In season one of “Foundation,” a grand and powerful galaxy came into existence. But now, in season two of the ambitious Apple TV+ sci-fi series, it’s time to dismantle it.
The story takes a leap forward by approximately 140 years, revealing a galaxy where the clones, who once held authoritarian control, are losing their grasp, plunging everything into chaos.
David S. Goyer, the co-creator, executive producer, and showrunner of the series, remarked, “Drama thrives on conflict, not stagnation. We find conflict more captivating. Thus, after establishing this monumental genetic dynasty, we are now setting out to dismantle it.”
“Foundation” is a sci-fi series based on the renowned short stories by author Isaac Asimov, which he began writing shortly after World War II. These stories have since become a cornerstone of the science fiction genre, although many previous attempts to bring them to the screen had failed until now.
The narrative unfolds in a future era approximately 12,000 years ahead. Set under the dominion of the Galactic Empire, humanity has expanded to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. The first season dedicated significant time to explaining the intricate workings of this universe and introducing the key characters.
According to Goyer, the burden of exposition was lifted for season two. He states, “I felt like we could just start and shoot things out of a cannon, and I wanted to maintain that pace. So, I believe season two maintains a faster tempo. We had more room to delve even deeper and explore the characters on a more emotional level.”
The series has captivated viewers with its visually stunning and inventive storytelling. It delves into the dilemmas of individual freedom versus dynastic rule, the potential weaponization of religion, and the far-reaching implications of genetic manipulation. Season two places a significant emphasis on the concepts of fate and free will.
Goyer highlights the central dramatic question of the season: “What kind of universe are we living in—a world of missed opportunities or not? Is the future predetermined, or do our choices truly matter? Is there room for individual agency?”
While Goyer has made some changes to the race and gender of certain characters from Asimov’s original text, the most significant alteration lies in replacing the Empire’s ruling committee with a trio of emperor clones known as the Cleons. This trio consists of a teenage heir preparing for leadership,
a middle-aged ruler reflecting on their reign, and a prime-aged emperor currently in power.
Season one concluded with Cleon XIII as the reigning emperor, while season two opens with Cleon XVII on the throne. Lee Pace, who portrays both characters, reveals that the new emperor is tempted to bring an end to the genetic dynasty.
“He firmly believes in his individuality and rejects the notion that he is just another clone. He embraces the idea that he is a sentient being capable of shaping his own destiny,” explains Pace.
Cleon XVII embarks on a risky path, not only due to his romantic involvement with his robot companion, who has lived for over 18,000 years. Assassins target him right from the beginning, and he contemplates the idea of marriage to conceive children through traditional means. However, his prospective princess may harbor her own hidden agenda.
Pace states, “You can’t completely evade your destiny, despite any attempts you might make. As the empire’s decline gains momentum, I believe the character will only become more fascinating.”
At the heart of the show is the brilliant scientist Hari Seldon, portrayed by Jared Harris, who invented psychohistory—a field that utilizes past collective actions to predict future behaviors. One of Seldon’s students is the gifted mathematician Gaal Dornick, played by Lou Llobell. Both characters have managed to cheat death in their own ways, reuniting with viewers over a century after the events of season one.
Seldon’s calculations and theories have led to his exile, along with his followers, to the far reaches of the galaxy, where they established a settlement known as the Foundation. However, over a century later, their scientific principles have transformed into a quasi-religion, and rumors circulate about the existence of a second Foundation settlement.
“Foundation” presents a unique challenge to its viewers, as it traverses vast time periods, resulting in situations where mothers may be younger than their own daughters. The show also delves into complex concepts such as four-dimensional space and anapestic tetrameter, a form of poetic meter.
According to Goyer, season two of “Foundation” will continue to defy expectations. While the pilot episode of the first season showcased majestic vistas, season two takes a different approach by opening with an intimate black-and-white scene portraying Seldon on the verge of madness. The new season also introduces a fresh lightness to its episodes.
During the creation of the first season, there were concerns about the show being overly serious. Goyer strongly believed in the importance of incorporating moments of appropriate levity to expand the emotional range of the series.
“I think it was crucial to add moments of levity that were in line with the tone of the show. It helps to create a more well-rounded emotional experience,” Goyer explains.
Thus, viewers can expect the unexpected in season two, as the show continues to push boundaries and explore different tonal aspects while maintaining its intricate and thought-provoking narrative.