Why Is Desmond Hart So Obsessed With Thinking Machines In Dune: Prophecy?

Desmond Hart seems to be declaring war against any Thinking Machines in Dune: Prophecy. Desmond Hart has been one of the most mysterious and intriguing characters in Dune: Prophecy, since he survived being swallowed by a sandworm on Arrakis. The story of Dune: Prophecy is set 10,000 years before the Dune movies, and primarily follows Valya Harkonnen and her Bene Gesserit as they attempt to gain full control over the Imperium. However, Desmond Hart has been a major opposing figure to Valya in the series so far.




The very first episode of Dune: Prophecy opened with a glimpse of the war against the Thinking Machines. In the Dune universe, humans became too dependent on advanced technology and artificial intelligence. Various powerful figures were using Thinking Machines to enslave other humans. Therefore, humans declared war on the Thinking Machines, which ultimately led to the extermination of a lot of forms of technology. However, Dune: Prophecy reveals that some people are still using Thinking Machines, and Desmond Hart seems dead set on punishing them.


Desmond Hart’s Thinking Machine Search Found The Rebels In Dune: Prophecy Episode 4

Desmond Hart Enforced The Emperor’s Rule in Dune: Prophecy


Throughout the first four episodes of Dune: Prophecy, a plot involving secret spy Keiran Atreides and the resistance has been developing. In Dune: Prophecy episode 4, Keirnan was planning to place a bomb in the Emperor’s throne room to be set off during the High Council meeting. Valya knew about this plot and was planning to stop Keiran and gain back the trust of Emperor Corrino. However, Desmond Hart, who has become one of the Emperor’s most trusted allies, exposed the plan before Valya had a chance to.

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In the episode, Desmond Hart sent the Emperor’s men to hunt down anyone using Thinking Machines, which led them to several members of the resistance. Desmond then used his mysterious power to burn the rebels alive. Doing this in the name of Emperor Corrino struck fear in the hearts of anyone who was planning to oppose his rule. However, beyond the fact that Thinking Machines are banned, it is not necessarily explained why Desmond specifically is so against the use of them.


How Desmond Hart’s Thinking Machine Obsession Connects To His Time On Arrakis

Desmond Hart Somehow Survived A Sandworm Attack On Arrakis

Even though Desmond Hart has been working closely with Emperor Corrino, he seems to have his own agenda in Dune: Prophecy. Therefore, his personal vendetta against Thinking Machines must be connected to his mysterious past. When he was using his powers against the rebels in Dune: Prophecy episode 4, glimpses of a sandworm emerging from the ground on Arrakis were shown. Early on in the series, it was revealed that Desmond Hart was swallowed by a sandworm, but somehow survived and returned with a new purpose.

However Desmond survived the attack on Arrakis will also likely reveal why he is so obsessed with hunting down Thinking Machines in
Dune: Prophecy
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It is unclear exactly how Desmond Hart survived the sandworm in Dune: Prophecy. It has been theorized that Shai-Hulud, the One God who the Fremen believe created and governs the universe, allowed him to survive. Although, there are other theories that Desmond could be a ghola, an artificially created clone created from someone who has already died. However Desmond survived the attack on Arrakis will also likely reveal why he is so obsessed with hunting down Thinking Machines in Dune: Prophecy.

Does Desmond Hart’s Obsession With Thinking Machines Connect To The Sisterhood’s Shared Nightmare?

The Glowing Blue Eyes Are A Major Mystery In Dune: Prophecy


While Desmond Hart was using his powers in episode 4, a vision of the mysterious glowing blue eyes in Dune: Prophecy was also shown. These are the same eyes that several members of the Bene Gesserit see in their nightmares. Since Dune: Prophecy transitioned from the frightening blue eyes to Desmond Hart’s eyes, it seems like there is a connection between the two figures.

Sister Theodosia (Jade Anouka) looking puzzled in Dune: Prophecy Season 1 Ep 3

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Desmond’s supposed connection to the glowing blue eyes makes his purpose and motives even more confusing in Dune: Prophecy, as the eyes that members of the Sisterhood are envisioning seem quite mechanical. If the blue eyes represent a Thinking Machine, Desmond Hart would surely oppose it, as well, unless he is actually hiding something. As of now, it is unclear what the glowing blue eyes represent, but it seems like they will be connected to both Desmond Hart and the Sisterhood in Dune: Prophecy.