When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.

It’s been one of my most anticipated shows of the year.

And after watching the first four episodes, I can tell you that …

Emily Watson in "Dune: Prophecy"

Okay, fine iswaytoo harsh.

There’s a lot to like about this show.

If this were a 10-episode season or even an eight-episode season, I could see it.

An image indicating spoilers are ahead.

But I am going to keep things to largely broad concepts rather than getting into specific spoilers.

So tread carefully, even if there aren’t any massive spoilers.

In fairness, that movie wouldn’t really make sense as a TV show either.

Press

But my point is more that you shouldn’t expect Oscar-worthy visuals and sound design.

This TV show feels like a TV show.

That said, it is a very well-made TV show.

DUNE: PROPHECY Official Trailer (2024) - YouTube

The visualsaregood,even if the CGI is a bit more noticeable than in the movies.

Unfortunately, the people talking in the rooms are struggling to draw me all the way in.

But honestly, I found myself more interested in the performances of Jessica Barden as a Young Valya.

Keiran Atreides (Chris Mason) holds a knife up to Princess Ynez Corrino (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) in Max’s “Dune: Prophecy”

I’ve been more compelled by Emma Canning, who plays the younger Tula.

But I’m not sure that any of these performances border on greatness.

There’s a chance, that we could get one though before the show’s end.

Disney+

There are talented actors, but they’re largely underwhelming.

I want to watch more, and I’ve mostly enjoyed what I’ve watched.

I’m just worried there isn’t enough left to watch.

Max

If this was a multi-season show?

I wouldn’t be panicked at all.

Even with four to six episodes remaining, I’d still be confident that the show lands the plane.

Article image

That said, I’m still going to watch every second.

More from Tom’s Guide

David (Michael Iskander) in "House of David" season 1 now streaming on Prime Video

Adam Scott in "Severance," now streaming on Apple TV Plus.

The cast of Yellowjackets surrounding Misty

Promotional image for Dexter: Original Sin showing actors Patrick Gibson, Molly Brown and Christian Slater surrounding a dining table

Severance; Wicked; The Residence

Left to right: Billy Magnussen, Osy Ikhile, Paul G. Raymond, Cristin Milioti, Milanka Brooks in Black Mirror season 7

The Pitt

Mare of Easttown — Kate Winslet

Filmmaker flirts with heavy irony in this shot from "The Dark Money Game"

Joel (Pedro Pascal) sits on a sofa in HBO�s "The Last Of Us" season 2

Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in The Last of Us

Bella Ramsey in The Last of Us season 2

Using an under-desk elliptical while working seated at a desk

iPhone 16 colors hands-on.

Michael B. Jordan as Smoke in "Sinners" movie

Recipes in the food section of Apple News Plus on an iPhone

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti

iOS 16 Fitness app on an iPhone 12

Fire TV interface on the Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd gen)