Foundation
Apple TV | Release Date: September 24, 2021
4.6
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 266 Ratings
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100
Mixed:
39
Negative:
127
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
0
DamodreddSep 26, 2021
This may come as a shock to see such a low rating given to something with such a high production value but it is entirely justified. At best, this is fan-fiction written by people who have not read or respect the source material. It's notThis may come as a shock to see such a low rating given to something with such a high production value but it is entirely justified. At best, this is fan-fiction written by people who have not read or respect the source material. It's not even a "foundation inspired" story - it's just a whole different sci-fi with the name of Foundation and with a couple characters with the same names as some in the actual Foundation series.

It's not even just a "deviation" of some characters back stories or features of which, they changed absolutely every character's origin, personality, motivations, every aspect of them both relevant to the plotline and not; it's a complete abandonment of the central driving technical (sci-fi) themes and spirit of the original story's plot-line. What may appear to a viewer in an early scene as 'just a technical detail' or 'just the reason a character exists' turn out to have extremely plot-centric story arcs that the plot of the entire series of the books is completed reliant upon.

This is part of the reasoning for their dramatic and jarring abandonment of the actual Foundation story in favor of this new story they're desperately trying to convince us can compete with Asimov's masterpiece, from the show-runner:

"The first thing I said to the Asimov Estate is that Asimov crafted Foundation to be a mirror so I need to write about what's happening now. I need to write about Brexit, MeToo, the ascent of nationalism again. I need to write about climate change."

We have yet another series trampled by someone who ignores the core features of the original to shoe-horn in their own feelings about current events. They try to claim that they're echoing Asimov's great "mirror" telling of world events but they failed to indicate that Asmiov's mirror was pointed at the fall of Rome, not some trendy temporary trends popularized by television magazine websites such as Vox, Fox, CNN, or Teen Vogue. The rating of 2 is me being cognizant of the high production value and effort put in by the actors. For people who like to put meaningless background movies on for their kids during the day that have colorful scenes, go ahead, because that's going to be the primary consumer of this irrelevant show that will be forgotten in 2 months tops. Referring to this new series as a "Foundation" sci-fi is about the same as taking a silly summer blockbuster like "Transformers" and simply slapping the name "Star Trek" on it, then marketing it to Star Trek fans as if it's going to be this complex plotline with huge political intrigue even though you are just planning on delivering the same **** you delivered last year. The throwing around of established IP's like this ultimately will send this franchise to the grave with the likes of the last 2 seasons of Game of Thrones (recognized world-wide as the some of the worst show-running decisions in history).… Expand
36 of 45 users found this helpful369
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0
Nethrez1mSep 26, 2021
A complete and utter **** right from the beginning, this series will undoubtedly stay high in the list of the modern media. From an original story about philosophy and sociology it contains only names. I can't explain to myself why so manyA complete and utter **** right from the beginning, this series will undoubtedly stay high in the list of the modern media. From an original story about philosophy and sociology it contains only names. I can't explain to myself why so many butcherings were made.… Expand
37 of 47 users found this helpful3710
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0
AlesikiSep 26, 2021
This is a spit on the grave of Isaac Asimov.
It is huge disappointment in ci-fi future.
What a shame (((
Its look like script writers event didnt read the books.
32 of 42 users found this helpful3210
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2
TestaGrandeSep 26, 2021
Feels like clickbait using Asimov’s master piece.
Forgetting the books it is yet another quite lame sci-fi series, in this case too expensive for its own good.
29 of 40 users found this helpful2911
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0
plountSep 24, 2021
This review, like almost all negative reviews, was deleted from imdb after being approved. It's not vulgar, personal or even politic. Let's see if it stays here:

The Anti-Foundation This movie doesn’t have much to do with Asimov’s book.This review, like almost all negative reviews, was deleted from imdb after being approved. It's not vulgar, personal or even politic. Let's see if it stays here:

The Anti-Foundation

This movie doesn’t have much to do with Asimov’s book. Foundation is arguably one of the best, if not the best SF. It describes a science irrelevant now, psychohistory, while touching themes of sociology, psychology, epistemology etc. It’s as far as it can be from a teen melodrama. And complex philosophical stories can be presented in a TV Series. It was done in the first season of Westworld. So no excuse there.

I knew from the explosive trailer that it was going to be bad, but it was way beyond my expectations. The very first words uttered by the main character were idiotic (she wanted to know the name of millions of planets for no reason at all), while also telling us the screenwriters don’t care about the book (the Star’s End reference).

The main character of this series, Gaal Dornick, is just a plot device in the book. There are other characters in Asimov’s book, some interesting like Salvor Hardin, but ok. Still even the small background that Asimov gave to Gaal is changed in the series, by making her/him came from a backward planet, which is again absurd.

Two things to finish this text. One is the interesting concept proposed by this show of radical mathematics written between the lines. It made me puke a little in my mouth.

The second is about the dissolution of a specific civilization. Do you know the fictional movie “Ass” from “Idiocracy”? Yeah, we’re past that. This is worse.… Expand
30 of 42 users found this helpful3012
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0
IracundusOct 23, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It is an abomination. It takes Asimov's work and basically turns it on its head and gives the exact opposite message. Spoilers follow for those that have not read all the books. The books were based off of the fall of the Roman Empire, and a key theme of the series was the insignificance of the individual against far larger and longer term societal forces. Instead this TV series has Hari talking about the galaxy pivoting around the actions of single individuals, when that is the exact opposite of what psychohistory is about. Granted, Asimov does put a twist on the theme with a paradigm shift in the Mule but that was an exception.

There are vast changes to the plot including the gratuitous and unnecessary romance/sex relationships, wasting valuable screentime, and the inclusion of a cloned dynasty. Clearly this latter part cannot hold as one of the key plot points of Foundation and Empire was about revolving door emperors due to military leaders overthrowing weak emperors, and strong emperors tolerating no strong military leaders. There is also the portrayal of religion, including vastly hyping it up and even making Daneel part of it, when Asimov and his works generally were in favor of rationalism and secular humanism, not mysticism and faith. Religion in so far as it appears in the Foundation books was as a tool to manipulate masses and to illustrate the fall of a new Dark Age.… Expand
15 of 21 users found this helpful156
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0
NathanAllenNov 9, 2021
Zero for such a terribly faithless translation. At first I thought this is great! I loved the character changes they made, the introduction of some new interesting characters/items etc. But as each episode lumbers on, it becomes clearerZero for such a terribly faithless translation. At first I thought this is great! I loved the character changes they made, the introduction of some new interesting characters/items etc. But as each episode lumbers on, it becomes clearer that the screenwriter(s) were not up to the job. The acting to me is the only thing holding it up at all, and it's sad to see them do such a great job but with such poor material.

There are far too many deus ex machinas. Seldon's mathematical precision ceased to function when the Mule enters the equation, one person with one ability several hundred years into the Foundations existence. This show has introduced at least two characters with special powers and the foundation hasn't faced it's actual first crisis yet. The entire premise is out the window now. And it seems to be pointing towards people with special powers being the solution to the crises. Nothing could be further from the point of the book.

You know the writing is amateur when the bad guy tells the good guys her whole plot at a stage when they are easily capable of stopping her through sheer inaction. I'll finish the season just to see if there is some redemption. But I hope you don't make a second season, and this goes into the dust bin of screenwriting ineptitude.

Much thanks to the new Dune movie for restoring my hope that SciFi can be done well.

