I just put a few hours on Foundation yesterday during a family reunion, after I hang out with everyone else decided to take my tablet and catch up from episode 6 to 9 so now Im all catch up on Season 3 but still want to post for this entire season, withouth yet watching Season 1 and 2 I really start to love this series and Episode 2 does served up another dose of mind bending sci fi drama titled "Shadows in the Math" really kept me interested even though some parts felt a bit draggy at times but the entire series is like that. The whole time jumping aspect continues to be both fascinating and occasionally confusing, we get this massive 152 year gap that lacks a ton of context that I wish they would slow down and let us breathe with these characters a bit more with multiple storylines without making me feel completely lost, though I have to admit there were moments where I had to rewind because I missed something crucial. The visual effects continue to be absolutely stunning, those shots of the different planets and the space sequences are just gorgeous to look at, its the kind of eye candy that makes you forget about any plot holes for a minute. Brother Dusk's storyline really picked up steam here and I found myself actually caring about his desperation to stay alive, which is saying something because usually these Cleon brothers can be a bit too similar for my taste but this episode gave him some real personality. The whole black hole weapon thing was terrifying and exciting at the same time, its like watching someone build the ultimate doomsday device while knowing it will probably backfire spectacularly later on.
- IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0804484/
- Platform: AppleTV+
Gaal's awakening sequence after being in cryo sleep for so long felt very sci fi and mistical, between her confusion and anger at Harry for keeping her under longer than promised felt very human human from her and gives that touch to the series not feel so unreal. Seeing Harry age to the point of being on his deathbed was sad, especially after we have watched him manipulate events from behind the scenes for so long. The relationship between these two characters has always been one of the strongest parts of the season and I guess it has been building up from Season 1. Within that character build there is and overall Mentalics evolution during Gaal's absence, they are no longer this religious group but have become something more like spies spread across the galaxy. The whole Second Foundation concept is starting to make more sense now, though I still think they could explain some of these psychohistory elements better since at times feels just too advance and lack context but probably this is me missing two seasons. Harry been gone through that mysterious portal was both kinda frustrating and somewhat satisfying too, satisfying because it felt like a proper goodbye but frustrating because I want to know more about where he went and what that means for future episodes. The scenes between Gaal and the new First Speaker Palver were touching, especially when they were laughing together over the statue situation, it showed a lighter side to these heavy storylines and its sadness.
Brother Dawn's secret communication with Gaal at the end was probably my favorite moment of the entire episode, but this was the begining of something way bigger for the Foundation and the Empire, I really thought she care for him but was just another pawn. The political maneuvering on Trantor continues to take some action although is not the focus, watching these three brothers deal with their different approaches to the impending crisis shows just how complex this empire really is. Brother Day's gambling scenes felt a bit unnecessary to me, like they were trying too hard to show us his rektless attitude when we already got that from his previous scenes. The whole nanite technology thing they mentioned become very important later, its one of those details that seems small now but will probably pay off in future episodes. Demerzel's role as this unchanging force watching over the dynasty becomes more interesting when you consider that she might outlive all of them, her conversations with the brothers have this underlying tension that I really pick up like someone ows something but until this episode I didnt know if it was Empire who took something from Demerzel, in a way Demerzel best friend could be time as its both a weapon and a limitation, everyone is running out of time in different ways and it creates this sense of urgency throughout the episode.
The Mule's demonstration with Skirlet and the gun was absolutely chilling, even though I knew he would not actually kill her, the tension was unbearable, killing kids is never good for media anyway. His ability to control minds while still wanting genuine love and loyalty creates this contradiction that makes him more than just your typical villain, the Mule is a geniues as enslaving people through love "love they never felt before". The way he talks about wanting everyone to love him reveals something deeper about his character, maybe some childhood trauma or rejection that drives his need and ability to control others. Torren and Beta Malow's introduction as these rich influencer types was both annoying and necessary, they represent this privileged class that has been ignoring the larger problems in the galaxy plus been influencers resonates with todays world so that was clever. Their work with Han Pritcher develops a very interesting infiltration plan, though I hope they develop these characters beyond just being spoiled brats. The whole party invitation angle gives them a way to get close to the Mule without it feeling too convenient but eventually what worries me is how easily the Mule could turn this party into a mass conversion event is what I though at the moment, using his powers to create an army of loyal followers all at once something I keep asking why he doesnt turn everyone he lays eyes on??.
Until this episode I had some friction opinion about the pacing and character development, some storylines moved forward nicely while others felt like they were either dragging or missing too much context like Priest for example. The production quality continue to be what keeps this series going hard, every planet feels distinct and the costumes are just ridiculous in the best possible way, Demerzel's outfits alone are worth watching. Brother Dusk's planet killer weapon reminds me Nidavellir from the MCU where Stormbraker was made powered by a small star, its also another threat that could end civilization and it made me curious to see how they will all come together, how Dusk is going to use it against the Mule. This episode is full of future conflicts without resolving too much so keeping the tension high, eventually the Vault opening day is key too, which keeps you wanting more but also leaves you feeling a bit unsatisfied but still wanting more. Harry's warnings about what comes after the Mule's defeat suggest there are even bigger threats lurking but how it can be bigger or worst than the Mule taking over or Dusk using his new weapon. Gaal's position as the leader of the Second Foundation puts a lot of pressure on her character and I hope they give her enough screen time so she does not become just another overwhelmed hero trying to save everyone without much development now that she is really out there looking for the Mule. The alliance between the Foundation and Empire could be exactly what both sides need to survive but it also creates new problems about who can be trusted. I would give this episode a solid 7 out of 10, it is not perfect but it sets up some exciting developments for the rest of the season that Im sure most viewers end up enjoying, at least I did so much I couldnt wait to catch up the rest of the episodes.
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