Read User Reviews and Submit your own for Foundation (2021)

10

krikaoliSep 28, 2021

I read the book several times. Don't pay attention to reviews with low ratings, they are probably haters. It's a very difficult adaptation to make. And even so, the series was excellent! So far I'm impressed with the quality of this show. TheI read the book several times. Don't pay attention to reviews with low ratings, they are probably haters. It's a very difficult adaptation to make. And even so, the series was excellent! So far I'm impressed with the quality of this show. The actors are very good, the plot was very elaborate, the sets are wonderful. All done with great quality and perfection.… Expand

9 of 33 users found this helpful924

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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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10

cmkuMar 9, 2022

Admittedly, Foundation takes its time with establishing the core of its story and it is thus, hard to get into in the beginning. But those willing to push through the initial, seemingly disparate, storylines of the early episodes will beAdmittedly, Foundation takes its time with establishing the core of its story and it is thus, hard to get into in the beginning. But those willing to push through the initial, seemingly disparate, storylines of the early episodes will be greatly rewarded once the intricate puzzle starts coming together. Season one is just the start to a grand, ambitious vision, but what is revealed in its initial installment is quite amazing to behold.… Expand

3 of 11 users found this helpful38

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10

dr_zoidberg590Sep 10, 2023

Just amazing. The greatest television Sci-Fi of modern times. The greatest achievement in decades of televised science fiction.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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10

greedoinaspeedoOct 8, 2021

Truly digging this show. It's the intelligent science fiction TV series I've been waiting for. A dense, well constructed universe with a lot of moving pieces. It reminds me of some of my favorite science fiction novels, which I have neverTruly digging this show. It's the intelligent science fiction TV series I've been waiting for. A dense, well constructed universe with a lot of moving pieces. It reminds me of some of my favorite science fiction novels, which I have never seen accurately captured in a TV show.

That being said, if you are a diehard fan of the Asimov stories, and you come in with an attachment to seeing something specific, you're bound to be disappointed. The show is necessarily divergent from the source material, as the books they're based upon are written like histories, without any developed characters, jumping time-periods constantly.

I feel like this was bound to bother some people no matter how they spun it. Luckily for me, what exists here is a show I've been waiting on for ages.

I only hope this initially negative reception doesn't halt the series from continuing on, because I'm hooked, and beyond excited to see where this goes.… Expand

7 of 26 users found this helpful719

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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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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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10

felipecsSep 26, 2021

More relevant than ever, Foundation is a must to bring up debates about imperialism, post-capitalism, and also to analogize the negationism that has emerged in this pandemic period. I recommend it to everyone who is passionate about scienceMore relevant than ever, Foundation is a must to bring up debates about imperialism, post-capitalism, and also to analogize the negationism that has emerged in this pandemic period. I recommend it to everyone who is passionate about science fiction and about how this genre is more about looking at the present than the future itself.… Expand

13 of 51 users found this helpful1338

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10

rlian220Oct 2, 2021

I don’t know what you all are talking about. This show is awesome. It’s like Star Wars meets Game of Thrones. It’s ambitious and difficult to tell such a big story that spans over 1000 years, but I think they pulled it off in a veryI don’t know what you all are talking about. This show is awesome. It’s like Star Wars meets Game of Thrones. It’s ambitious and difficult to tell such a big story that spans over 1000 years, but I think they pulled it off in a very believable way. The story is interesting and thought-provoking, the acting is superb, and show overall comes across as entertaining and full of depth. I’ve watch every episodes and can’t wait for more.… Expand

7 of 25 users found this helpful718

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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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10

JSintheStatesNov 24, 2021

David S. Goyer has brought Isaac Asimov’s Foundation to life on the big screen. A modern updated interpretation of the classic science fiction trilogy from the 1950s, Goyer presents us with an intricate character based story spanning aDavid S. Goyer has brought Isaac Asimov’s Foundation to life on the big screen. A modern updated interpretation of the classic science fiction trilogy from the 1950s, Goyer presents us with an intricate character based story spanning a galaxy of space-time places and events, incorporating science, politics, religion, psychology, history, warp speed starships, time-space portal jump ships, humans evolved, cloned, and less evolved!