Update: I thought I had given it more than zero, so I came back after this weeks episode to drop it. What utter filth. My 9th grade English teacher would have handed this back to me and told me to grow up a little and try again.… Expand
15 of 21 users found this helpful156
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1
winter9987Oct 27, 2021
If you loved the books you'll hate this series. If you know nothing about the books you'll be bored out of your mind all around bad drama series with a sci fi coating.
16 of 23 users found this helpful167
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2
MattBlalockOct 3, 2021
Turgid, disjointed, confusing. I read the Foundation series in the 60's and I admit my memories are hazy, but this ain't it. I DON"T CARE THAT THEY meddled with the characters' genders, color, ethnicity either. That is not important, what isTurgid, disjointed, confusing. I read the Foundation series in the 60's and I admit my memories are hazy, but this ain't it. I DON"T CARE THAT THEY meddled with the characters' genders, color, ethnicity either. That is not important, what is important is character development in this portrayal and I'm not seeing any character motivation beyond the dialog they've been given. The murder of Seldon goes unexplained, the jettisoning of Gaal Dornick goes unexplained, the time jumps don't segue smoothly. The scripting is shallow, the sets look like they were built and shot on the shooting stage of a daytime Soap Opera. The special effects are mediocre and the look and feel of the tech is 1960's Star Trek. Even the transporter effect turns out to be nothing more than an incinerator. This won't last. Read Damodredd below. He gets it right.… Expand
16 of 23 users found this helpful167
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2
Nemo888Oct 15, 2021
Updated after watching a few more: It gets stupid and literally hates the source material. Special effects are top rate. Can't believe I wasted my time on 8 episodes. It only gets worse.
The book was great. The series is boring and thinksUpdated after watching a few more: It gets stupid and literally hates the source material. Special effects are top rate. Can't believe I wasted my time on 8 episodes. It only gets worse.
The book was great. The series is boring and thinks viewers are dumb. Plot events are stretched thin. It's like there isn't enough story to fill an episode. Production values are nice so it's shiny trash.… Expand
15 of 22 users found this helpful157
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0
Justin-bauceOct 12, 2021
I wish I could have liked it. I had been anticipating this show for a long time.
The actors/writer/showrunners have spoken in interviews and hinted that it would not be based on the books at all. I wish they would have said that in the firstI wish I could have liked it. I had been anticipating this show for a long time.
The actors/writer/showrunners have spoken in interviews and hinted that it would not be based on the books at all. I wish they would have said that in the first place to lower my expectations significantly.

If you loved the books and wanted to see a visual adaptation. Well then I'm very sorry to disappoint. They've been massacred. Unfortunately the title "Foundation" being used in this case, is almost at the point of being nothing more than clickbait.

If you like generic modern "sci-fi" that are actually just dramas, that try to be relevant by referencing current events/politics. Then go for it, you'll like this show.

But I can't give it a good review when it claims to be an adaptation of the books. The characters are not only different people, they have different histories, different roles, different personalities. In most cases they share barely more than the same name.

I pained myself to get through the first 4 episodes. But it was hard to enjoy anything they did well, with the constant distractions from all the "liberties" the writers took in the process of mutilating a timeless Asimov story.… Expand
15 of 22 users found this helpful157
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2
MeganRappinHoeOct 1, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Boring tripe! Deviates so far from the novel that it's "Foundation" in name only. The race/gender swapping of principal characters is predictable and cliched. Salvor Hardin in the novel is a cigar-chomping man, but in the show Hardin is a black woman who is THE BESTEST EVAR because she's the only one who can enter the null field around the Vault without being affected. Unfortunate that the show had to be made in these woke times by people with an agenda; better if it had never been made at all!… Expand
19 of 28 users found this helpful199
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1
LeofiniarelSep 26, 2021
Waaaay too unfaithful and distant from the book, in every way, Feels like bad fanfiction. Very disappointed
28 of 42 users found this helpful2814
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0
Saul2021Oct 6, 2021
The TV shows leaves you wondering if there's any point to this futuristic story other than selling woke narratives of today.
To me it seems like producers used Foundation franchise as a proxy to promote their beliefs.
Has nothing to do withThe TV shows leaves you wondering if there's any point to this futuristic story other than selling woke narratives of today.
To me it seems like producers used Foundation franchise as a proxy to promote their beliefs.
Has nothing to do with actual Foundation. I've never seen so many gender and race swapping thus far. This one certainly sets the record.
Visuals are ok, but the design is cliched. Acting, I guess ok. Screenplay and story, nothing special really. If not for the woke bs, I'd give it 5, at best 6. But injecting politics into adaptation of any kind is a red line for me. Thus, zero.… Expand
20 of 30 users found this helpful2010
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2
Sv4roGOct 8, 2021
Another unfortunate victim of Woke Wars. It has so little in common with the novel that if not for the tittle i wouldn't recognize the story. It has so much ideology forced down viewer throat that I'm surprised people are not choking on itAnother unfortunate victim of Woke Wars. It has so little in common with the novel that if not for the tittle i wouldn't recognize the story. It has so much ideology forced down viewer throat that I'm surprised people are not choking on it while watching. Shame. I was hoping for another great Sci-Fi show.… Expand
21 of 32 users found this helpful2111
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1
FlobarOct 2, 2021
One star just for visual effects. The story (which deviates so much from the books) is so boring and unwatchable, that after three episodes I'm done with the show.
17 of 28 users found this helpful1711
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6
kito78Aug 16, 2023
As last two episodes were good I am changing score to 6.

It is just ok. I still do not understand why they needed to change so much. They had great books, but in their arrogancy decided to fork it up… it could be 10/10 but now is 2. ToAs last two episodes were good I am changing score to 6.

It is just ok. I still do not understand why they needed to change so much. They had great books, but in their arrogancy decided to fork it up… it could be 10/10 but now is 2.
To writers, producers and directors: if you want to know how to do book adaptation: 1. Read Harry Potter 2. Watch first two Harry Potter movies 3. Read book you want to do (a few times) 4. Do it as close to book as possible… and learn from mistakes of others… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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4
norseJul 30, 2022
Great design and world building, fantastic visuals and great actors.

The frequently lousy writing and direction take it down from 10 to a 4. I didn't mind the complete departure from the source material or the gender changes, I sort of loveGreat design and world building, fantastic visuals and great actors.

The frequently lousy writing and direction take it down from 10 to a 4.

I didn't mind the complete departure from the source material or the gender changes, I sort of love that the show had a token white guy, and the last episode makes up for a lot - but: everything in between episode 1 and that suffers from the most cringe-worthy moments where characters seem to choose the dumbest possible way for them to behave, or contradict themselves moments after making a bold statement. It might have helped for an unnecessarily action ladden show if the directors had watched any successful movie featuring fighting before completely ruining immersion with the most brain dead depiction since 1960ies B movies.

It is a bit as if the raw video had been given to JJ Abrahams or one of the recent Star Wars directors, with the explicit direction to ruin things to the best of their capability.

More infuriatingly, occasionally the show hands out consistently great writing (in particular in the clone emperor sequences), emphasizing what's missing in the remainder.

I can only hope that someone thinks critically about what to do in season 2 and improves on the things that stand in between this being epic and bingeworthy.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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1
DaveAusJul 29, 2023
What should have been a great adaption of great source material is ruined by writers wanting to make it their own, and the usual casting choices that makes the audience roll their eyes.

Hopefully its something writers and casting willWhat should have been a great adaption of great source material is ruined by writers wanting to make it their own, and the usual casting choices that makes the audience roll their eyes.

