happened to Lila and her grandmother, Reverend Mother Dorotea, after Tula and Valya encouraged her to endure The Agony. In Dune: Prophecy episode 3, Tula takes Lila’s life into her own hands after she apparently died during The Agony ritual. Episode 4 reveals that Lila was resurrected through the Thinking Machine, Anirul. Episode 5 showcases Desmond Hart’s rise to power, while episode 6 sees Tula reconnect with her abandoned half-Atreides child, Desmond Hart.

Tula Using The Voice On Valya Is Truly Shocking

Valya appeared to be immune to having the power used against her

Image via Max

During the final moments of the Dune: Prophecy season 1 finale, Tula shockingly uses the Voice against her sister, Mother Reverend Superior Valya, to prevent her from killing her abandoned son, Desmond Hart. Before episode 6, it seemed like no one would have been able to use the Bene Gesserit power of Voice against Valya. Valya was the one who initially discovered/created the distinct power and taught it to a select few Sisters, including Tula.

X Ways Dune Prophecys Finale Sets Up Season 2

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10 Ways Dune: Prophecy’s Finale Sets Up Season 2

Following the events of the Dune: Prophecy season 1 finale, there are several key elements that are already set up to be expanded on in season 2.

It initially appeared that none of the Sisters could use the power of the Voice on Valya. Instead, it was likely not a matter of ability but respect that none of the Sisters dared to use it against Valya, whose Voice powers were likely more advanced than anyone else’s. This proved to be a myth based on Tula’s ability to use it successfully over Valya when it mattered most, saving her son Desmond in the process. Even Valya appeared stunned that Tula used the Voice against her, which appears to have been the first time in their lives.

Dune: Prophecy Has Made The Voice Even More Interesting Than The Movies

Desmond Hart was the only one who resisted the Voice in the Dune cinematic universe

The Bene Gesserit power of Voice is one of the most compelling aspects of the Sisterhood and the original Dune films. It is undoubtedly one of the most powerful skills in the Dune universe and is accessible only to the Bene Gesserit. While Lady Jessica and others use the Voice throughout the Dune films towards intriguing ends, Dune: Prophecy season 1 makes the Voice even more dangerous by introducing its origin and the lack of moral restraint from its creator. Dune: Prophecy also introduced the first person in the Dune cinematic universe to resist the power of Voice, which reveals that it may not be as universally lethal as it appeared to be in the movies.