Foundation

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.

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.

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!

Simple, just pick the most famous scifi book series of all time, by one of the best known and loved authors, and call your series after its title. Then, to save having to think up names, take them from the books and apply them to your characters who don't even have to be the same gender nor have the same attributes. Then take the shortest plot summary of the books that you can find and sprinkle it into your existing, wild story. For good measure include a robot that is the antithesis of the one that the whole series is based around and have it break all of Asimov's laws of robotics (the very things that a huge number of his stories revolved around and the development of which were his trademark).

I would have watched the show anyway, and possibly have enjoyed it on its own merits, however the constant reminder that it is supposed to be foundation is sickening. The expectation of clever psychohistorical prediction never appears, just some lip-service to mathematics and a prime radiant that doesn't do what Asimov intended. The story is pedestrian with all the logic stripped out and replaced by mumbo jumbo, whereas Asimov's was thoughtful and clever.

If Apple tv went through it, and renamed the characters and planets and renamed it Fall of Empire (or something), the plot is so divergent from the story of Foundation that no one would recognise it as such.

I would actually be able to enjoy it if they did that. Instead, I will keep watching and feel increasingly disappointed. I had hoped season 2 would bring the Seldon plan back on track but it seems there is even more divergence red in the plot! Or, at least, what passes for plot.

Makes Game of Thrones feel like The Powerpuff Girls

A banquet for the senses, a feast for the synapses- this show is the real deal

If you want a show that challenges you to read deeper, ask questions, venture to learn more about what it means to be human, to be a small, but crucial part of a civilization; to seek peace, to understand beauty, to investigate faith, to dissect geopolitical constructs on a core level- there simply isnt any other show~*

The depth of wisdom that drives this show is honestly mind-boggling. It presents an ostensibly true utopia, a future paradise for humankind wherein anything is possible but just barely an inch out of reach- and its utter collapse in the face of transcendence to godhood due to ambition and hubris is by far the most fascinating spectacle I've ever seen~*

This show is an achievement comparable with the establishment of a new language: a new society, an unearthed Olympus, riddled with Gods all competing for significance~*

The writing, the performances, the world-building, the construction of an entire universe heretofore beyond comprehension, bolstered by exceptional performances by Lee Pace and the rest of the cast~*

If true drama, heft and bedazzlement are what you require, then look no further than this- the Foundation- the core of what makes us human: the (frivolous?) search for the meaning of life~*

If you will, grapple with the war between religious fervor and scientific achievement, misguided enforcement of laws by man and true liberation, absolute truth and righteousness

Love and absolution

You have been warned.