A monumental tribute to Asimov’s vision by Goyer! For those of us who actually read the original trilogy books, we will see at least two seasons of this epic series. I hope there are enough of us to support Goyer’s ambitious dream of ten season for Foundation, Foundation and Empire, & Second Foundation.… Expand

4 of 13 users found this helpful49

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10

nkukNov 15, 2021

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, it has got better and better with every episode as the plot and the characters have developed. I haven't read the books, so that seems to be a positive based on the negative comments.

I am really likingI have thoroughly enjoyed this series, it has got better and better with every episode as the plot and the characters have developed. I haven't read the books, so that seems to be a positive based on the negative comments.

I am really liking it for what it is, a well produced sci-fi show with lots of depth and some nice twists and turns. For the second half of the series I have eagerly been awaiting every Friday to see what will come next. The production values for this show are top notch, rivalling any Hollywood blockbuster.

I would say give this show a watch and stick with it to the end of the series, it seems some people have had early negative reactions because it didn't closely follow the book. I can't wait for Season 2.… Expand

4 of 17 users found this helpful413

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10

AaronJupiterJan 24, 2022

This show is absolutely brilliant! I binge watched it and loved every second of it!

Acting in general is very solid but the performances of Laura Birn as Demerzel, Lee Pace as Brother Day and Lou Lovell as Gaal are the best i have seen for aThis show is absolutely brilliant! I binge watched it and loved every second of it!

Acting in general is very solid but the performances of Laura Birn as Demerzel, Lee Pace as Brother Day and Lou Lovell as Gaal are the best i have seen for a long time!

I just love the world building, the special effects are top notch and the story is breathtaking! I love Isaac Asimovs books but producers and directors paved the way for something new and exciting and they did an awesome job!

It's 2022 now and even though Asimov is one of the greatest science fiction authors, the writers of Foundation did a great job changing and developing it!

I especially liked the inner struggle of Demerzel and the ruthlessness of Brother Day (Laura Birn and Lee Pace should get awards for their roles - i got goosebumps watching their performances!)

Lovely music/soundtrack by Bear McCreary! Hopefully there will be more seasons!!!

THIS IS A VERY GOOD SCIENCE FICTION SERIES and i have seen a lot! Thank you to everyone who was involved!… Expand

3 of 10 users found this helpful37

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10

JeffreyWhitmoreNov 18, 2021

Loved it! I'm a big sci fi buff and this is about as perfect an adaptation as you will find that will fit within the confines of a series like this. Can't ask for more epic stakes than this. Ignore the maga lynch mob, anyone who doesn'tLoved it! I'm a big sci fi buff and this is about as perfect an adaptation as you will find that will fit within the confines of a series like this. Can't ask for more epic stakes than this. Ignore the maga lynch mob, anyone who doesn't like this doesn't like to see POC as actors. RECOMMENDED… Expand

5 of 15 users found this helpful510

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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

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

UlverNielsenSep 29, 2021

Generally puzzling to me how anyone can dislike this. It is the most gorgeous-looking show I have seen in years – if not ever. Terrific performances and excellent storytelling that stay true to Asimov’s vision while making changes appropriateGenerally puzzling to me how anyone can dislike this. It is the most gorgeous-looking show I have seen in years – if not ever. Terrific performances and excellent storytelling that stay true to Asimov’s vision while making changes appropriate for a new medium. The thing about most of Asimov’s characters is that their gender and ethnicity is irrelevant to the story and I feel quite confident that he would have approved of color and gender-blind casting.… Expand

6 of 27 users found this helpful621

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10

thehealingsOct 8, 2021

Ignore the haters. This show is magic! Outstanding worldbuilding, richly drawn characters, superb production values, and very timely themes.

8 of 27 users found this helpful819

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10

lpalbouNov 20, 2021

This has been my favorite show of the season. It's not perfect, some scenes may be a bit slow, a few incoherences or sometimes a few easy choices, yet the story is here and unfold progressively. The jump through time and generation isThis has been my favorite show of the season. It's not perfect, some scenes may be a bit slow, a few incoherences or sometimes a few easy choices, yet the story is here and unfold progressively. The jump through time and generation is sometimes a bit quick, but still an amazing challenge to put in place in terms of cinematography. Look forward to the next seasons.… Expand

4 of 16 users found this helpful412

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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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10

IgorIgorSep 10, 2023

Great series, just great! Everything is fair, the authors immediately said that the series was based on the work. I will be looking forward to the third season.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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9

