Episode 003: The Slow Blade Penetrates

In episode 3 we stick to chapter four- it’s a big one in that it introduces a lot of the theories of leadership and government that Frank Herbert sought to critique, as well as introduces the form of combat that will be prevalent in the Dune Universe and life of Paul Atreides. Furthermore, it pushes the important fact that unlike Caladan, planet Arrakis itself is a character in Dune.  An enemy, in fact.  

 

 Some highlights:  

Mike mis-pronounces Muad Dib early on yikes! - please forgive Mike comments on the theory of the connection between violence in the 70’s and lead poisoning We see the beginnings of a  rift between Thufir and Jessica specifically, but perhaps all Bene Gesserit and Mentats We perform a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis of Paul as a future Duke and leader. Current outlook: has potential but also very green and immature.   But we do observe the beginnings of forced adolescent growth and leadership in Paul, similar to Robb Stark between Game of Thrones and A Storm of Swords (until of course Robb makes a very silly juvenile error) We learn some leadership wisdom from Jeff, a professional leadership coach Mike spoils the Red Wedding for anyone who has been living under a rock  We see the renaissance style of combat in this world- an aspect of space opera (and real Opera).  More dramatic, more in your face.  The difference in fighting a noble would likely engage in vs. military (infantry)   Jeff talks about hand to hand combat in feudal Japan (and elsewhere), why bjj starts on knees/butt. 

Some links:

70’s lead violence theory: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead%E2%80%93crime_hypothesis

Red Wedding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSwHpb_nNZg 

SWOT: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_05.htm 

History of BJJ: https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/10/13/2481689/jiu-jitsu-history-birth-on-the-battlefield 

More history of BJJ: https://jitsmagazine.com/jiu-jitsu-origins-grappling-with-gods/