Hopefully its something writers and casting will eventually learn from.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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2
vlsnbelcJul 14, 2023
Save the names of places and peoples in the story, it has nothing to do with the books. Very disappointing, another big splashy space opera. Everything about the psychohistory stuff has been left out in favor of more classic tropes.
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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0
MobileumJul 6, 2023
Sounds cliche to say shows were better before, but it's the case, simply because the woke virus is spreading everywhere. Authors don't care about delivering a good story, they will just cannibalize anything they can and then push their agendaSounds cliche to say shows were better before, but it's the case, simply because the woke virus is spreading everywhere. Authors don't care about delivering a good story, they will just cannibalize anything they can and then push their agenda into it.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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1
krauser1Jan 7, 2023
I tried to watch this and ended up organizing and cleaning out my kitchen drawers as a source of amusement.
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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3
unluckymoveJul 20, 2023
Asimov is rolling in his grave, about the only two things this show has that the books did is the title and names. After that, they went rogue and made the plot so convoluted as to be border insane. Season 2 episode one was the mostAsimov is rolling in his grave, about the only two things this show has that the books did is the title and names. After that, they went rogue and made the plot so convoluted as to be border insane. Season 2 episode one was the most disjointed waste of an hour.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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3
DesertDudeJul 20, 2023
The writers and producers of the foundation TV should be ashamed of themselves. They are dragging one of the best science fictions stories of all time through the mud. Do yourself a favor, skip this show and read the book.
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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0
GrizmanJul 28, 2023
Such a disrespect for the author's work, it's shocking. Woke Hollywood at its worst.
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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1
BobbySandsOct 20, 2021
Poor Directing, poor acting (other than a small few), nothing like the books, and terrible realism, for example think Stormtroopers can't hit their target, ooh boy. All in all such a disappointment, as I really wanted to like this but I faultPoor Directing, poor acting (other than a small few), nothing like the books, and terrible realism, for example think Stormtroopers can't hit their target, ooh boy. All in all such a disappointment, as I really wanted to like this but I fault the producers for wasting a huge budget, a few good actors, and an amazing novel.… Expand
14 of 19 users found this helpful145
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3
Qgal5kapNov 26, 2021
I am so very disappointed with this series. It was hard to make it through, and I found myself multitasking a lot.
8 of 11 users found this helpful83
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0
IncravedDec 13, 2021
This series is so bad that I can't even stomach watching it despite really wanting to. The Hollywood woke agenda is so cliche and ridiculous that it's downright satirical. I cringe so hard that it makes me want to stop watching. I reallyThis series is so bad that I can't even stomach watching it despite really wanting to. The Hollywood woke agenda is so cliche and ridiculous that it's downright satirical. I cringe so hard that it makes me want to stop watching. I really tried to focus on the story and ignore the obvious agenda shoved down our throats but it's hard.… Expand
8 of 11 users found this helpful83
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0
QuadrapoleDec 8, 2021
Loved the foundation series by Isaac Asimov. The book is deep and thoughtful. The TV series is like a reflection of modern society, it's a graphical good looking, but hollow and superficial imitation of the beloved book. Absolute waste ofLoved the foundation series by Isaac Asimov. The book is deep and thoughtful. The TV series is like a reflection of modern society, it's a graphical good looking, but hollow and superficial imitation of the beloved book. Absolute waste of time unless you just like shiny graphics while having your mind rot. Another good series ruined by progressive politics. Get woke, go broke.… Expand
8 of 11 users found this helpful83
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0
kaosz42Dec 4, 2021
An insult to the spirituality of Asimov and pure left-wing propaganda. Except for a few rare moments it is boring uninteresting and illogical.
8 of 11 users found this helpful83
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1
JstopOct 28, 2021
This is a complete betrayal of the source material. Aside from a few names, nothing from Asimov remains. Did we need another dumbed-down Star Wars remake? The scope of the story is supposed to be immense, the coming fall inevitable.This is a complete betrayal of the source material. Aside from a few names, nothing from Asimov remains. Did we need another dumbed-down Star Wars remake? The scope of the story is supposed to be immense, the coming fall inevitable. Individuals do not matter, this is the force of social movements.

They spent so much money on beautiful visuals and some of the acting is good, but all is wasted on criminally terrible writing. They actually have Seldon saying the exact opposite of what his character believes. Hardin isn’t figuring out the game behind the plan in a brilliant master stroke, avoiding the fight. No, it’s the same pedestrian pew-pew crap, “only you can save the plan!” — barf. I really wanted to love this show, and if it was even just “inspired“ by the books that would have been ok. But the show runners have purposefully betrayed the purpose of the story and cheapened themselves in the process.… Expand
13 of 18 users found this helpful135
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0
acehawkNov 19, 2021
Unfortunately this is a terrible and faithless adaptation of a classic sci-fi novel series. This show COMPLETELY misses the entire scientific and philosophical point of the novels (that human civilization is largely driven by macro forcesUnfortunately this is a terrible and faithless adaptation of a classic sci-fi novel series. This show COMPLETELY misses the entire scientific and philosophical point of the novels (that human civilization is largely driven by macro forces such as economics, religion, and culture, and NOT by random, emotional individuals) and instead does the opposite (invents tedious character "drama" and special powers in characters that are completely not in the books and make no sense). Avoid sadly.… Expand
13 of 18 users found this helpful135
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1
olekseyOct 22, 2021
tl;dr
Good if you haven't read the books.
Bad if you have. It has almost nothing to do with the books. A completely rewritten story with very few main points and character names retained. Poor acting, poor directing, some scenes are sotl;dr
Good if you haven't read the books.
Bad if you have.

It has almost nothing to do with the books. A completely rewritten story with very few main points and character names retained.
Poor acting, poor directing, some scenes are so predictable and boring.
Characters' stories like Hari Seldon or Eto Demerzel (who is just Demerzel now) are not revealed at all. Some major events are not explained too.
Asimov probably is turning over in the grave. And Robyn Asimov (her daughter) being a producer of the series is an absolute treason.… Expand
10 of 14 users found this helpful104
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0
Shadowmoon24Nov 25, 2021
It’s annoying that the two main character have been replaced by black women who are both bad actors and annoying.
12 of 17 users found this helpful125
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0
Parkaboy82Nov 7, 2021
This is an absolute piece of garbage series. It has nothing to do with the books, they use some of the names of the characters and invented everything else.
If you're interested in the Foundation series just read the books, skip this Apple crap.
12 of 17 users found this helpful125
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0
NeonSaintNov 18, 2021
Gender and raceswapping characters to fit current political narrative at the expense of the original work of author is cultural vandalism. And that is what this series is, a woke insult to the works of Asimov. Why all those woke writers andGender and raceswapping characters to fit current political narrative at the expense of the original work of author is cultural vandalism. And that is what this series is, a woke insult to the works of Asimov. Why all those woke writers and directors don't create their own worlds and write their stories in them instead of vandalizing established works of other authors ?… Expand
12 of 17 users found this helpful125
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2
FursnakeOct 18, 2021
Ironic...how this show is a perfect example of why Asimov didn't want it made into TV show or movie. Asimov didn't want other writers, producer and directors rewriting and changing his works, which is exactly what has been done to Foundation.Ironic...how this show is a perfect example of why Asimov didn't want it made into TV show or movie. Asimov didn't want other writers, producer and directors rewriting and changing his works, which is exactly what has been done to Foundation. Characters, events and plots have been changed from the books sometimes in an eye-rolling manner and other times cringeworthy. This is someone's fan fiction quality re-writing of Foundation to have it come off as more woke and virtue signaling. It has no business being tied to Asimov's Foundation and it should not be going into a second season, but it is. I'll give it a rating of two, one for the quality of the effects and one for the cast. The rest of it is garbage and doesn't deserve to compare itself to Asimov's books.… Expand
14 of 20 users found this helpful146
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0
thesadpunkSep 29, 2021
If you haven't read the books this could be a good sci-fi drama show. It's graphical impressive. But if you have read the Foundation series, this doesn't do any good to the books. It's more like an expensive fanfiction, the only Asimov inIf you haven't read the books this could be a good sci-fi drama show. It's graphical impressive. But if you have read the Foundation series, this doesn't do any good to the books. It's more like an expensive fanfiction, the only Asimov in this are the names.… Expand
14 of 20 users found this helpful146
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0
JrtlaktalkDec 28, 2021
Oh, another 21st century scifi show where the protagonist has been gender and race swapped from a white male to a black female, and where all the villians are white males. What is it with shows thesedays that insist on alienating theOh, another 21st century scifi show where the protagonist has been gender and race swapped from a white male to a black female, and where all the villians are white males. What is it with shows thesedays that insist on alienating the traditional scifi viewers? If the protagonist is black - MAKE THE VILLAINS BLACK. Why do they have to be white? FFS. And why swap genders? Wtf?

