The conclusion of Dune: Prophecy arrives with its sixth episode, marking the end of the season while laying groundwork for more to come, as HBO has already confirmed its renewal. Episode 6 builds on the revelations from the previous chapter, shedding light on the destinies of key figures.
Despite the conflict between Emperor Javicco Corrino and Empress Natalya, Valya Harkonnen works to regain her hold on power, unaware that her authority back on Wallach IX is also at risk.
Valya’s ruthless past catches up in a stunning sixth episode conclusion (Photo: Luke Grimes as Kacey Dutton and Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton/101 Studios, MTV Entertainment Studios)Is Desmond Hart Truly Tula’s Son?
In the closing moments of the fifth episode, Valya Harkonnen had dispatched Desmond Hart’s DNA samples to Wallach IX for testing. The aim was for Tula to utilize the Sisterhood’s genetic archive to determine a strategy to defeat him.
Although Valya initiated this investigation, she never followed up on the results. Tula, meanwhile, became flooded with memories while analyzing the data.
The archive’s AI, akin to an advanced supercomputer named AnirulAI, revealed an extraordinary fact—Desmond Hart carried the genetic lineage of both the Harkonnen and Atreides families.
This revelation, stemming from families that had always been at odds, pointed to a past where enemies crossed paths, likely during Valya’s vengeance-driven rampage.
As episode six begins, Valya recalls her early days in the Sisterhood, under the leadership of Mother Superior Raquella, whose passing led to tensions.
Raquella’s granddaughter, Dorotea, aspired to lead and introduce reforms that clashed with the traditions upheld by Valya and others. During a heated argument, Valya used her Voice to force Dorotea into taking her own life.
It is later discovered that Tula, Francesca, and Kasha had witnessed this act and chosen to align with Valya, presenting Dorotea’s death as one driven by grief.
Tula’s Hidden Truth
The group faced resistance from Sisters unwilling to accept this explanation, leading to a violent purge. Despite this chaos, Tula confessed to Valya that she was carrying Orry Atreides’ child. Despite Sisterhood rules against childbirth, Valya pledged to support her.
However, Tula’s trust in Valya waned after witnessing her sister’s ruthless behavior. Fearing Valya would manipulate her child’s future for power, Tula deceived her sister, faking the baby’s death and sending her son away. This boy grew up as Desmond Hart, harboring resentment toward the Sisterhood and his mother.
A Switch in Leadership
When Tula consulted AnirulAI about neutralizing Desmond, the AI’s blunt recommendation to eliminate him led her to seek a peaceful solution. While both sisters were away from Wallach IX, another contender emerged—Lila, whose body housed Raquella’s spirit.
This unique bond had been cultivated by Tula, but as events comes to play, Dorotea’s spirit reclaimed control of Lila, seeking revenge.
She exposed Valya’s role in Dorotea’s death and rallied the Sisterhood against her. The destruction of the genetic archive by Dorotea further crippled the Harkonnen sisters’ influence.
A Turning Point for Javicco and Natalya
As tensions escalated in the royal palace, Princess Ynez attempted to save Keiran Atreides from execution, only to be intercepted by her mother, Natalya.
The Empress revealed her alliance with Desmond and her thirst for power, imprisoning Ynez. Emperor Javicco, upon learning of the turmoil, sought Valya’s help.
Although Valya scorned Javicco’s leadership, she used the opportunity to stage a rescue for Ynez, recognizing her potential as a future leader.
Francesca’s Dilemma
Valya tasked Francesca with assassinating Javicco to ensure Ynez’s rise to power. However, Francesca’s love for the Emperor complicated matters, and she finally refused.
Javicco, disillusioned with his lack of autonomy, took his own life, only for Natalya to frame Francesca for his death. This act placed the Sisterhood in a precarious position.
The Final Clash
In the climactic moments, Desmond’s fear-inducing machine and his vendetta against the Sisterhood come to light.
Valya, Tula, and Desmond face their ultimate fates in a showdown that reshapes alliances and power structures across the galaxy.
