This is the follow up to the SciFi Channel's adaptation of Dune, the classic science fiction epic by Frank Herbert. Interestingly, both this mini-series and it's predecessor were both highly rated, but Skiffy, due to some changes in management, no doubt, did not seek to follow up on this and went the mass pandering route they did. It is a creative desert they only recently have begun emerging from again.
"Imagine Greater", does not mean wrestling and reality TV. That is "follow the leader" with the flimsiest of genre skins at best.
Anyway...
This one does continue the story of Paul Atreides (Alec Newman) who has become Maudib, leading the Fremen of Arrakis on a campaign across the known universe. They have been taking planets left and right, raising the flag of Maudib far and wide. Originally full of promise at its utterance, the name of Maudib becomes a curse on the lips of some. Paul has taken to wandering among his people in disguise, listening to what they have to say and he has begun to believe that what started as a well needed change in the galactic order has begun to rot at its core. But power tends to have its own momentum so he is at something of a loss as to what to do about it. Machinations about him move, like the workings of House Corrino, and eventually, Chani gives birth to his children, son Leto II and daughter Ghanima. Duncan Idaho reappears as a Tleilaxu ghola (a kind of golem/clone but breaks his programming in the assassination plot. Eventually, Paul disappears and becomes a legend, some believing he is now a wandering prophet amongst the people. Alia, his sister, the Abomination, brought into being when Paul's mother Jessica consumed the Water of Life when she was with child, takes over as regent. She seems to be destabilizing, however. With all those elements in play, and more to come, time is ripe for chaotic change in the galaxy.
This was an epic undertaking, and IMO, mini-series are one of the best approaches to adapting this material. Now, Dune Messiah is a relatively short book compared to Dune or Children of Dune. Still, that is a bit of an odd choice to mash the two together. Despite that, and what seems a bit more of a reduced budget for special effects, they did bring this chapter of the Dune saga to life. I especially note Alec Newman as Paul and his effective portrayal of Paul in his wandering prophet period. Also, Daniella Amavia made a great Alia. Her dance background made her grace as a fighter totally believable, and her natural charisma translated well as Alia descended into madness.
I have to note Steven Berkoff as Stilgar. Though he is decent, he did not compare to Uwe Ochsenknecht, who played him in Dune the mini-series. I have no idea why they did not bring him back, but to not do so was a mistake.
Worth getting, especially if you are fan of this story. Skiffy, more like this, please.
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