What defines exceptional science fiction? Is it the exploration of distant worlds filled with wonder, danger, and delight? The presence of robots and technology that stretch beyond our wildest dreams? Or perhaps the epic battles that determine the fate of humanity? While many beloved books, films, and TV shows explore these themes, occasionally, something truly remarkable emerges.
Fast Facts about Foundation:
- What: A vastly exciting sci-fi story
- Starring: Jared Harris, Lou Llobell, Cassian Bilton, Lee Pace, Terrence Mann, Laura Birn, Brandon Bell, Pilou Asbæk, Cody Fern, Synnøve Karlsen
- Creators: David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman
- When: Streaming weekly on Apple TV+
- Likely to make you feel: Like there’s a whole lot of future history to get up to light speed on
The announcement comes as the third season of Foundation, based on Isaac Asimov’s books, begins streaming on Apple TV+. This adaptation continues to defy expectations, offering a thrilling journey through time and space.
Asimov’s Vision Brought to Life
Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series was first published as a series of short stories in the 1940s, eventually collected into novels. The narrative unfolds in massive time jumps, depicting the decline of a Galactic Empire reminiscent of Roman history. The protagonist, Hari Seldon, uses advanced mathematics, known as psychohistory, to propose an alternative future.
After being tried for treason, Seldon is permitted to establish his Foundation on the distant planet of Terminus. This schism between the Empire and Foundation sets the stage for a centuries-long saga, allowing viewers to witness Asimov’s grand vision.
From Page to Screen
Adapting Asimov’s complex narrative for the screen was no small feat. Co-creators David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman faced the challenge of catapulting viewers across centuries of characters. Some elements have been intriguingly tweaked, such as Jared Harris’ portrayal of Hari Seldon. In the original stories, Seldon was replaced by a hologram after his death. However, the show casts him as an interactive AI, adding depth to his character.
Lou Llobell stars as Gaal Dornick, a gender-swapped character who hails from a distant watery planet. Gaal is a mathematical genius recruited by Hari, and their dynamic relationship adds layers to the narrative. “Every time she wakes up, people have evolved, the world’s changed,” Llobell shared with SciFiNow.
The Intricacies of Empire
The Empire, portrayed in Asimov’s work as a series of cunning emperors, is reimagined in the show as a triumvirate of clones. Brother Dawn, Brother Day, and Brother Dusk, played by Cassian Bilton, Lee Pace, and Terrence Mann respectively, share the throne. Laura Birn’s character, Demerzel, serves as the matriarch and secretly an outlawed robot, adding another layer of intrigue.
“Being surprised constantly by the scripts, by your fellow actors — that’s the best thing in our work,” Birn told Forbes, reflecting on her role as Demerzel.
Season Three: A New Chapter
The third season of Foundation promises to be as captivating as ever. The narrative continues to evolve, introducing new characters and challenges. Pilou Asbæk joins the cast as The Mule, a villain capable of controlling minds on a massive scale. His character adds a new dimension of terror to the series.
“One of the riddles of the character is that even though he’s a different person, different soul, different time that he’s living in, that he’s responding to a different emperor — he’s still the same man,” Lee Pace shared with Forbes about his character, Brother Day.
The writing team, including Jane Espenson of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame, and director Roxann Dawson, known for her work on Star Trek: Voyager, ensures that the series remains true to Asimov’s original vision while keeping it fresh and engaging.
A Timeless Tale
As Foundation embarks on its third season, it continues to captivate audiences with its intricate storytelling and compelling characters. The series not only explores the grand themes of power and destiny but also delves into the personal struggles of its characters, making it a must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts.
With its blend of epic storytelling and personal drama, Foundation remains a standout in the world of science fiction television. As viewers tune in to the latest season, they can expect a thrilling ride through the cosmos, filled with unexpected twists and turns.