The thing is, the plot appears good, but I could not have been bothered to watch it past episode 1 due to the gender swap. The race swap is acceptable, as there is a good argument to be had as to why that makes sense, but gender swap? Nope. This show might be good, I wouldnt know, because I have no interest in watching it past episode 1.… Expand
7 of 10 users found this helpful73
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0
vasylsimonovithDec 19, 2021
This is a very bad series, I hardly watched 3 episodes and could no longer watch it, my rating is 0.
7 of 10 users found this helpful73
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0
GlroarkNov 21, 2021
Apple should be ashamed of this garbage. Absolutely ignored the original story, shoved woke bs down viewers throats, and neglected to provide even a modicum of entertainment. How do these producers and writers even have jobs?! Can I put aApple should be ashamed of this garbage. Absolutely ignored the original story, shoved woke bs down viewers throats, and neglected to provide even a modicum of entertainment. How do these producers and writers even have jobs?! Can I put a score below 0???
And critic / media reviewers swallowed this? How can they give such a high score???… Expand
9 of 13 users found this helpful94
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6
DukeJonSep 30, 2021
Some great effects, but the world-building isn't explained at all so you don't get any feeling of immersion. Two episodes in and my overall feeling is "meh". After two hours it really should have grabbed me by now. Characters are boring andSome great effects, but the world-building isn't explained at all so you don't get any feeling of immersion. Two episodes in and my overall feeling is "meh". After two hours it really should have grabbed me by now. Characters are boring and illogical and the main character, who started off as confused and fragile, has already turned into a Mary Sue. Never read the books, so I can't comment on how accurate this all is.… Expand
11 of 16 users found this helpful115
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0
Pech_SOGNov 19, 2021
Zero understanding of Asimov's writing. Lazy writing, plot, character development, and a waste of huge budget. An abomination of a tv show. Waste of a great cast. Every episode, as they strayed more and more from any connection to sourceZero understanding of Asimov's writing. Lazy writing, plot, character development, and a waste of huge budget. An abomination of a tv show. Waste of a great cast. Every episode, as they strayed more and more from any connection to source material got worse...… Expand
10 of 15 users found this helpful105
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5
BubberOct 1, 2021
Disregarding the book, the first episode was good, then it went downhill in episode 2 and 3, I now have little hope it will recover.
10 of 15 users found this helpful105
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0
poppingbluesNov 21, 2021
It is godawful. God. Awful. As has been said it has nothing to do with the books, and I mean not a thing besides the character names, places. Not only that it directly contravenes concepts, technology, events specified in the books. I guessIt is godawful. God. Awful. As has been said it has nothing to do with the books, and I mean not a thing besides the character names, places. Not only that it directly contravenes concepts, technology, events specified in the books. I guess David Goyer was too lazy to write a proper adaptation so he just started making things up to further his story/business.

But maybe my love for the books has made me biased against this turd. So I asked my coworkers who hadn't read the books what they thought and most didn't get past epsiode 3 or 4.… Expand
8 of 12 users found this helpful84
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4
AlexPetrovNov 13, 2021
This TV series has nothing to do with novels written by Isaac Asimov. They borrowed just a few character and planet named and that's it. I you're an Asimov fan, don't waste your time on this. It is not an adaptation. Visual effects are wellThis TV series has nothing to do with novels written by Isaac Asimov. They borrowed just a few character and planet named and that's it. I you're an Asimov fan, don't waste your time on this. It is not an adaptation. Visual effects are well done. Acting is so so. There are 3 main plot lines: Foundation/Salvor Hardin, Emperors, Gaal/Seldon. So... Foundation plot line was ok in the beginning but after a couple of episodes it got boring. I am just skipping it now. Same for Gaal/Seldon. The first episode was great, but then it is just not interesting to follow them. It is Emperors plot line that saves the show for me. I don't really care if they were in books or not (they were not), I only care if it is fun to watch or not. It is. The other to plot lines are not. I'd say that the Emperors deserve their own series.… Expand
6 of 9 users found this helpful63
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4
tranemonkNov 17, 2021
Way too confusing and all over the map. Started with promise. Got much worse as the season progressed.
6 of 9 users found this helpful63
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0
DrakanysNov 24, 2021
One of the nastiest adaptations I've ever seen. It just goes to show that budgeting isn't everything.
6 of 9 users found this helpful63
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1
WizzleAug 6, 2023
The changes made to the characters' genders and the addition of a homosexual plot line in the Foundation series seem to lack a clear narrative purpose, which can be jarring for fans of the original storyline. These alterations might disruptThe changes made to the characters' genders and the addition of a homosexual plot line in the Foundation series seem to lack a clear narrative purpose, which can be jarring for fans of the original storyline. These alterations might disrupt the established dynamics and themes, potentially taking away from the essence of the story. It's important for adaptations to maintain the essence of the source material while adding meaningful elements, and in this case, it appears that the changes could be seen as unnecessary and potentially detracting from the original intent.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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2
shawhuAug 19, 2023
Why did the writers accept the job if they despise the original novel? Throughout season 1 and the initial episodes of season 2, the series primarily emphasized individual characters rather than the fundamental essence of the originalWhy did the writers accept the job if they despise the original novel? Throughout season 1 and the initial episodes of season 2, the series primarily emphasized individual characters rather than the fundamental essence of the original foundational novel, which should have been Psychohistory. It seems that the writers either disagreed with the core value of the original work or simply didn't care at all. The only remnants from the original work are the character names. 2 points for the visual effect and the cast.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
P4inskillerAug 5, 2023
Slow paced, epical and very enjoyable Scifi full of magic moments. People who give a low rating, don't understand what "epical Scifi" means. Go back to your boring Star Wars.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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1
KinikuJul 31, 2023
Season 2 and here I was hoping there would be a great SCI-FI (Asimov) story on the screen without progressive nonsense. As usual I was wrong. Turned it off at S2E3 and felt very let down. Why does the entertainment industry insist on doingSeason 2 and here I was hoping there would be a great SCI-FI (Asimov) story on the screen without progressive nonsense. As usual I was wrong. Turned it off at S2E3 and felt very let down. Why does the entertainment industry insist on doing this? Could there be a warning for homosexual content? Of course not. Then no one would be tricked into watching these shows and avoid their "normalization" campaigns. Did Asimov write this into his books? I'll say hardly likely. Here's "Rings of Power" 2.0 where the great, great, grandson of Asimov was paid a handy sum to give the source material to progressive revisionists.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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1
psitarronJun 23, 2023
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Unfortunately, the source material was destroyed in this adaptation. I don't mind strong black females and there were plenty of women in the original story that could have been cast, but what is the point of not only making them black, but then having pointless sex scenes and stabbing Dr. Hari Seldon before ejecting this woman into space... This is not Foundation series, this is some group of writers **** all over one of my favorite audiobook series. - I won't be watching additional episodes and I barely made it to the fourth before realizing it wasn't going to get any better. - what a waste and insult to the fans of the original series.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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4
Janice_23Aug 4, 2022
If you love Asimov's Foundation trilogy, be warned this series has almost nothing in common with the books. Season 1 was passable, but season 2 went off the rails. It's a pity, given the excellent actor, and that the Foundation series is oneIf you love Asimov's Foundation trilogy, be warned this series has almost nothing in common with the books. Season 1 was passable, but season 2 went off the rails. It's a pity, given the excellent actor, and that the Foundation series is one of the greats in SF. The series could have been very cool had it remained true to the spirit of the source material.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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0
Broker2022Aug 14, 2023
You can't watch any SF/Fantasy movie or series these days without the following:
1. Modification of the original artwork according to today's political agenda in Hollywood.
2. All white male characters are either mean, stupid, or are patheticYou can't watch any SF/Fantasy movie or series these days without the following:
1. Modification of the original artwork according to today's political agenda in Hollywood.
2. All white male characters are either mean, stupid, or are pathetic wimps.
3. All "good" roles were replaced by black (female) actors, almost all leading roles were replaced by black females. All "bad" roles are filled by straight white males.
4. Gays and lesbians, even transvestites are always there.
5. Sentimental touchy-feeling is always involved somewhere.

Above all, this is extremely focused in the SF and fantasy section.
Here, too, was unfortunately messed around again. One of the best SF novels out there has been messed up by the above contaminants.
Unfortunately, you can no longer watch modern films or series, which is a pity. Maybe it will get better when the current politics in Hollywood changes at some point.

