Tula’s Heartbreaking Betrayal: A Deep Dive into Dune Prophecy Episode 3
Episode 3 of Dune: Prophecy, titled Sisterhood Above All, takes viewers back into the cold, emotionally charged world of House Harkonnen. The episode delves into the childhood of the Harkonnen sisters, Valya and Tula, and the tragic events that lead to the Harkonnen family fall from grace. After the death of their brother, Griffin, Valya swears vengeance against the family she believes is responsible: House Atreides.
Tula, portrayed by Emma Canning as a young woman and Olivia Williams as an adult, is the one who ultimately enacts this revenge. The episode showcases Tula internal struggle as she seduces and falls in love with Orry Atreides, only to poison him and his family during a hunting trip. The sequence builds tension, with Tula torn between her love for Orry and her loyalty to her family’s cause.
Tula Dilemma: Love vs. Loyalty
In the tense scene where Tula hands Orry the poisoned drink, she’s faced with an unexpected challenge. Orry, who has just suffered the loss of a horse, refuses to leave the cabin as planned. Tula adapts, making a difficult decision to allow him to stay and even accept his proposal, all while trying to prevent him from leaving.
Olivia Williams, in an interview with Business Insider, discussed the emotional complexity of this moment. Tula love for Orry grows deeper as she falls for him, yet her loyalty to her family remains a heavy pull. The contradiction in Tula emotions — love for Orry versus the responsibility to her family — creates a deeply compelling internal conflict, which was crucial in Williams’ portrayal of the character.
The Massacre and Tula’s Choice
Tula’s decision to kill Orry, and her surprising choice to spare Albert (played by Archie Barnes), adds another layer of complexity to her character. Tula sees something of herself in Albert, the youngest member of the Atreides family, who is often overlooked. Tula’s act of sparing Albert is both a moment of self-reflection and survival, realizing that he poses no threat to her and understanding that she must protect herself at all costs.
The Complex Relationship Between Valya and Tula
As the sisters return to House Harkonnen, Tula faces a new challenge — being framed as the good sister while Valya is blamed for their actions. Williams shared that the dynamic between Valya and Tula is built on a deep sense of envy and admiration. While Valya is portrayed as the more dominant force, Tula’s path is one of survival and quiet rebellion.
Behind the Scenes: Emma Canning and Olivia Williams
Canning and Williams never filmed together, making the preparation for Tula character even more intriguing. Canning, who spent two months preparing for the role, dove into the nuances of Tula’s personality, focusing on voice intonation and capturing the essence of Williams’ portrayal. Williams, in turn, shared her insights on the character’s emotional journey, ensuring that both versions of Tula were seamlessly connected.
Their collaborative effort to shape the character of Tula demonstrates the depth of the storytelling in Dune: Prophecy and the intricate process of bringing this complex character to life.
Tula story in Dune: Prophecy is one of love, betrayal, and survival, perfectly captured by the performances of Emma Canning and Olivia Williams. As the Harkonnen family drama unfolds, viewers are left to wonder: how far will Tula go to protect herself and her family’s legacy?
