REVIEW: AppleTV’s Brings to Life Isaac Asimov’s “Foundation”

In 1951 author, Isaac Asimov released a science fiction novel entitled, Foundation. Made up of five interrelated short stories, the novel focuses on Psychohistorian Dr. Hari Seldon, a man who through math and psychology can predict events set to take place in the future, including the impeding fall of the ruling Galactic Empire. Fearful of his revelations, the Empire exiles him to the outer reaches of the Galaxy to a plant called, Terminus. It is here where Seldon begins building the Foundation, a place where he and the other exiles can save humanity and rebuild civilization.

Today, September 24, AppleTV+ launched their own series based on the novel by Asimov, but made some pretty noticeable changes to the 1950s novel. First, the series lead is not Seldon (played beautifully by Jared Harris), but Seldon’s righthand man, or should I say woman, Gaal Dornick (Lou Llobell). That’s right, unlike in the book, production writers, David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman, opted to make this character a female.

This is only Llobell’s second big role and she acts as if she has been doing it for years. Dornick is not only intelligent, but she is quick-witted and powerful. Fans won’t have any problem accepting her as Dornick after they see her performance. The other massive change from the book comes in the form of Salvor Hardin. Also a male in the book series, Goyer and Friedman opted to cast Leah Harvey in the role and it was the perfect decision. Harvey manages to bring a complex character to life with ease.

Llobell and Harvey are joined in the series by Harry Potter and How To Get Away With Murder actor, Alfred Enoch who plays Raych Seldon. Unlike the book, Raych plays a much bigger role, but you will have to watch the series to find out why. Lee Pace (Brother Dawn, Brother Day, and Brother Dusk), Cassian Bilton (Brother Dawn), and Terrence Mann (Brother Dusk) round out the immense cast. Their characters are interesting as they try to prove their rule in the Galactic Empire is indeed not falling, but it is the exiles that will capture most of your attention.

Foundation is a beautifully shot series that focuses heavily on the sci-fi, but watchers may find it a hard to get invested. As I said earlier, this is a show you will want to be paying attention to. If you don’t, you will have no idea what is going on and may never become fully invested.

Grade: B

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