Now to the actual topic, the series:

The first season started out promising, but became more and more flat and boring with each episode. The focus was too much on the "brilliant" black girl and not on the actual story. Incidentally, as a side note, Gaal Dornick is a white man in the novel. The second season, almost exactly the same, starts well, but becomes unbearable very early on, from season 2 episode 2, the gender madness has "finally" found its way. I turned it off in frustration after the second episode. I was particularly struck by the fact that almost all of Apple TV+'s in-house productions have given in to gender madness and the woke mob. A pity! So much good material, so many incredible possibilities and huge amounts of money totally wasted! Zero quality, only political madness everywhere.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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2
FindwritersMay 7, 2023
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There are two perspectives from which to criticise series I.

The first is as an adaptation of Asimov's work. Little enough to be said there other than the 'creative' re-write has massacred the central concepts that underpin the original work. Imagine Pride and Prejudice where the Bennet sisters are all working as lumberjacks and you have some idea of the absurdity of some of the changes made.

The second critical vantage point is when taken as a stand-alone review of the series, ignoring the theoretical Asimov legacy. Here Foundation suffers from the now universal addiction to the Lucas syndrome, that means virtually every SF production much have the same tired old tropes. So, we're forced to watch yet another evil empire versus plucky rebels and heroic resistance etc etc etc. At best, this can be described as a tedious total absence of writing imagination and at worst, writing laziness of the first order.

Of course, the two perspectives must converge. The fact is, if you rip a classic piece of writing to pieces, discarding much of the storyline and its underlying rationale, then you have to rely on very probably less gifted writing to plug the gaps. Foundation fails badly here because the holes left by the demolition of the original story are either simply ignored or worse, they're filled by the ready-to-go Star Wars tropes. Many of the faint-echos that have survived from the original work are therefore not cohesive, making no sense at all because they're totally out of context in the new work.

Some of the screenwork is impressive enough. The acting is, for the most part, good. None of that can compensate though for the absolutely awful hacking around the storyline. The origins of the story's demise are clear and linked to 21C political correctness. This is a seductive but dangerously slippery slop. So, start off by making Gaal Dornick female not male. OK. Ah, hold on a second though, Dornick is a minor character and we can't have a woman in a minor supporting role to male. So, the writers have to hugely expand the role and it becomes bloated and an absolutely pointless distraction. Then we have the present-day holy order that all characters must have their emotional backgrounds outlined using a younger teenager's level of perceptive insight and with bucketloads of sugary sentimentality thrown in. As a result, surprise, Salvor Hardin has also changed sex and along with Gaal Dornick, we're subjected to a cringeworthy exploration of their backgrounds which adds nothing to the storyline and just wastes time. Then linking the two together through a familial relationship is without doubt a contender for the most skin-crawlingly embarrasing piece of writing ever seen in a movie or TV series. The actors work hard but they both look at times as if they'd rather be elsewhere and with material like this, it's hard not to sympathise with them.

The writers have lost all subtlty with their adaptation. They haven't grasped that the Empire isn't evil, the Foundation aren't revolutionaries, Seldon doesn't want to bring the Empire down (he'd save it if he could and in fact, he wants to prepare to build a second empire), that most people can't fundamentally influence major event flows and that things progress even once the big names of one age have passed. The story is essentially a tragedy for the most part with sympathies for all players - not a good versus evil saga.

Some of the early snippet hints for series II look to be just as depressing.

There is a more serious message to be taken out of all this for SF - leaving aside the nightmare requirements of PC writing, why is this happening? It's difficult to conclude that the writers just patronisingly assume that the general public aren't smart enough to understand the original crafted work. They adopt a "give them goodies, baddies, ray guns, some battles and then they'll be happy. Oh, don't forget, throw in some plastic sentimentality".

The paying public needs to change this by voting against such assumptions with their wallets.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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2
InesJDoeAug 5, 2023
The first season was interesting and thoughtful. The second one is goofy and beats you over the head with plot points. Noticeable drop in quality.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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0
jigsaw586Oct 25, 2021
Did show runner even read the book?

I have to recover my account just so I can give it a 0 rating. The show simply doesn't know how to make a story engaging, yet it is still trying to look cleaver and epic in scale by introducing multipleDid show runner even read the book?

I have to recover my account just so I can give it a 0 rating.

The show simply doesn't know how to make a story engaging, yet it is still trying to look cleaver and epic in scale by introducing multiple stories on different planets in different timelines. The end result is a confusing and boring mess jumping all over the place.

60% of the show is a tour of the set and Sci-Fi settings. You don't know what they are doing nor its relevance to the plot. Sci-Fi concepts such as cloning and robot are introduced, but never used in an interesting way. They are mostly just there to read scripts to make the show sound like a Sci-Fi-y. There are no character decisions, and things they do have no effects whatsoever on other plot lines. Most of the plot are just people going somewhere, reacting to something, then cut away. The show consists of independent plot lines that constantly switch from one to another, and cut away before tension is built up. So the show has no tension! You don't care about any character, and there's no clear main plot if you haven't read the book.

The new characters are horrible. This is where you know the writing is bad. Idiotic writing 101 level bad. Writers of this show have no idea how to build a character. They rely on backstory, narration, music and reaffirmation from other characters to tell you that this character is strong, instead of SHOWING you that they are strong. Most of their actions are just reactions, none of them ever made any hard choices, acting and dialogue is bad too. Tension and story flow is constantly interrupted by cutting away from important things. A cliffhanger is set up in episode 2! You don't know what's going on, things just happen. Then cliffhanger and you won't see main character until episode 5. Episode 3 just begins with a new main character, which just follows the same template. Overlong backstory, tell but never show, strong female who is the key to everything trope. You already lost the plot at this point because the plot is left at cliffhanger, and half of the time the show cut to totally irrelevant tour of the empire and some boring subplots like a clone having problems with his sexual orientation. So you don't care any of these characters, nothing is explained, no build up and tension for anything. Cliffhanger just to subvert your expectations. The show is just one big "oh we need to cover this and that, so we have actors read scripts here and there". The writing is so bad it's hard to believe they are professionals.

Good writing is the foundation of any show. Apple's Foundation will fall, because it couldn't bother to hire good writers. I hope this review can shorten the dark ages that follow.… Expand
13 of 20 users found this helpful137
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1
usernameloginOct 24, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Really went downhill. Having read the books, I was initially skeptical about the deviations and new characters, but gave it a go. For the first couple episodes, I bought in and was looking forward to each new episode, but the execution has been terrible to the point where it has become just painful to watch ("Oxygen levels at 2%..." -- Asimov was a chemist, and would be rolling in his grave with that sort of idiocy). The script, the acting, the logic of it all doesn't cohere (and now has very little to do with the books except for the name). To the extent the scriptwriters/producers read the books, they missed the point. May be time to abandon ship.… Expand
9 of 14 users found this helpful95
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4
KurschOct 8, 2021
Foundation feels rushed in its world building but manages to slow down for tedious melodrama. It tries to be epic in scale, but feels small, nothing is outright terrible, but there isn't anything gripping about the show either. Hard coreFoundation feels rushed in its world building but manages to slow down for tedious melodrama. It tries to be epic in scale, but feels small, nothing is outright terrible, but there isn't anything gripping about the show either. Hard core sci-fi fans will occasionally roll their eyes - a galactic civilization with FTL travel, space elevators, "living" paint, and holodecks, but the laundry mat can't get the stain out of Hari Seldon's shirt.

