Sisterhood Above All is the mantra of the Bene Gesserit and also the title of the third episode of Dune: Prophecy, a heavy flashback to the time when young Valya and Tulia Harkonnen (Jessica Barden and Emma Canning) joined the Sisterhood and plotted a plan for revenge and domination that would put the Sisterhood in true command of the Empire. If we still don’t understand who Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel) is and his hatred for the Bene Gesserit, could the answer lie in the past?

The episode’s synopsis says that after a tragedy, young Tula worries about being accepted despite her last name, while a skeptical Valya struggles with the decision to take the Sisterhood vow. In other words, we will return to the off-screen opening of the series, when Valya asks us “What holds more truth: History or Prophecy?”.

The mark of cowards and the plan for revenge

“When humans rose up against the thinking machines that had enslaved them, history says it was an Atreides who led them to victory while my great-grandfather abandoned the battle. When the earth ended and all thinking machine technology was outlawed, my family earned the mark of cowards from history. And we were banished to a desert world,” she says right away. “Some who shared my blood resigned themselves to living in dishonor, but the history the Atreides wrote was woven of lies. And I, Valya Harkonnen, am determined to change it.”

That’s right, in the episode we will be at the hateful House Harkonnen, meeting Evgeny Harkonnen (Mark Addy) and the young sisters. IMDB keeps the characters of Earl Cave (Nick Cave‘s son) and Milo Callaghan a secret because they reveal a spoiler that readers of the books already suspect. Remember what Valya says when she hesitates to leave the temporary command of the Bene Gesserit to her sister in the last episode? “Emotions get in the way of decisions,” she alludes. “Since when do I shy away from difficult choices?” Tula mysteriously recalls. The third episode will show one of them.

In the past, forbidden romances

In the episode’s flashback we will not yet see the romance between Sister Francesca (Charithra Chandran) and the young emperor (she is Constantine’s mother), but yes, the conexion between Tula and Orry Atreides (Callagham). That’s right, an Atreides.

In the events narrated in the Caladan Trilogy (written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson), as a young woman, Tula Harkonnen becomes romantically involved with and eventually marries Orry Atreides. A union that is one of the most intriguing parts of the expanded narrative of the Dune universe, as it explores an attempt to overcome the historical rivalry between Houses Harkonnen and Atreides. Of course, we know that “it still doesn’t work out”, but it will be a great test for Tula.

Orry Atreides is a young and idealistic character, who seeks to distance himself from the rigid traditions and power struggles typical of House Atreides. His personality contrasts sharply with the calculating and brutal environment of the Harkonnens, which makes his relationship with Tula a bold and unexpected choice.

On the other hand, Tula Harkonnen is marked by her apparent resistance to the oppressive expectations of House Harkonnen. Although she carries the weight of her lineage, she seems to be less cruel and more reflective than many of her relatives. This difference in her personality allows her to find a genuine connection with Orry.

Unfortunately, like many relationships in the Dune universe, the union of Tula and Orry does not have a happy ending. Political pressure and intrigue end up putting both in difficult situations, and their relationship is tragically cut short by the incessant conflicts between their Houses. Valya forces Tula to choose. And she does.

Ambitious, cold, and ruthless Valya Harkonnen’s reaction to Tula’s marriage to Orry Atreides is exactly as anticipated. She is outraged, at least at first, and sees the union as a personal and political betrayal. A direct affront to the historical rivalry between the two Houses and demands proof that Tula is not putting her personal feelings above the duty of strengthening the Harkonnens. Something she references again in the first episode of Dune: Prophecy.

As Valya and Tula have a tense relationship, marked by competition and mistrust, In addition to their mutual fears, the marriage is also interpreted by Valya as yet another attempt by Tula to break free from the House’s dominance and reject its values.

Amongst the Bene Gesserit, Valya is struggling to strengthen her position, but it’s for the House Atreides that the consequences are tragic.

Orry is assassinated and although the murder is never officially confirmed in the book, the series will of course reveal it. From this event on, disillusioned, Tula becomes more bitter and obedient to her sister. Again, as she indicated in the premiere episode, over time she has created the “rigid layers” that Valya sees as essential to the Sisterhood. Yes, better prepare for even more emotions in Dune: Prophecy!