What makes for great science fiction? Is it the distant worlds filled with wonder, delight, and danger? Perhaps it’s the robots and technology that stretch beyond our wildest dreams, or the vast battles determining humanity’s fate. While many beloved books, films, and TV shows explore these themes, often treading familiar paths, occasionally something remarkable emerges. Such is the case with Foundation, based on Isaac Asimov’s legendary series, as it embarks on its third season on Apple TV+.
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 Legacy of Asimov’s Vision
Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series, first published as a series of short stories in the 1940s, built its narrative on massive time jumps, a concept that was groundbreaking at the time. The story centers on Hari Seldon, a mathematician who uses psychohistory to predict the fall of the Galactic Empire, loosely echoing the decline of the Roman Empire. Seldon establishes the Foundation on the distant planet of Terminus to preserve knowledge and shorten the impending dark age.
The planet Terminus, where Hari Seldon establishes his Foundation, is so remote that it’s nearly outside the galaxy, a strategic location that sets the stage for a centuries-long saga. The clash between the Empire and the Foundation allows viewers to glimpse Asimov’s grand vision, a narrative that has captivated audiences for decades.
Adapting a Classic for the Screen
Adapting Asimov’s sprawling epic for television was no small feat. Co-creators David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman faced the challenge of translating centuries of characters and complex storylines to the screen. Some elements have been intriguingly reimagined, such as Jared Harris’s portrayal of Hari Seldon. In the books, Seldon appears posthumously as a hologram, but the show presents him as an interactive AI, adding depth and complexity to his character.
Lou Llobell plays Gaal Dornick, a gender-swapped character who hails from a distant, watery planet. Her relationship with Hari Seldon is central to the narrative, filled with emotional and dramatic tension. According to Llobell, “Every time she wakes up, people have evolved, the world’s changed,” highlighting the show’s use of time jumps to explore character development.
The Empire and Its Intrigues
The Empire, depicted as a series of cunning emperors in Asimov’s books, is reimagined in the series as a triumvirate of clones of the original Emperor Cleon. This innovative approach adds layers to the political intrigue, with Cassian Bilton, Lee Pace, and Terrence Mann portraying the three clones—Brother Dawn, Brother Day, and Brother Dusk, respectively.
Laura Birn’s character, Demerzel, is a standout as the matriarch overseeing the Empire. A secretly outlawed robot, she is reprogrammed to protect the dynasty at all costs. Her complex character adds depth to the narrative, as she navigates her duties while harboring ancient religious beliefs and questioning her mission.
Season Three: New Faces and Challenges
As Foundation enters its third season, it continues to captivate with its ensemble cast and fresh storylines. The introduction of The Mule, played by Pilou Asbæk, adds a formidable antagonist capable of controlling minds on a massive scale. His character brings a new level of threat to the galaxy, as he commands armies with his telepathic abilities.
Meanwhile, the show’s exploration of personal relationships and the passage of time remains a core theme. Gaal’s interactions with her daughter Salvor and her lover Captain Han Pritcher, played by Brandon Bell, provide emotional depth and highlight the consequences of time travel.
Lee Pace, discussing his character Brother Day, notes, “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.” This complexity is emblematic of the show’s ability to maintain continuity while exploring new narratives.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch Sci-Fi Epic
With its compelling characters, intricate plotlines, and stunning visuals, Foundation continues to be a must-watch series for sci-fi enthusiasts. The show’s ability to balance Asimov’s original vision with innovative storytelling ensures its place as a standout in the genre.
The writing team, including Jane Espenson of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame and Roxann Dawson from Star Trek: Voyager, brings expertise and creativity to the series. As Foundation forges ahead, it remains true to its roots while offering fresh perspectives, making it a thrilling journey for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