Come to think of it, why does Hari Seldon, the brilliant psycho historian who handpicked a group of true believers to restart civilization, fill his ship with domestic servants? Is manually doing laundry the key to reducing the galactic dark age to just 1000 years? Maybe the show gets better after the second episode, but I can't muster up the energy to care. For hard core sci fi, stick with the Expanse.… Expand
7 of 11 users found this helpful74
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0
ThOneCleanHippyNov 3, 2021
This "adaptation" is Foundation in name only. The only things it has in common with the source material is the names. They padded everything out significantly and basically wrote everything from scratch. The performances are great, specialThis "adaptation" is Foundation in name only. The only things it has in common with the source material is the names. They padded everything out significantly and basically wrote everything from scratch. The performances are great, special effects are stunning, changing characters to be women and/or people of color is a good thing. But the writing is awful. Characters motivations don't make any sense, events are totally different. Why adapt a beloved novel if you're going to completely ignore it?… Expand
12 of 19 users found this helpful127
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0
marchezOct 28, 2021
seriously... "Foundation" ?
was it to hard to read the novels before write this abomination?

very disapponting...
12 of 19 users found this helpful127
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2
DabliuJROct 31, 2021
The only things this monstrosity has of Asimov's masterpiece is the name, and the generic backgroud.
A complete disaster. There's a reason why people kept giving up adapting the books, and Apple should have followed suit.
Apple hadn't made aThe only things this monstrosity has of Asimov's masterpiece is the name, and the generic backgroud.
A complete disaster. There's a reason why people kept giving up adapting the books, and Apple should have followed suit.
Apple hadn't made a mistake until now, but when they bomb, they do it big.
Beautiful scenes, though, but that's the bare minimum… Expand
10 of 16 users found this helpful106
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1
Meka_Oct 30, 2021
Didn't have really high hopes but at least I expected to see an adaptation of the book in the title of the series: Foundation. It's not.
From a technical aspect i found it beautiful. The effects and camera work is good and even the acting isDidn't have really high hopes but at least I expected to see an adaptation of the book in the title of the series: Foundation. It's not.
From a technical aspect i found it beautiful. The effects and camera work is good and even the acting is ok.
The problema I have, as a reader and fan of the author, is with the story. Watching it makes me feel no love for the source material and no respect. I don't feel is a problem to change some characters even if most i don't understand.
The problem for me with the series is not understanding what the book tries to say. Not saying that it can not be enjoyed by anyone. Only that it's difficult and quite sad from a fan perspective.… Expand
10 of 16 users found this helpful106
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3
hitzestauNov 23, 2021
If AppleTV+ wanted to attract more paying customers for its offer, they failed in my opinion... sure, Isaac Asimov is a big name and his work a science fiction milestone, but that alone is not enough. I haven't read the books, so I can onlyIf AppleTV+ wanted to attract more paying customers for its offer, they failed in my opinion... sure, Isaac Asimov is a big name and his work a science fiction milestone, but that alone is not enough. I haven't read the books, so I can only say: seen purely as a TV series, "Foundation" is not convincing. Poor characterization and told too slowly and the change between the different time levels is often not transparent enough for the viewer. In addition, the story has no clear focus and as a viewer you feel that you are only getting " snippets" of something much larger. Jumps in storytelling and the feeling of gaps are the inevitable consequence of this. Peter Jackson did a better job with LOTR of condensing a complex and detailed story. The most interesting part is the scenes surrounding the 3 Empire clones. "We are Empire... history bends to us" gets to the heart of the dynasty's self-image and why it is doomed to perish. However, this and the purely visual values, which are quite impressive without discussion, are not enough to make "Foundation" the streaming event that Asimov's great name actually deserves... and that AppleTV+ would most likely desperately need.… Expand
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
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0
BitashDec 4, 2021
I didn’t even read the book but I love Sci-fi, Sad that i lost complete interest. You think Disney writers wrote the script or re-wrote it . Forcing more Woke values down our throats to fit political narratives of today. Writers tried soooI didn’t even read the book but I love Sci-fi, Sad that i lost complete interest. You think Disney writers wrote the script or re-wrote it . Forcing more Woke values down our throats to fit political narratives of today. Writers tried sooo hard to cram in their political views AGAIN and again, that they lost the plot and ruined the story. The main black female characters are not even believable, yay to women power again.… Expand
6 of 10 users found this helpful64
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0
sinusgammaNov 19, 2021
This series is a rape, and should be punished as rape, but novels and dead writers don't have rights.

First I was very generous, in 2021 my score was 4. But after watching s02e01 I have to give it 0. On its own this could be a stupid scifiThis series is a rape, and should be punished as rape, but novels and dead writers don't have rights.

First I was very generous, in 2021 my score was 4. But after watching s02e01 I have to give it 0. On its own this could be a stupid scifi with every required content of the average 2023 series. But this whole story isn't in the novels, except the names. Behind the names are different things or different people with different roles in different places.

My 2021 review:"In most of the episodes, it has good moments, could be a good series. I started to like the clones, they can pull in really interesting complications, and I don't mind if this is different in the books. But the title shouldn't be Foundation, this is misleading, only bait. Visuals are 5/5.
BUT: I don't like the fantasy elements, Asimov wrote science fiction, and I hate that it is watered down with mystery cliché, so this isn't an Asimov sci-fi. The plot is written very badly, the reactions, behavior, and motivations of the characters are sometimes forced, they would be dull even in high school essays from engineers. Yes, some parts are childish. During the last years, I started to feel that lots of popular series come from the same soap opera school. Same glances from heroes, same high moments, same rotation of feelings, disasters, resolutions. Seems they follow a kind of receipt, which is boring after a while. Still better than Star Trek Discovery (which is one of the most stupid series you can watch), but the plot building often is similar. So everybody feels what she/he/it should do, and these intuitions are better than an atomic clock, and oxygen percent is still above two percent, so if you don't expect some sophisticated series, then give it a try."… Expand
6 of 10 users found this helpful64
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2
capt_morganJul 30, 2023
I didn't read the books, but I read some of Isaac's Robot series; the minute I started watching this nonsense it was clear that the WOKE crowd got their filthy hands all over this. Forcing the black actresses down on us at almost ever scene,I didn't read the books, but I read some of Isaac's Robot series; the minute I started watching this nonsense it was clear that the WOKE crowd got their filthy hands all over this. Forcing the black actresses down on us at almost ever scene, why? I think the next Zulu movie we should have the British played by Africans and Zulu played by the white neo British folk.… Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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3
petraxJan 18, 2022
If you like modern YA storytelling then this will probably be an enjoyable show. Unfortunately it wasn't supposed to be. Like the treatment of the emperors but when you have genius protagonist(s) if just allows for lazy and obvious plotting.If you like modern YA storytelling then this will probably be an enjoyable show. Unfortunately it wasn't supposed to be. Like the treatment of the emperors but when you have genius protagonist(s) if just allows for lazy and obvious plotting. Looks nice.… Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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1
tr34dOct 9, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Foundation series is one of the pillars of SciFi. But flashy visuals and a few gem performances can’t save this dumpster fire of a show. I’ll start with the good. Lee Pace steals the show as Brother Day. He believably portrays the differing personalities of the various Cleon clones. He absolutely nails the combination of Cleon’s narcissism and sociopathy balanced against charisma so strong that his dynasty’s success feels like the only possible outcome. Terrence Mann similarly showcases his versatility in his roles as the multiple Brother Dusk clones.
Jared Harris’ legendary abilities are sufficient to mold the inconsistent and unoriginal writing for Hari Seldon into a believable and captivating performance.
Kyra Tiger provides a solid performance for her recurring role as Azura although the character does not provide a significant enough platform to really showcase or stretch her abilities.