OzimandeusNov 16, 2021

Perhaps I'm just desperate for good SciFi, told in an adult way with complex narrative. But I'm really enjoying this series. It's so refreshing for a TV series to be aimed at people who love SciFi. It's not the over cheesy 'kid friendly' StarPerhaps I'm just desperate for good SciFi, told in an adult way with complex narrative. But I'm really enjoying this series. It's so refreshing for a TV series to be aimed at people who love SciFi. It's not the over cheesy 'kid friendly' Star Trek Discovery, or the puerile Star Wars 'saga'. But thoughtful, complex, intellectual and beautiful to behold.… Expand

4 of 14 users found this helpful410

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9

KiraseOct 1, 2022

There is an important rule in media to not expect book, movie, series or video game adaption of specific source material to come out as exact copies of each other but instead take them as their own experiences independent of each other.

ThatThere is an important rule in media to not expect book, movie, series or video game adaption of specific source material to come out as exact copies of each other but instead take them as their own experiences independent of each other.

That beeing said i found the first season of the series quite good.
All 10 episodes where very well made, very entertaining and contributed to the storyline, no boring fillers here.
Most of the cast is at least decent, some outstanding.
Special effects felt adequate for a tv series.

Only real negative is Leah Harvey as Salvor Hardin. Long scenes involving her often feel awkward and unnatural like she does not quite know how to act/express what is written in the script and she does not know how to fill the gaps. Too bad that she is playing a main character.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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9

globalnomadNov 30, 2021

Amateur reviewers here who give it a 2 or a zero have missed the point in complaining about the show's distance from the novels. I agree with another that they probably just don't like seeing women of color as protagonists. It's based on theAmateur reviewers here who give it a 2 or a zero have missed the point in complaining about the show's distance from the novels. I agree with another that they probably just don't like seeing women of color as protagonists. It's based on the novels--not novel--by Asimov. The series is epic in scope and visual effects, deep, well-scripted, and not a word of dialogue is wasted in trite, irrelevant, boring or shallow talk.… Expand

4 of 13 users found this helpful49

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9

RoboDaddySep 9, 2023

Season 2 is an improvement -- the story hangs together a bit better, although it still helps to have read the books. Unlike many, I'm fine with the cast, and the visuals are top notch.

Some will complain that the series hasn't stayed 100%Season 2 is an improvement -- the story hangs together a bit better, although it still helps to have read the books. Unlike many, I'm fine with the cast, and the visuals are top notch.

Some will complain that the series hasn't stayed 100% true to the books, but honestly, the early books just don't lend themselves to this medium. They started as short stories that make it difficult to become invested in the characters.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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9

termonSep 26, 2021

Editing and some characterizations could be better, but the emperors are the most interesting TV antagonists since Game of Thrones.

8 of 30 users found this helpful822

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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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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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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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8

scott_324Jan 20, 2023

I think the show is very interesting and I'd recommend it but some of the cast including Leah Harvey are kind of bad and not up to the standard of the rest. I'm really not sure why they were given these major roles when they're obviously outI think the show is very interesting and I'd recommend it but some of the cast including Leah Harvey are kind of bad and not up to the standard of the rest. I'm really not sure why they were given these major roles when they're obviously out of the depth.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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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

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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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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8

tarekaliNov 19, 2021

I am captivated by this series, the adaptation of definitive works of one of my favourite authors - Isaac Asimov. The Robot, Foundation and Empire series of novels is one of the titanic achievements in science fiction literature, and I amI am captivated by this series, the adaptation of definitive works of one of my favourite authors - Isaac Asimov. The Robot, Foundation and Empire series of novels is one of the titanic achievements in science fiction literature, and I am glad I had a chance to read them all, even though they fade from memory and deserve a revisit.
This adaptation by Apple is formidable and compelling. There is a tangible realism to the Foundation galactic empire, and it seems a natural evolution of humanity hurled forward thousands of years. This is a realm where magic and science become indistinguishable. This is the same gritty credibility we see in shows like The Expanse, with the same captivating treatment of geopolitics and intrigue.
The character of Hari Seldon, played brilliantly by the always reliable Jared Harris, delivers prophetic gravitas. All the strong female protagonists - Gaal, Salvor and Demerzel - are captivating in their own right.
The trinity of emperors, in particular the seat of the day played by Lee Pace, is resplendent and glorious in their roles as themes of immortality, rebirth and purpose are explored. Even though they take the natural form of the immortal genetic villainous dynasty, a very interesting construct of Goyer, one eventually sympathizes with the imprisonment of their own making.
If there is one central theme woven throughout this series it is the concept of inherent destiny, that our paths are already determined or can be determined, and we just need the patience and vision to see them through. Any spiritual view, rooted in the Divine and the universal language of creation mathematics, is compatible with these themes.
The technology, set pieces and special effects of the show are satisfying - Apple has certainly stepped up to the expected standard. I am immensely pleased to read about an eight-season plan - I am definitely an eager and happy fan.… Expand

