Foundation

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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

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

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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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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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

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

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

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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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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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

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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0

BeaklesAug 23, 2023

looks like another hijack of an originally good story in order to push modern political agenda. no shortage of this these days.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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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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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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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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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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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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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

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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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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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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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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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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Foundation

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