DUNE: Children of Dune: TV Miniseries (2003)

Frank Herbert's Children of Dune (2003)

Dir. Greg Yaitanes | Length: 3 episodes, approx 82 minutes each.

Most of the principal characters return for the continuation of the Dune saga, although not all of them are played by the same actor/actress.

Books II: Dune Messiah (1969) and III: Children of Dune (1976) are merged because it makes sense to do so, Unfortunately, that means it has a lot of story to cover in a short time.

It begins twelve years after the events of the previous miniseries (see Dune (2000)).

The tense political situation is ongoing, and although changed is no less problematic.

The 'abomination' is older and behaving like a Bene Gesserit bitch should, with concerns of her own that have little to do with affairs of state.

The religious beliefs that surround Muad'Dib are beginning to take its toll on the reluctant Messianic figure. His actions will have a direct result on the future of the planet.

History is being written on the sands of Arrakis, but one thing is certain: "…every revolution carries within it the seeds of its own destruction."

Things that work well: the pacing is good most of the time. Leto II (James McAvoy) is likeable and his decision making seems organic and considered. The score, this time by Brian Tyler, is even better than the last one. Crucially, the relationship between the twins is believable. And finally, the worm design is one of the best I've seen (the actual 'design', not the rendering).

Things that could be better: again, the lack of a voice-over narration is a significant handicap for the story. The painted canvas backdrops of the previous series have been replaced with lazy CGI. The love triangle is underplayed. Alice Krige and Susan Sarandon say all the right words but they show little of the deep understanding or gravitas needed to bring their characters to life. The Tleilaxu aren't as mysterious as they should've been. That damned dwarf!

Don't even consider watching it unless you've seen the first series. Fans of the book will get the most from it; plus they'll know the magnificence that follows after the credits roll.