5 of 15 users found this helpful510

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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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8

MaulcunNov 29, 2021

A wonderful retelling of the complex Foundation story. I like that the series pace is slow, lets you pay attention to details. Is visually gorgeous; ingenious and unexpected plotting; thoughtful and thought-provoking. It's on to a veryA wonderful retelling of the complex Foundation story. I like that the series pace is slow, lets you pay attention to details. Is visually gorgeous; ingenious and unexpected plotting; thoughtful and thought-provoking. It's on to a very promising start. I can't wait for season 2!!… Expand

4 of 17 users found this helpful413

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7

eva3si0nJan 10, 2022

Foundation new and expensive series from Apple TV +. The series has a big plus - a literary source. A good cast, a great picture and an unusual world of the universe, where only people. The first season is intriguing, and the final is openFoundation new and expensive series from Apple TV +. The series has a big plus - a literary source. A good cast, a great picture and an unusual world of the universe, where only people. The first season is intriguing, and the final is open but touched the second excellent. I advise everyone to view… Expand

3 of 9 users found this helpful36

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7

JagotunesOct 20, 2022

I really don't understand why there are so many bad reviews here. I really enjoyed the story and the world it was set in. The effects as well as the dialogue and storylines were rock solid, even if there were a few glitches here and there. II really don't understand why there are so many bad reviews here. I really enjoyed the story and the world it was set in. The effects as well as the dialogue and storylines were rock solid, even if there were a few glitches here and there. I really enjoyed the series and am looking forward to another season.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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7

FilmbuffbagwellSep 8, 2023

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's a very good series, and doesn't have woke politics. It's got woke casting, and that's not such a big deal for me. Lee Pace is unbelievably good. Salvor Hardin's actress doesn't fit the writing, and the writing for her character is garbage anyway. Very poor casting choice. Visually the show is incredible, and the empire stuff is truly fascinating and has me hooked. The foundation side of things is weak, and if that's all there was to the show I'd call it crap. However the empire side of it is so uniquely well made in every respect I have to rate the show highly overall. I'm only enjoying the foundation side of things in season 2 and that's because empire is now brushing against it.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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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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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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6

AdamEnDetailNov 24, 2021

Foundation purports a vast world that expands over a truly broad scope - but its story/plot is inadequate and its characters are mediocre.

Lou Llobell's character, Gaal Dornick who I think was the most interesting and immersive characterFoundation purports a vast world that expands over a truly broad scope - but its story/plot is inadequate and its characters are mediocre.

Lou Llobell's character, Gaal Dornick who I think was the most interesting and immersive character amongst all takes a back seat mid season in a confusing turn of events. While, Lee Pace and Terrence Mann as Empire (Day and Dusk respectively) offer noteworthy performances.

Visually, Foundation's production design looks brilliant but overall it fails to mean anything or accomplish much. The show averages almost an hour per episode in which one can feel reverberations of profound ideas but after ten episodes it all seems entirely uneventful and devoid of meaning or emotion. Barring the irritation of the show's cheap cliffhanger season finale.