Unfortunately, that is the end of the positives. To avoid this becoming too lengthy a rant, I’ll just say: The remainder of the writing, especially in the second half of the season, is sloppy, unoriginal, and rarely entertaining. Lou Llobell and Leah Harvey are either a) way out of their element, b) hamstrung by the insipid, lazy writing of their characters, or c) perhaps a bit of both. Both performances are painful to watch- and the episodes are nearly an hour so gird yourself. The special effects are beautiful, creative, and well integrated into the scenes. So I suppose it’s at least a *beautiful* dumpster fire of a show.… Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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2
Klose000000Sep 27, 2021
Очень плохая экранизация книги. Столько вложить средств в картинку, но при этом так угробить оригинал, надо уметь.
13 of 22 users found this helpful139
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0
andreadavidedNov 21, 2021
Woke & has nothing to do with foundation by Asimov. I really don't need 75 characters to **** on this.
7 of 12 users found this helpful75
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0
SharphoreCageNov 8, 2021
I haven't read the original, but the process of watching the movie always gives me a strange feeling of "the original is not written like that"; the awkward language of the camera; the line of love that clearly has plenty of time but isI haven't read the original, but the process of watching the movie always gives me a strange feeling of "the original is not written like that"; the awkward language of the camera; the line of love that clearly has plenty of time but is unprepared; the weird rhythm and narrative preference. Perhaps the only advantage of this film is the special effects. Distressed for those who have read the original. Second set abandoned.… Expand
7 of 12 users found this helpful75
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3
kirill-1000Nov 22, 2021
This is terrible. Unfortunate that the show had to be made in these woke times by people with an agenda; better if it had never been made at all!
7 of 12 users found this helpful75
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0
Marcy90Oct 26, 2021
Only socialists, Americans and users of apple can like this abomination, clearly the writers of the script did not read the book, they stollen the characters and planets names only. This is a rape to the original story that could be improvedOnly socialists, Americans and users of apple can like this abomination, clearly the writers of the script did not read the book, they stollen the characters and planets names only. This is a rape to the original story that could be improved but not made a shadow of the original, the production can't save it, this female black Salvor Harding that shot anyone that meets is an insult. If this show was out April first could be seen as the joke it is.… Expand
11 of 19 users found this helpful118
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2
SterlingHeroOct 9, 2021
The screens are impressive, but it’s super woke. Be prepared to be lectured by a petulant college kid.
11 of 19 users found this helpful118
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0
sunnrocks82Jan 23, 2023
Disrespectful and meaningless nonsense. SciFi shows in general have become almost unwatchable under the the recent "we have to write what our marketing analyst told us" mania that has broken out within the studios, but this filth is beyondDisrespectful and meaningless nonsense. SciFi shows in general have become almost unwatchable under the the recent "we have to write what our marketing analyst told us" mania that has broken out within the studios, but this filth is beyond all dimensions.… Expand
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
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3
UncleWillardSep 25, 2021
Despite its departure from the books, the first episode was very engaging and won me over. I rarely expect TV or film to do justice to a book, especially a series as complex as The Foundation series, but the first episode was dazzling.Despite its departure from the books, the first episode was very engaging and won me over. I rarely expect TV or film to do justice to a book, especially a series as complex as The Foundation series, but the first episode was dazzling. Quickly lost its luster, especially Gaal. In one fell swoop, she went from interesting apprentice to Mary Sue superhero. The stupid diversity and inclusion crap when she attends her first meeting, (schooling silly old white people like they wouldn't have considered anything before her dumbass showed up). Disappointing it went sideways so quickly. Despite that, Apple spent a **** of money to make it how badly you pervert beloved classic.

Ahhh there she is in episode 3...Michael Burnham.

And episode 10, both Butnhams meet. It's the red angel all over again.… Expand
14 of 25 users found this helpful1411
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3
StevenDNov 23, 2021
The strongest scenes are the ones with the Empire trinity. It's a new addition to the story and it fits in thematically with the concept of the current empire being stagnant.
Unfortunately the other 2/3 of the series is depressingly bad.The strongest scenes are the ones with the Empire trinity. It's a new addition to the story and it fits in thematically with the concept of the current empire being stagnant.
Unfortunately the other 2/3 of the series is depressingly bad. Terminus and 2nd are both boring and uninteresting filled with cliché storylines that shows there are more than a few people that really were out of ideas as to how to go about padding the runtime. While Terminus seems like pointless busywork the other one seems like dumb decisions stacking upon one another. Why make a character with genius level math skills, but waste one of the most interesting sherlock style scenes they have by sandwiching them between some pretty ham acting and some of the most shameful examples of incompetent decision making.
The showrunners got themselves in a bind. The best part of the current season is something they need to leave behind while the worst parts have the weakest actors tied to the only thing that can save the show which is progressing the timeline.… Expand
5 of 9 users found this helpful54
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4
Dee-Jay_DeliOct 30, 2021
Interesting ideas, poorly executed: Yeah, despite some potential in the ideas and concept, the execution is piss-poor. The story is distorted and difficult to grasp, the characters bland and uninteresting and there is very littleInteresting ideas, poorly executed: Yeah, despite some potential in the ideas and concept, the execution is piss-poor. The story is distorted and difficult to grasp, the characters bland and uninteresting and there is very little world-building outside of the emperors.… Expand
5 of 9 users found this helpful54
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3
DeN_DarKOct 23, 2021
Jared Harris is excellent and Lee Pace is too. Show itself is very pretty and I wanted to like it very much. I don't care about how they changed gender or race of main characters. Actresses is good enough (but not as good as Jared and Lee).Jared Harris is excellent and Lee Pace is too. Show itself is very pretty and I wanted to like it very much. I don't care about how they changed gender or race of main characters. Actresses is good enough (but not as good as Jared and Lee). But scenarists butchered the show by tons of action-movies content: tears, blood, shootings and absolutely illogical and half-baked story. Parts what don't stray far away from books are really nice. But all "original" content is made of illogical circus you can see in every other show and it is boring and full of cliches. And all later episodes made only with new ideas and scenarious. And they awful. Show just not engaging at all after first few episodes and I just start skipping because episodes like an empty shell.
Some original ideas not bad like triune Empire... but all and all - it is sad how show with so much potential and with so good pilot episode became same pale cliche as most shows.… Expand
6 of 11 users found this helpful65
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3
HughMBehaviorNov 12, 2021
Look Apple, there's woke n' then there's WOAHKE. You wanna add a bunch of female astronauts to For All Mankind, I don't really mind. Even if no female has ever come within an order of magnitude of meeting IRL astronaut standards--typicallyLook Apple, there's woke n' then there's WOAHKE. You wanna add a bunch of female astronauts to For All Mankind, I don't really mind. Even if no female has ever come within an order of magnitude of meeting IRL astronaut standards--typically they're short roughly a 2nd PhD, a few thousand flight hours, & a few steps on the fitness ladder--they did justify it in the script, and it's not like a woman with only one PhD & lots of combat pilot experience is gonna be BAD per se. Plus the actresses are GREAT. I mean, it's Hollywood. I expect Left messaging. So long as you keep authoritarian Woke Cultist dogma to a minimum I'm cool with it. For All Mankind mostly succeeds at that. This ain't For All Mankind. OH NO. This ain't that. No, this is WHOAKE. This is another FUBARed franchise the writer & showrunners see as more of a "platform" than entertainment. Platforms don't need to respect the creator, the story, the original message.

No, plaaaaaatforms are for pedophilic cocaine-addict social climbing backstabbing hypocrites to lecture us plebes about "Brexit, MeToo, the ascent of nationalism... climate change." Plaaaaaatforms are full of Magical Mary Sues, not actual women with actual flaws who actually get hurt sometimes. Plaaaaatforms take a story that's basically SciFi War & Peace, a story about the insigificance of the individual in the face of history & turn it into a story about The AMAZINGEST GAL EVARR who is just totes the key to everything.

In For All Mankind, one of the astronaut ladies dies heroically wrapped in duct tape with blood coming out every pore & her eyes. Here the blood will pour out of yours. You will have strained them with 10,000 whiplash eyerolls.

