Foundation Premiere Early Review

The following is a spoiler-free review of the first two episodes of Foundation, premiering tomorrow on Apple TV+

Foundation is the latest sci-fi extravaganza from Apple TV+ based on the book series by legendary writer Isaac Asimov. The series begins with a narrator, one of the principal characters named Gaal Dornick (Lou Llobell). It’s interesting to see the events unfold from his perspective but the story then shifts to other characters which can be a little jarring. The narration itself doesn’t shift, just the perspective. This method of storytelling helps to keep the story moving forward.

The all-mighty Galactic Empire governs the universe that Gaal inhabits. “The Galactic Empire? Doesn’t that sound a little like Star Wars?”, Yeah, it does, but Asimov wrote the Foundation series way before George Lucas came up with the iconic words “a galaxy far, far away”. This Galactic Empire has three conjoint rulers who rule simultaneously; Brother Dawn, Brother Day and Brother Dusk, each representing a different age for the same person. The primary ruler is Brother Day (Lee Pace) who has the right to make all of the ruling decisions that govern the galaxy and its people and is probably around early 30s to mid-30s in age. Brother Dawn (Cassian Bilton) is a child no older than perhaps seven or eight, and Brother Dusk (Terrence Mann) is between his late 60s to early 70s. It’s a curious and unique situation for the ruling empire to have three leaders alive at different ages.

Gaal is an essential person in this saga for her brilliant mathematical mind. She leaves her home planet to join a mathematical genius named Hari Seldon (Jared Harris). Hari suddenly becomes someone of great interest to the ruling family because there are rumors that he has predicted (using mathematics) the destruction of the Galactic Empire. As one can imagine, this is a huge turning point which gives the Empire a chance to showcase just how powerful they are. Gaal is, unfortunately, drawn right into the middle of the Empire’s investigation into the rumors. Meanwhile, the final and second most important character is a woman named Salvor Hardin (Leah Harvey) whose role in the season as a whole is unclear at this point but it is clear that she will have an impact at some point.

Foundation is easily one of the most aesthetically beautiful series and on a CGI level, it’s as good as any blockbuster movie. Its worlds are so varied and unique, with each planet having its own purpose, religion, and belief system. While these alien races may not read minds or put someone to sleep with a touch, this did not make the characters any less interesting. The series hints at a political struggle between the Empire and a few of the other planets but it appears to be indirectly linked to the main plot. It is clear early on who the standout actors are, as the series offers viewers plenty of choices thus far but a personal favorite was definitely Pace as Brother Day as he delivers one of his best performances to date.

Those familiar with the book series should have a fairly good idea of what’s to come. If not, Foundation is sure to meet all expectations and more. Stay tuned.

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