Foundation (2021)
Foundation (2021) is an ambitious, visually striking adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s groundbreaking science fiction series. Created by David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman for Apple TV+, the show brings Asimov’s complex universe to life, diving deep into the concept of psychohistory, a science that allows mathematicians to predict the future of entire civilizations. The series centers around Hari Seldon (Jared Harris), a brilliant mathematician who foresees the collapse of the Galactic Empire and sets in motion a plan to preserve humanity’s future by creating a Foundation—a scientific enclave meant to shorten the inevitable dark age that follows the empire’s fall.
The show’s grand scale is immediately evident, with sprawling space battles, intricate political intrigue, and stunning visual effects that capture the vastness and complexity of Asimov’s universe. The CGI and production design are exceptional, creating a visually immersive world that transports viewers across distant planets and into the heart of massive space stations. The world-building is detailed, offering a deep dive into the various cultures, factions, and power struggles that make up the Galactic Empire.
Jared Harris shines as Hari Seldon, bringing a gravitas to the character that captures his genius, confidence, and the moral complexity of his actions. His portrayal is nuanced, particularly in how he balances the personal cost of his mission with the broader goal of saving humanity. The cast, which includes Lee Pace as the tyrannical Brother Day and Lou Llobell as Gaal Dornick, delivers strong performances, with each character contributing to the narrative’s exploration of power, politics, and the question of determinism vs. free will.
However, Foundation does struggle with its pacing at times, especially in the first season, which can feel slow and overly complex as it sets up numerous storylines across various planets. Asimov’s original work is dense, and translating it into a visual medium proves challenging, leading to moments where the narrative can feel fragmented or bogged down in exposition. The series does take liberties with the source material, making some changes to characters and plotlines to fit the medium, which may divide long-time fans of the novels.
Despite these occasional pacing issues, Foundation excels in its thematic exploration of the rise and fall of civilizations, the nature of power, and the intersection of science and fate. The show’s core question—whether humanity can truly escape its inevitable decline—remains thought-provoking throughout. For fans of epic, cerebral sci-fi with rich philosophical undertones, Foundation offers a captivating and visually stunning experience.
Overall, Foundation is an impressive, if sometimes slow-paced, adaptation that captures the essence of Asimov’s work while making it accessible to modern audiences. It’s a bold attempt at bringing one of science fiction’s most influential series to the screen, and while it doesn’t always hit the mark, it lays a promising foundation (pun intended) for future seasons. Fans of grand, intellectual sci-fi will find much to admire in this sprawling space epic.
