Includes SPOILERS for Dune: Prophecy episode 4.
Desmond Hart begins bleeding out of scars in Dune: Prophecy episode 4, raising questions about his mysterious past and powers. Travis Fimmel plays Hart in Dune: Prophecy’s cast, an original character to the show whose abilities don’t seem to come from any of the Dune books. With that in mind, he’s the most challenging character to interpret, as even book readers are lost trying to figure out what his deal is. Episode 4 saw him brought to the center of attention at a large assembly meeting featuring many of the main characters, and what transpired created more questions than answers.
Several characters showed up to episode 4’s assembly meeting with an agenda, hoping to make plays for more power in front of Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong). Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson) was present, hoping to earn the emperor’s favor by preventing a terrorist attack from the rebellion. However, it was Desmond Hart who won the day, beating her to the punch by flushing out the rebels before they could attempt their bombing. He then made a show of executing nobles on behalf of the emperor, though he began bleeding in the process.
Dune: Prophecy Episode 4 Reveals That Desmond Hart Is Covered In Scars
Desmond Hart’s Scars Raise Questions About The Sandworm Incident
Desmond Hart is still a major question mark at this point in Dune: Prophecy. It’s difficult to say what happened to him on Arrakis, what the extent of his power is, or what purpose he’s hiding beneath his outward generosity toward Emperor Corrino. The fact that his abilities when executing the nobles caused him to bleed is new information to add to the pile, especially when the shirtless scene at the episode’s ending saw his back covered in deep scars.
These scars are likely tied to the incident on Arrakis with the sandworm. He survived an event that should have pulverized him. He’s constantly talked about being reborn metaphorically, so maybe the scars indicate that he was physically reborn in some capacity. He probably isn’t a ghola unless the series is making drastic changes to Dune’s timeline but involving some sort of physical rebirth could be in the cards, using new elements that aren’t in the books. The scars could represent an imperfect recreation, or they could just be a result of his powers.
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Dune: Prophecy Introduces Its Baron Harkonnen Replacement & They’re Badly Needed
The HBO prequel series Dune: Prophecy introduces a new Harkonnen figure in episode 3 who has eerily similar characteristics to the Baron.
Why Desmond Hart Bleeds During The High Council Scene In Dune: Prophecy Episode 4
Desmond Hart Bleeds When Using His Powers
Desmond Hart seemed to be experiencing pain when using his power on Pruwet Richese in episode 1, but this is the first time he’s used it to this extent, and the effects were far more drastic. Hart’s abilities cause him to suffer until he bleeds, causing him pain that he needs to retreat to his quarters to recover from. This puts him in a vulnerable position in Dune: Prophecy, which Valya Harkonnen now knows about. Had it been acceptable politically, it may have been an opportune time to strike, but she’ll have to wait on that.
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Dune: Prophecy
Set in the universe of Frank Herbert’s Dune series, this sci-fi epic follows the political and spiritual struggles on the desert planet of Arrakis. As factions vie for control of the prized spice melange, a prophesied hero emerges, challenging the balance of power and the fate of the galaxy.
- Cast
- Emily Watson , Olivia Williams , Jodhi May , Travis Fimmel , Mark Strong , Jade Anouka , Chris Mason , Sarah-Sofie Boussnina , Shalom Brune-Franklin , Faoileann Cunningham , Aoife Hinds , Chloe Lea , Josh Heuston , Edward Davis , Tabu , Yerin Ha
- Release Date
- November 17, 2024
- Seasons
- 1