As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of immersion in various digital realms, I find myself perplexed by the current state of television. It feels like I’m stuck in a never-ending loop of remakes, reboots, and reinventions of the same old stories. The latest additions to this seemingly endless cycle are HBO’s “The Penguin” and “Dune: Prophecy.
In today’s world, studios such as HBO boast an impressive array of intellectual properties, ranging from comical to serious. While Disney is known for franchises like Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, these are just a few gems in their extensive collection. Studios like Paramount rely on properties like Sonic the Hedgehog and Yellowstone. HBO, being a part of Warner Bros., can easily tap into the DC Comics Universe, the Dune franchise, and numerous other big-name properties. It seems that they often utilize these iconic brands to replicate projects they’ve already produced.
The “streaming wars” were a risky venture, initiated by Netflix like many tech companies. However, the company isn’t currently profitable, but investors continue pouring money in, hoping to eliminate enough competition and establish a monopoly. The product remains affordable only as long as prices stay low, and this is sustained only because it needs to be. Other companies recognized this precarious situation and rushed to follow suit. This explains why the entertainment we consume today seems so unpredictable.
Why do The Penguin and Dune: Prophecy seem so familiar?
| Title | The Penguin | Dune:Prophecy |
|---|---|---|
| Creator(s) | Lauren LeFranc | Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker |
| Stars | Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Deirdre O’Connell, and Clancy Brown | Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, and Sarah-Sofie Boussnina |
| Episodes | 8 | 6 |
| Release Date | September 9, 2024-November 10, 2024 | November 17, 2024-December 22, 2024 |
| Streaming On | HBO Max | HBO Max |
These productions, namely “The Penguin” and “Dune: Prophecy”, aren’t breaking new ground. They fall into familiar genres – a gritty crime drama with “The Penguin”, and an expansive sci-fi epic with “Dune: Prophecy”. Both are fresh installments in franchises that have been around for quite some time, being the latest adaptations of long-standing media sensations.
As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the frequent links drawn between “The Penguin” and “The Sopranos,” both delving into the complex life of a mid-level gangster juggling family and crime. In contrast, “Dune: Prophecy” is incessantly compared to “Game of Thrones,” offering an in-depth character study of a criminal versus a grand saga about noble houses and shifting alliances. Despite “The Sopranos” ending its run in 2007, shows like “Boardwalk Empire” have faced criticism for trying to rekindle the show’s brilliance. On the other hand, “Game of Thrones” ended on a sour note, but spin-offs like its prequel series and upcoming projects keep it alive in our collective consciousness. Both “The Penguin” and “Dune: Prophecy” are often subjected to comparisons, some positive and others less so.
Are the comparisons actually accurate?
In a different phrasing, it can be stated that it’s unjustified to accuse either “The Penguin” and “Dune: Prophecy” of imitating their predecessors, but they do share a similar atmosphere akin to “The Sopranos” and “Game of Thrones.” However, one significant distinction lies in their duration. Unlike “Thrones” and “Sopranos,” which spanned several years, these newer shows are limited series, serving as extensions of established movie franchises instead. They don’t borrow plot points, but they do echo the same general mood and style. It’s plausible that HBO developed these shows as alternatives to their previous series, yet they maintain their individuality. Interestingly, major shows often face such comparisons, while HBO focuses on creating unique, smaller series with innovative concepts.
Where can HBO go from here?
Instead of implying that HBO is running out of ideas with these types of shows, it’s more accurate to say they indicate the direction HBO wants to take prominently. The intriguing move ahead could involve giving more attention to lesser-known series. Genres like gangland dramas and royal epics might be worn out, but that doesn’t guarantee their success again. It seems that HBO is leveraging current trends. For example, The Last of Us joined other post-apocalyptic dramas, while The Penguin and Dune: Prophecy are original shows filling familiar slots. Shows like Deadwood, Oz, and even Rome initially fit well in these spots before their iconic programs took over. New examples will always emerge.
It’s not right to equate series like “The Penguin” and “Dune: Prophecy” with the most well-known examples of their style. Instead, it makes sense for networks like HBO to prioritize more engaging content over relying on similarities to keep things fresh. Continually linking new shows to familiar storytelling formats may limit the potential of intriguing programs and leave lesser-known series constantly worried about cancellation due to unfair comparisons.
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2024-11-22 04:05