Dune: Prophecy episode 2 sees Desmond Hart resisting Valya Harkonnen’s use of the Voice, among other shocking moments that may require explanation. The HBO prequel show is set 10,000 years before the films on Dune’s timeline, examining the early stages of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood as it rises to prominence in the Imperium. Episode 1 established several factions as well as the original character Desmond Hart, who’s still the biggest question mark in the show’s first season. The premiere saw Hart miraculously murder Pruwet Richese and Reverend Mother Kasha, while episode 2 sees him face the consequences of his actions.

Emily Watson leads Dune: Prophecy’s cast as Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen, who ends the episode by trying to kill Desmond Hart in the same manner that she killed Reverend Mother Dorotea by using the Voice to have her stab herself in the neck. Desmond Hart manages to resist her command. Emperor Javicco Corrino has Desmond Hart use his powers on Duke Ferdinand Richese but ultimately decides to spare him. On Wallach IX, Tula Harkonnen has Sister Lila try to commune with Mother Superior Raquella through her genetic memory, and though this unlocks pertinent information, Lila dies in the process.

How Desmond Hart Resists The Voice In Dune: Prophecy Episode 2’s Ending

Desmond Hart’s Powers Are Still Unclear

Desmond Hart has been shown to have mysterious powers in Dune: Prophecy that don’t exist in the books, so the exact nature of his abilities is hard to measure. He has the power to burn someone from their insides, which he can start and stop on a whim, which he claims comes from being swallowed up by a sandworm on Arrakis, which Emperor Javicco saw in the footage at the end of episode 1. Within there, he could have gained powers from the Water of Life, spice, or some other unknown phenomenon.

“Shai-Hulud” is the Fremen term for a sandworm of Arrakis.

It’s possible to resist the Voice in Dune, as the mind can be trained to ignore its effect. Duncan Idaho trains with Paul in the books to build an immunity to it. However, episode 1 showed that, at this point in time, the Voice is a new development, so it wouldn’t make a ton of sense if Desmond Hart had mastered this skill already. It’s probably due to whatever mystical powers he possesses, which should be further explored throughout the season with more context for his backstory.

Lila’s Genetic Memory & Dune Water Of Life Connection Explained

Lila Undergoes A Similar Bene Gesserit Process To What’s Seen In Dune: Part Two

Dune: Prophecy episode 2 reveals that Lila is a descendant of Mother Superior Raquella and Reverend Mother Dorotea, who’s been raised by Tula Harkonnen. Tula hopes to access more information from Raquella regarding her prophecy of the reckoning. So, Tula lies to Lila about what happened to Dorotea, knowing that she was killed by Valya, but plants the idea in her head that she may be able to see her mother if she enters her genetic memory. This is done through a process that involves the Rossak drug, which would later be replaced by the Water of Life.

Lila isn’t well-trained enough to convert the poison that would allow her to survive

To become a Reverend Mother in Dune, Sisters must drink the Rossak poison, granting them access to their genetic memory. This allows them to see the memories of their female ancestors, but the process forces them to undergo great pain called the Agony. In Dune: Prophecy, Lila isn’t well-trained enough to convert the poison that would allow her to survive, and she ultimately perishes from the decision, but not before revealing some fascinating information.

What Mother Superior Raquella’s Prophecy Really Means

Raquella’s Prophecy Seems To Point To Desmond Hart

Image via Max

When inside her genetic memory, Lila crosses paths with both Raquella and Dorotea. First, Raquella shares more information regarding the prophecy, which can be read below. The words describe a soldier who was reborn from spice and is described as being full of scars, sounding almost exactly like Desmond Hart, which could imply that the spice is what gives him his power. It’s important to note that rebirth is also vital to Paul Atreides becoming the Kwisatz Haderach, if the “reckoning” refers to Paul’s holy war.

The key to the reckoning is one born twice.

Once in blood, once in spice.

A revenant full of scars.

A weapon born of war on a path too short.

Dorotea is the next person Lila sees, and she reveals that Valya Harkonnen was the one who killed her. She takes over Lila’s body to tell Tula that she’s “taking her hope” in return for cutting her life short, then kills Lila by forcing her to consume the poison. Tula may have used Lila, but she does show genuine love for her, and her death should cause issues among the Sisters, especially Jen.

Keiran Atreides & The Rebellion Explained

Keiran Atreides Is Working Against House Corrino

Image via Max

Keiran Atreides was rather subtle in the first episode of Dune: Prophecy, but the second reveals a bit more about his role on the show. He’s part of a rebellion actively working against House Corrino and the Great Houses because the wealth from spice flow only benefits the nobility of the Imperium. Keiran believes in his cause, but he’s torn now due to his affection for Princess Ynez. His loyalty to the rebellion might falter throughout the season, which could be a problem for him with Valya Harkonnen finding out that he’s a spy.

What Emperor Javicco Corrino’s Decision Means For Dune: Prophecy Season 1

Emperor Javicco Has Pushed The Sisterhood Aside – Will He Regret It?

Image via Max

One of the final scenes of Dune: Prophecy episode 2 sees Javicco Corrino facing off with Duke Ferdinand Richese in the throne room. Rather than take insults like he has so many times, he commands Desmond Hart to use his torturous ability on the Duke, causing him to fall to the floor suffering. Earlier in the episode, Natalya tried to convince Javicco to put Desmond Hart to use rather than imprison him, and Javicco listens. He still shows mercy to Richese, rather than having him killed, but does enough damage to demonstrate his strength.

Importantly, listening to Desmond Hart means that Javicco is siding against Valya Harkonnen and the Sisterhood. He’s listened to Desmond, who claims that the Sisterhood has ultimately weakened the emperor by orchestrating events from the shadows. Whether Desmond can be trusted is to be seen, as it’s unclear whether he’s the one who’s going to cause or prevent the destruction that Raquella foresaw. The rest of Dune: Prophecy season 1 will show Javicco reckoning with this choice, one way or the other.