User Reviews

The series has long abandoned the plot and most ideas of Asimov's books. This episode makes brief contact with the origins of psychohistory as in the prequels to the trilogy, and by hinting at a whole planet of "mules."

Never mind. The romantic scenes of Seldon and his wife at a concrete brutalist 1960s provincial university, complete with a literally murderous provost, are beyond entertaining. Also on the mark is his promotion to Trantor's main university to do research at its grandiosely Gothic Sterling Library (or some variation thereof, Asimov was not punctilious with spelling). Pity it's all the last memories before his 3rd or 4th death (lost count). May Seldon's wife with her lovely Indian accent come back in subsequent episodes as well.

You just never know what the next episode of the Foundation season 2 will bring in, and that is why it is so excited to watch.

I really love some special effects touches here and there, just trying to present how that would actually look like, the grandness of it all, and it is a solid work.

At this point, I dont even understand whats the bigger picture anymore, its just matter what happens to our characters that we are watching, and man, to Harry Seldon it happend a lot in this one, and it was well presented, with a massive cliffhanger at the very end.

I really see a good future for this show and this type of directing, its a breath of a fresh air, maybe even since Westworld first episode aired back in 2016.

Absolutely superb episode!

Foundation continues to astound with its intricate storytelling and breathtaking visuals. As a fan of Isaac Asimov's work, I was thrilled to see his vision come to life on screen. This episode, in particular, struck a perfect balance between revealing key plot points and leaving us hungry for more.

The pacing was masterful, effortlessly weaving between character development and advancing the overarching narrative. Each scene felt purposeful, contributing to the larger puzzle that is unfolding. The dialogues are thought-provoking, often delving into complex themes while maintaining the essence of Asimov's philosophical exploration.

What truly sets Foundation apart is its ability to transport the audience to a distant future that is both mesmerizing and believable. The attention to detail in the set designs and visual effects is commendable, making the show a visual feast. The world-building continues to expand, revealing more layers of this captivating universe.

The performances by the cast are praiseworthy. Their portrayal of multifaceted characters adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. It's evident that the actors have immersed themselves in the source material, bringing out the nuances that fans adore.

As the story unfolds, this episode keeps us on the edge of our seats, tantalizing us with answers while expertly introducing new questions. The plot twists are unexpected yet fitting, showcasing the brilliance of both Asimov's original ideas and the creative team behind the show.

In conclusion, this episode is a triumph in every sense. It not only pays homage to Isaac Asimov's genius but also stands on its own as a remarkable piece of television. With its captivating storytelling, remarkable visuals, and stellar performances, Foundation continues to solidify its place as a modern sci-fi classic. Can't wait to see what the next episodes have in store!

Thank you!

I mean, the NTBers are never going to be happy are they?

Seldon backstory; dangerous (very dangerous) frenemies; the grim realisation of why Seldon wanted to send Poly and Constant to Trantor (which should have been obvious), a woman talking back to power and the idea that the Second Foundation is going to be forged in fire, even if only metaphorically.

My money is the little boy being You Know Who.

All because the showrunners have the space to set up the things that Asimov could only retcon, making real the things he never showed and ensuring that key threads are put, like Chekhov's Gun, on the wall as soon as possible, to be used later.

All as the souls of a million NTBers whither and shrivel and they - hopefully - release us from their misery and go and do something they enjoy.

'Cos this was an absolute belter.

The second season of Foundation, a popular TV series on Apple TV Plus, has been praised for its ability to let the characters shine through. This week's episode, which focuses on Hari Seldon, Gael, and Salvor as they learn to live with Tellem Bond and the Mentalics, is particularly satisfying. Salvor grapples with her intensified visions and learns to "unvoice" without audible words from a child. Tellem explains that the Mentalics have tragic stories, treating them as gods among men or wolves among sheep. Seldon believes Tellem and the Mentalics are the Second Foundation, but she dismisses psychohistory and Gael's precognitive abilities. Tellem teaches Gael about her mental trickery but admits that she is not well and wants someone to lead Ignis and the Mentalics after her departure. She offers to train Gael in her abilities, as long as Seldon is not involved. The episode showcases the show's ability to create a satisfying and engaging sci-fi series. In this episode, Gael spends time with Tellem, while Seldon and Salvor bond over fishing. Seldon reveals that the version of him in the Vault on Terminus only knows part of the Plan and can check in on him via the Prime Radiant, which exists outside of spacetime and can be in two places at once. Gael breaks up the quantum chat to explain Tellem's proposal, which sends Seldon into a rage, claiming Tellem has manipulated Gael's mind. He urges Salvor to protect Gael and the Prime Radiant from the Mentalics. The show highlights the development of a mother-daughter bond between Gael and Salvor, despite their unconventional relationship. In the final part of the episode, Gael and Salvor watch as Seldon appears to fly away in the Beggar, but it is an illusion created by Tellem. She tells him she will destroy the Prime Radiant and reveals her deep mistrust of non-Mentalics, like Seldon, and leaves him to die. In this episode, Seldon meets his life partner Yanna at university on his home planet of Helicon, who falls pregnant while working on the Prime Radiant. Their work on psychohistory and the fall of the Empire raises eyebrows on Trantor. Imperial official Dr. Tadj informs Seldon that he has been summoned to Trantor and is angrily against it. Tadj kidnaps Yanna at gunpoint and tells Seldon to hand over the Prime Radiant to see her again. Seldon, using a necklace she gave him, senses that Yanna is already dead. Seldon kills Dr. Tadj and settles into his workplace on Trantor, where he meets Reece Shearsmith. The episode ends with Seldon drowning as visions of Yanna fill his mind. Hober Mallow arrives at the coordinates Seldon set but finds himself on a massive spaceship accused of defiling the Swarm of Spacers. Brother Day announces his impending marriage to Queen Sareth and declares the end of the Genetic Dynasty. Sareth addresses the people of Trantor, saying the Empire serves them and their needs are their obligations. This episode is one of the strongest Foundation has ever produced, deepening Tellem, Salvor, and Gael as characters and providing an origin story for Hari Seldon.