It is REALLY pretty though. 3 points for that.… Expand
7 of 13 users found this helpful76
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3
Edouard-01Oct 29, 2021
As everybody has already said, this is very vaguely inspired by Asimov novels. Now, that this statement is said this movie showed promise in the first episodes and goes down rapidly. We come from a galactic story with an empire slowlyAs everybody has already said, this is very vaguely inspired by Asimov novels. Now, that this statement is said this movie showed promise in the first episodes and goes down rapidly. We come from a galactic story with an empire slowly decaying to something about actors doing separate action shows which are not very interesting. This is more a remake of starwars under Disney not Lucas rather than something new. Best comparison would be something like Solo movie which was not really a top. It is true that it is nearly impossible to make a telesery based upon foundations books and stories but the spirit is not there. We are speaking about the convulsions of an old roman empire which is going to be replaced by a new society with new concepts. There is nearly nothing about it and there is only a fix on side stories.
Let's hope that season 2 will be better and will be a little more about the big story rather than fights.… Expand
7 of 13 users found this helpful76
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1
AthanasiosTNov 12, 2021
Asimov was a world renowned writer and Foundation is a sci-fi masterpiece he wrote. You can't just loosely "base" a tv show and write a generic scenario on such important basis. Either you stick to the original and keep the name, or youAsimov was a world renowned writer and Foundation is a sci-fi masterpiece he wrote. You can't just loosely "base" a tv show and write a generic scenario on such important basis. Either you stick to the original and keep the name, or you create something else and give it a new identity. Neither wasn't the case here and that's why I couldn't watch more than 10 minutes of this show.… Expand
8 of 15 users found this helpful87
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9
GreyHaven25Sep 11, 2022
It deserves at least a 9/10 for Lee Pace's performance alone. What an actor that man is.
5 of 10 users found this helpful55
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3
Charbles18Jun 29, 2023
"Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent" - The MAIN CHARACTER of the 1st book in the series this action tv show is adapted from, and someone who in this show shoots a bunch of people in uninspired action setpieces. If the issue isn't"Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent" - The MAIN CHARACTER of the 1st book in the series this action tv show is adapted from, and someone who in this show shoots a bunch of people in uninspired action setpieces. If the issue isn't apparent idk what to say. The 3 points are for the original ideas the show brings to the table that are unrelated to the source material and might've been interesting if explored in a different show.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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1
Ahkey101Aug 14, 2023
Too many woke and romance storylines. Focus more on the actual space plot and less on the useless storylines and old man butt
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
JONDOWENSNov 7, 2021
Difficult book series to adapt, but they pulled out off successfully for the most part. Beautiful visuals and brings the series alive while still maintaining a unique identity in the sci-fi genre. Can be uneven at times.
10 of 21 users found this helpful1011
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10
mshaley123456Jul 5, 2022
Foundation is one of the best Sci-Fi that came out in years. It is as powerful as The Matrix or Lord of the Rings. Plus it follows the book fairly closely. I give it a 10
5 of 11 users found this helpful56
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0
humus_iterationFeb 20, 2022
clearly the writers of this show don't know how to read, hopefully they can count to 0.


quote from one of the episodes, said by the main character: "i think i can feel the future". that is all.
3 of 7 users found this helpful34
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8
TrentKnuckles73Oct 26, 2021
I'm really liking this show! First off, I'm not the kind of person who thinks a TV or movie adaptation of a novel or novels should necessarily be faithful. I read the first Foundation book a long time ago and don't really remember all of theI'm really liking this show! First off, I'm not the kind of person who thinks a TV or movie adaptation of a novel or novels should necessarily be faithful. I read the first Foundation book a long time ago and don't really remember all of the details anyway. What I do remember is liking it, and I feel the same about this show. What we get to see on screen is cool and well edited. I think the actors are doing an amazing job. The story is intriguing and complex without being unapproachable. Looking forward to each new episode.… Expand
8 of 19 users found this helpful811
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8
martijnJan 13, 2022
Really nice story. Especially the later episodes are really nice and highly entertaining. Haven't read the books so no troubles there as well ;)
5 of 12 users found this helpful57
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10
aligalahanMay 9, 2022
This is a fantastic TV show that gives us a hard science fiction. Something to enjoy in this age of super heros, never ending actions and zero brain corrupted sci fi scene. I read the entire foundation series and to this day it is one of myThis is a fantastic TV show that gives us a hard science fiction. Something to enjoy in this age of super heros, never ending actions and zero brain corrupted sci fi scene. I read the entire foundation series and to this day it is one of my favorite science fiction books. It is so much different than star wars in a sense it is more serious, more thoughtful.

Production quality of the show is amazing. Acting is great. It is great to visualize all those familiar places from the book series. Foundation is a fictional history takes place over a 1000 year, obviously a TV show needs to be loosely based to develop characters. What is important is it needs to convey the spirit of the original books. And this one does it. Excellent take with cloned emperors. Do not miss… Expand
4 of 10 users found this helpful46
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8
scribner8Nov 10, 2021
Overall this is a great show. It is on the slower side and takes time to set up the setting, conflict, etc but once it does it’s great. The first 3-4 episodes were just barely good enough to keep me coming back but now I’m glad that I did.Overall this is a great show. It is on the slower side and takes time to set up the setting, conflict, etc but once it does it’s great. The first 3-4 episodes were just barely good enough to keep me coming back but now I’m glad that I did. Almost every negative review you’ll see is from someone who is disappointed the show strays from the book. Do not watch this show if you’re someone who is expecting a faithful adaptation of the book or if you can’t sit through the slower first handful of episodes.… Expand
7 of 18 users found this helpful711
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10
SteviedeezeeOct 24, 2021
Loving it through 6 episodes. Literally look forward to this every week to come out!
8 of 21 users found this helpful813
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10
dingleberryjackSep 14, 2022
I hope our future contains the option to inhabit other worlds as depicted in Foundation. Maybe then all those who feel threatened seeing anyone other than cis white Christian men on TV can go live on their own manly planet.

As forI hope our future contains the option to inhabit other worlds as depicted in Foundation. Maybe then all those who feel threatened seeing anyone other than cis white Christian men on TV can go live on their own manly planet.

As for Foundation, it is lush, beautiful and thoughtful. I look forward to season 2!… Expand
3 of 8 users found this helpful35
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10
hydrallusNov 13, 2021
A truly fantastic show! The people all giving it 0 lack subtlety and nuance and haven't even seen the whole season and seem to forget the source material covers eons. Something neither practical or interesting for a tv show so they adapted.A truly fantastic show! The people all giving it 0 lack subtlety and nuance and haven't even seen the whole season and seem to forget the source material covers eons. Something neither practical or interesting for a tv show so they adapted. And it's good fun And after all isn't tv fun? It's a diversion and this scratches that itch. The last few episodes are insane. Just wait for the finale… Expand
6 of 17 users found this helpful611
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9
immamrmaxNov 12, 2021
I loved it how episode by episode, you get to know a little bit more about these different worlds and some characters, yet at the same time there's something else there that you have yet to learn and see to make the story seem more or lessI loved it how episode by episode, you get to know a little bit more about these different worlds and some characters, yet at the same time there's something else there that you have yet to learn and see to make the story seem more or less complete, if it even is so. We did skip about 30 something years with almost not losing no characters, I wonder what next time jumps will feel like. So far I've been enjoying this series, how sometimes easily you get attatched to certain characters and learn about other sides of some of them, too.… Expand
6 of 17 users found this helpful611
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10
menthysOct 8, 2021
Alike those living in the troubled times of the Empire's fall that could not see beyond the next day, many reviewers made up their minds too quickly and acted as if they had watched and judged the entire series before it even aired. IsaacAlike those living in the troubled times of the Empire's fall that could not see beyond the next day, many reviewers made up their minds too quickly and acted as if they had watched and judged the entire series before it even aired. Isaac Asimov warned of the culture of ignorance, and it is that very culture rearing its ugly head in rushed, negative reviews all over the internet. Isaac Asimov himself, while writing Foundation's Edge, made his own self-critique about the original trilogy lacking this potency of adventure; and indeed, for many the books are too cerebral. I grew up with these books and loved them. And I took them to heart enough, to be able to understand the liberties ANY adaptation of the Foundation novels would have to take to make it to television. After 4 episodes, and with the story still at its very beginning, I am not going to argue about the depth of characters or those "purist" reactions that bemoan Salvor Hardin being a woman and whatever, given Asimov himself would not give a **** about that. I will only say: so far, the worldbuilding is deep, the Empire is something tangible and the Foundation is truly all at sea. It pains me that I do not see any of those who hate this show realize that from the very first moments of the first episode, the production took into account the entirety of Asimov's novels and possibly the officially authorized Second Foundation Trilogy. Massive work has been done in drawing ideas from Asimov's works, including his Robot series. It's obvious the showrunners have thought ahead - and they have said so. I do not know if "Foundation" will reach 8 seasons, but I am looking forward to its journey's continuation. This is a show made by people living in 2021, trying to place so many issues via the lens of a world that was first explored 60 years ago. The undertaking of this production is insanely difficult, many will say impossible, and it is also on that basis that we should judge the outcome.… Expand
9 of 26 users found this helpful917
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8
AscosporeNov 6, 2021
Familiar response. Just like Watchmen. Crybabies hating it because only they truly understand Asimov. Whatever. I thought Season 1 was very ambitious and excellent. But what would I know. I don't appreciate the "source material".
7 of 21 users found this helpful714
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