Dune: Prophecy Episode 2’s Big Death Isn’t As Tragic As It Seems

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Key Takeaways

  • Bodies pile up in Dune: Prophecy, hinting at future war between the Great Houses.
  • Lila dies in tragic sacrifice, adding to the Bene Gesserit’s strength.
  • Lila’s death raises questions about her mysterious mother and potential return in the future.

As a seasoned observer of narratives, I must say that Lila’s story in “Dune: The Sisterhood” has left quite an impact. Her life, filled with secrets and deception, mirrors the labyrinthine nature of the Harkonnens themselves.

In its second week, Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker’s series “Dune: Prophecy” has seen a rising toll of casualties. The Great Houses aren’t quite engaged in open conflict yet, but with a rebellion brewing on Arrakis and the Bene Gesserit beginning to show signs of internal strife, it seems that war may be imminent in “Dune: Prophecy” season 1.

10,148 years prior to Paul Atreides’ birth, the prequel to “Dune” follows the ascension of the Bene Gesserit under the stern Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson). The Bene Gesserit aim to place one of their own on the throne, but unfortunately, one of their members fell in November 24’s episode titled “Two Wolves.” Although it was a heartbreaking event, remember that such sacrifices only fortify the Bene Gesserit.

Who Dies in Dune Prophecy Episode 2?

Lila, portrayed by Chloe Lea in the series Dune: Prophecy, had a brief yet delightful run. Despite Tula Harkonnen (played by Olivia Williams) predicting her destiny as a future Reverend Mother, unfortunate events led to Lila’s demise during the Sisterhood’s struggle for survival. Meanwhile, Valya was occupied with the deaths of Lord Pruwet Richese (Charlie Hodson-Prior) and Reverend Mother Kasha (Jihae Kim) in the initial episode. During her absence, she entrusted Lila’s care at the school and instructed her to undergo “the Spice Agony.

In the story, Tula was observed concocting the Rossak toxin, a reference to its connection to the ancient ritual first mentioned in Rossak where it originated in the books. The 2004 novel Dune: The Battle of Corrin, written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, further elaborated on this ritual when it revealed that Raquella Berto-Anirul (Cathy Tyson) was killed by Rossak Sorceress Ticia Cenva using the poison, and she managed to transform it into a harmless compound. One of the effects of this substance is the ability to access the collective consciousness and memories of one’s female ancestors. Nevertheless, as Lila’s demise demonstrates, they do not always welcome such visitors.

Fans of Frank Herbert’s original works and films are well-acquainted with the ordeal known as the Agony, an experience endured by both Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) and Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet). Among them, Paul’s journey through the Agony in Dune: Part Two is most renowned, culminating in his transformation into the prophesied Kwisatz Haderach/Lisan al Gaib. The Spice Agony is particularly grueling for those attempting to become Reverend Mothers, who must consume a blue substance. Despite its harshness on them, it’s even more devastating for men. As stated by reverend Mother Helen Mohiam in Dune, all males who have attempted to transform the Water of Life have perished.

Following a lethal toxin attack, Lila detoxified and ventured into her Other Memory, encountering ancestors – one being Raquella, the initial Bene Gesserit leader and Lila’s great-great-grandmother. Despite appearing supportive, Raquella was interrupted by the ghost of Sister Dorothea. Thirty years prior to the series’ main events, Valya employed ‘the Voice’ and compelled Dorothea to take her own life.

In a vengeful manner, Dorothea had warned Tula that Valya would take her future; now, it’s Tula’s ‘hope’ that will be seized. Lila, who served as a sort of adopted daughter to Tula, suffered a heart-wrenching blow when Dorothea, who was also Lila’s grandmother, ended Lila’s life on Wallach IX. Lila, an underestimated character brimming with potential without the arrogance common among some of the other girls, seemed destined for greater things; her untimely departure, especially given her connection to Raquella, came as a surprising and poignant turn of events.

Lila’s Death Makes Perfect Sense

It’s been speculated that Lila might not have left permanently, given the circulating theories. In Herbert’s “Children of Dune,” Paul’s sister, Alia (who was portrayed briefly by Anya Taylor-Joy in “Dune: Part Two”), is shown to be possessed by the spirit of Baron Harkonnen – her biological grandfather. If Dorothea were to possess Lila and deceive Tula into believing she’s still alive, there could potentially be significant issues at the school.

Above all, Lila’s passing gave me the chance to alert my sisters about the impending Tiran-Arafel. I shared this vital information with the young apprentice under my guidance.

The secret to understanding lies in someone reborn; first through biological lineage, then through experiences hardened by conflict. This is a spirit reawakened after death, marked with battle scars, wielding a tool forged from war, navigating a journey that will be over all too soon.

The initial episode hinted at a catastrophic event, orchestrated by a cruel ruler, which would involve the devastation of the Bene Gesserit temple on Wallach IX. Although it seemed to suggest Leto Atreides II as the future God Emperor of Dune, Demond Hart’s (Travis Fimmel) apparent death on Arrakis and subsequent rebirth during the conflict, make him another contender for the enigmatic Tiran-Arafel role.

The situation added another puzzle to the mix, with viewers wondering about the fate of Lila’s mother. Born mothers are separated from their daughters immediately to prevent emotional attachment, but Tula claimed Lila’s mother died during childbirth. However, it appears that this was yet another deception by the Harkonnens. An optimistic Lila thought she might find her mother in her Other Memory, but when Dorothea stepped out of the shadows, she informed Lila that her real mother wasn’t there. Instead, Dorothea hinted that the Bene Gesserit manipulated this information to persuade Lila to go where they wanted her to be.

It’s evident that Lila’s mother didn’t pass away during childbirth, as she doesn’t appear in her memories labeled ‘Other.’ If she’s still alive, this could have significant consequences. Whether she’s a character we’ve met before or someone yet to be introduced, the great-granddaughter of Raquella could potentially be an invaluable ally or formidable adversary for the Harkonnen sisters. Valya and Tula seem to be concealing her status, but with Lila now deceased, the past may soon collide with the Harkonnen sisters. After all, Desmond Hart has demonstrated that Valya’s power is not invincible.

Despite Lila seemingly leaving us physically, there’s a possibility she may reappear at some point later on. As Sister Emeline (Aoefie Hinds) mentioned to Lila before the Agony, this might not be our final goodbye.

Reverend Mothers know better than anyone that the dead aren’t gone.

There’s an element of tragedy that Lila made the decision to undergo the Agony herself. But while the Raquella lineage has lost another, it feels like the continued mistakes of the Harkonnen line will come back to bite Valya and Tula. The show’s opening said it was about correcting inaccuracies of House Harkonnen’s history, but Mother Superior could be heading toward her own Duniverse version of Macbeth.

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2024-12-01 02:07