Foundation

Foundation is an intriguing sci-fi series that grows on you the more you watch it. At first, it can feel confusing-just as you're starting to get to know a character, they disappear, only to return much later, if at all. Then you're introduced to someone new, and the whole process of connecting with a character begins again. On top of that, events unfold across different locations, and the series makes massive jumps in time-particularly long ones between seasons.

I've completed Seasons 1 and 2. One of the show's strengths is that as each season progresses, the seemingly loose ends begin to tie together and make sense. Many odd or minor events and details-even from the very first episode-are only explained later in the season or in the finale. But if you keep your eyes and ears open, you might catch subtle clues that help you make sense of things as they unfold. Almost nothing is said without a reason. While Season 1 is built largely on suspense, Season 2 leans more toward action.

The series features numerous plot twists that help keep viewers engaged. Many come out of nowhere and aren't always happy or innocent-but that's part of the fun. In many ways, it resembles Dune, especially in tone and scale. However, one of Foundation's most distinctive traits is its pacing: at times, things move very slowly, only for the show to suddenly jump forward by decades, suggesting sweeping generational changes and the loss of familiar characters.

... Its name didn't need to be Foundation. Imo, it's about 50% Asimov and the rest is a combo of soap opera, sc-fi-imperial politics, CGI explosions and Webb-esque space vistas. Heck, you could claim several other writers' materials were influences. Lots of this series is purely mainstream, outer space SF.

But it's excellent SF! Captivating sub-plots, likable characters and gorgeous images are extremely entertaining! In its own right, it is a superb show. Aye, and there's the rub... A "show" isn't necessarily literature. Michael Crichton and James Patterson were/are graphic oriented writers, evoking a "screenplay" feel in their fiction, which isn't meant as a detraction. Excellent easy read authors! Asimov isn't as frugal a wordsmith, however, and there are probably as many different visual interpretations of scenes in his books, as there are readers of his books. But then again, this is series is just loosely "based" on his work, whether it is expressly acknowledged or not.

Magnificent bouts of rich storytelling often feel diluted by cheap and pointless moments of juvenile entertainment. While the core of this series held the potential to become an ode to the greatest science-fiction writer of all times, it would appear that Apple couldn't keep itself from interfering in their typical (biased) politically correct, family friendly fashion. You stand on the shoulders of a giant, and behind that giant stand millions of minds inspired by a vision of the future the whole of humanity can rally behind. The implications of the existential questions raised by Asimov are not PG-rated, this shouldn't be either.

I remember watching the first couple episodes and not being very impressed. Not necessarily hating it, but not intrigued. It felt like a very traditional sci-fi series, akin to dune or star wars. A year or two later, i tried watching again... and now i'm somehow roped in and invested and binged most of the show well into 4 in the morning.

Great visual effects, music, vfx, product and costume design, even acting. Really intriguing clone concept (and a very obvious anagram for Cleon). Fantastic world building and i appreciated the non-linear storytelling. Interested to see where this series will take us!

Since immersing myself in Foundation Season 1, I've embarked on a comprehensive reading journey through Isaac Asimov's wider literary universe, including the Robot series, Empire novels, and the Prelude and Forward the Foundation prequels, all consumed in the author's recommended order. Now, having completed Season 2, I can confidently say it maintains the captivating momentum of the first, albeit after an initial one-to-three-episode warm-up. This remains one of the most entertaining series I've watched recently, and my deep engagement with the source material hasn't altered my high regard for the show's quality.

The decision to opt for a looser adaptation of Asimov's works was, in my view, a stroke of genius. This approach allows for a compelling new narrative to unfold, preserving the spirit and core themes of the books without ever threatening to dilute or ruin the original stories. I find this strategy to be remarkably thoughtful and genuinely faithful to Asimov's unique authorial vision. His novels consistently explored the intricacies of individual lives set against the grand tapestry of a galactic empire, deeply intertwined with the vast political machinations of planets and ruling powers. As long as this fundamental exploration remains central, the show consistently delivers.

While certain elements of the established lore, such as the detailed history of robots or the nuances of Hari Seldon's relationship with the Empire, have been considerably re-imagined-perhaps to lend a more "fashionable" or grand aesthetic, reminiscent of the regal spectacle in Game of Thrones-these changes are not so significant as to be problematic. Indeed, they provide the writers with the creative latitude to craft distinct, yet equally compelling, plotlines, ensuring the show's longevity without impinging upon the integrity of the original novels. The series masterfully blends the more intimate, "soapy" character dynamics often found in the prequels with the expansive, interwoven narrative scope of Foundation itself, a combination that works exceptionally well, despite a few endearing moments of cheese. Furthermore, the show is replete with dazzling spectacle and impressive special effects-a welcome change from many series that often lack in this department-making it a visually stunning and thoroughly enjoyable experience, particularly on a large screen.