Warning! SPOILERS ahead for Dune: Prophecy episode 5.Dune: Prophecystar Tabu explained her complicated relationship with Emperor Corrino and her son, Constantine, in the series. Based on the 2012 novelSisterhood of Dune, the HBO show takes place10,000 years before theDunemovies. It follows Valya Harkonnen, who leads the Bene Gesserit and is trying to ensure the sisterhood has full control over the Imperium. InDune: Prophecy, Tabu plays Sister Francesca, who is close to Valya but also has a complicated relationship with Emperor Corrino, who has been working against the Mother Superior throughout the series.
In an interview withScreen Rant,Tabu explained Sister Francesca’s relationship with both her former lover, Emperor Javicco Corrino, and her son, Constantine. Since the origin of Francesca and Javicco’s relationship is not shown in the series, their true bond to each other is left up to interpretation. Tabu explained that she would have loved to explore more of the dynamic between her character and the Emperor, but admitted that it may be more interesting to keep viewers guessing. Read Tabu’s full comments below:
That was one of the discussions I was having with Anna [Foerster, who directed episode 5] and Alison [Schapker] because you don’t see Francesca and you don’t see her with Javicco before this. You just see her as young Francesca, so it was left to my imagination and to whatever we decided could have happened.
But there is also a line when she says that they’re the ones who actually manipulated the marriage of the Emperor, and this is what she tells Javicco also. It brings together two universes and all of that. I’m sure that she is in love with the Emperor — not just in love, because they have a child together, that relationship cannot be anything but a very strong bond. Whether you explain it or don’t, I think having Constantine and seeing her with him answers and explains the relationship that you do not see on screen.
Constantine is the mark of what Javicco and Francesca have shared. I would’ve loved to see their love story, but I also think it works better because you haven’t seen it, and you’re left wondering what happened between them, which gives rise to so many more questions. Is she actually in love with him? Is she actually playing him till the end? You are led to believe that she might be playing him, but I think episode 6 answers all those questions.
As a mother, there is no way that she does not feel that her son could have been the Emperor. The actual heir to the emperor is Constantine, but she knows that she’s not going to see him on the throne because of Valya’s plan. I think somewhere [inside], she does not like the fact that he’s just drinking and has thrown away his life with no purpose. She also wants to give him a purpose through the Corrinos because, after all is said and done, they are a family. They are a unit, but she knows that her son is not happy that she does not spend time with him or the fact that the Sisterhood is everything to her.
She understands his issues with the father, and she’s trying to placate him all the time. You also see that Javicco is so much in love with her, so I saw them as a family and as a unit, and she will do anything to secure that. But she must also go by Valya’s plan.
What Sister Francesca & Emperor Corrino’s Relationship Means For Dune: Prophecy
A Member Of Valya’s Sisterhood Has A Strong Connection To The Royal Family
The fact that Constantine’s mother is a member of the Bene Gesserit further illustrates the influence Valya has always had over the Imperium. Being able to use one of her loyal allies to influence Emperor Corrino may be the reason Valya ends up getting what she wants in thefinale ofDune: Prophecy. Even though it seems like there are true feelings between Francesca and Javicco,she uses her power over the Emperor to provide a better future for her son, Constantine.
Who Constantine’s Real Mother Is & Why She’s Working With Valya
Prince Constantine Corrino’s real mother is revealed at the beginning of Dune: Prophecy episode 5, creating a dangerous wedge in the Imperium.
While Francesca works with Valya inDune: Prophecyepisode 5, Tabu’s comments tease that some part of her does not wholly agree with Valya’s plan. Just like she loves Javicco,Francesca also has an immense amount of love for Constantine. Even though Constantine’s future is brighter by theend ofDune: Prophecyepisode 5, Tabu admits that Francesca would love to see her son as the Emperor, as well. However, Valya would likely never want this to happen since it is not part of her plan.
Our Take On Sister Francesca & Emperor Corrino’s Relationship
Javicco Still Loves Francesca In Dune: Prophecy
Francesca and Emperor Corrino’s relationship inDune: Prophecyrecontextualizes a lot of the events in the show. Knowing that Constantine’s mother is a member of Valya’s sisterhood proves that Emperor Corrino would likely never have been able to fully turn against the Bene Gesserit. As of now, Javicco’s wife, Natalya, and Desmond Hart are much more against the sisterhood than Javicco is, so it will be interesting to see how this conflict plays out in the finale ofDune: Prophecy.
Dune: Prophecy
Cast
Set in the universe of Frank Herbert’s Dune series, Dune: Prophecy, a 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.