I have not come across or read Isaac Asimov's books which Foundation is based on. But if the narratives in the books are as vast as it has been put forward in this show, then Foundation seems like it will not be able to properly tell the story the source material sought to tell, talk less of a better one.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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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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5

GameBoyAdv4002Dec 20, 2021

This is not Isaac Asimov's Foundation. I knew that from the the moment episode 1 ended, and watching the rest of the series did not convince me otherwise. It has the same basic idea of a political faction being founded under the guise of aThis is not Isaac Asimov's Foundation. I knew that from the the moment episode 1 ended, and watching the rest of the series did not convince me otherwise. It has the same basic idea of a political faction being founded under the guise of a research outpost in order to reduce a dark age from 30 millennia to 1, but it's mostly an original story. As an original story, it's pretty neat. But it is not Foundation.
Like most great Sci-Fi, Isaac Asimov's Foundation is not a new story, just an old one told on the scale of an entire galaxy. Unlike other Sci-Fi however, the Foundation was based on the real events of the fall of the Roman Empire, and that gave it a uniquely historical tone. Dramatic problems were solved by mundane solution. There were no great battles, just smart diplomacy, and that's what made Foundation interesting. It was not for everyone, and many people did not like it for that very reason, but for me and lots of people, that was the core of Foundation.
This series has none of that. What was once solved with political manoeuvres and trade deals is now solved with bravery and heroism. This sounds like it would make it more interesting, and it does to an extent. I always wanted to know what direction the story was taking itself, if only for the thought, "I wonder how they're going to **** up this?". But it's not sustainable. I cannot even begin to imagine how elements like the Mule are going to be handled, given how the series appears to have sabotaged the elements of that arc already. I will continue to watch it, but I hold no hope for this being a good adaptation. I'll just try to view it as an original series.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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5

rainmantexOct 22, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love science fiction to a fault, but can directors at least try to make shows believable? It only takes a small cannon to take out a starship, really. Hate to see what a small dust particle would do flying through space.… Expand

1 of 9 users found this helpful18

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5

NdemusNov 27, 2021

Loved it even more the second time I watched it. Love the characters and depth to the story. Can’t wait for season 2

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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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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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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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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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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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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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

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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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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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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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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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

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

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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2

ThazariApr 2, 2022

TLDR: 2 points for the first two episodes, zero for the rest.

The show starts off well, with genuinely impressive visuals (love the bright sci-fi look and not another grimdark dystopia), apparently interesting characters and a plot thatTLDR: 2 points for the first two episodes, zero for the rest.

The show starts off well, with genuinely impressive visuals (love the bright sci-fi look and not another grimdark dystopia), apparently interesting characters and a plot that seems to set some very high stakes.

Then all of the sudden it tosses everything it built up out of the window and turns into a nonsensical drama involving not one but TWO unlikable characters with magic powers and a railroaded plot that makes no logical sense whatsoever. Characters change their minds on a whim, plotlines are abandoned, sacrifices are rendered meaningless literally 5 minutes later, everyone goes on a wild goose chase and only survives due to plot armor. At the end the conclusion a major story arc renders the entire season's struggles meaningless as it is decided through an off-screen event nothing alluded to. Meanwhile some of the plot that was set up in the first two episodes never gets an answer.

I personally don't care whether the series follow the book or not. As a stand-alone series, this writing is just too weak to be worth anyone's time.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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

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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2

PabloEnverSep 14, 2022

No le pongo un cero porque el primer capítulo es bueno y el arco de los emperadores tiene su gracia, a pesar de ser totalmente inventado. Pero si te gustan los libros, es casi imposible que disfrutes esta serie. Se mean totalmente en la obraNo le pongo un cero porque el primer capítulo es bueno y el arco de los emperadores tiene su gracia, a pesar de ser totalmente inventado. Pero si te gustan los libros, es casi imposible que disfrutes esta serie. Se mean totalmente en la obra de asimov, usando su nombre y el concepto de psicohistoria y poco más. La mayoria de personajes son totalmente destruidos en comparación a la obra original. Gaal Dornick pasa de ser un hombre blanco a una joven mujer negra, y de tener cero relevancia a ser practicamente la protagonista. Uno de los mejores personajes de los libros, Salvor Hardin, un hombre decidido, ocurrente, y con las mejores lineas de diálogo de la saga, lo convierten en otra mujer negra, joven, que se pasea en un buggy con un arma al hombro. Un sinsentido. Y lo que le hacen a Demerzel convirtiendolo en mujer (siendo este un ROBOT, el primer humaniforme del universo), es simplemente dantesco. Una basura woke como el 99% de lo que se produce hoy dia. Si no has leido los libros, sientate e intenta disfrutar; si eres fan acérrimo de la obra original, huye y no mires atrás.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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

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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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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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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