Summary
Foundationis a standout show amongApple TV+’s impressive sci-fi collection, but despite the high standards established by the first two installments, I’m concerned thatFoundationseason 3won’t match the same level of quality.Foundationseasons 1 and 2 have impressively maintained the scope of the source materialwhile making brilliant additions andchanges to Isaac Asimov’sFoundationbooks. While I hope this continues in the coming run of episodes, certain information surrounding the production makes me worried.
Thecharacters inFoundationseason 3 will have varying degrees of power, meaning the saga’s continuation will be just as unpredictable as ever.Foundationseason 2’s ending left the space opera in a very compelling place, so I’m thoroughly excited to see what happens next when the show returns. On the other hand, I’m also of the opinion that there’s sufficient cause to believe the upcoming episodes may fall short in certain areas.
All 9 Cleons Shown In Foundation So Far (& How They Differ)
The Cleonic Dynasty is one of the best additions that Foundation made to Asimov’s work, but their identical appearances can make them hard to track.
Foundation Season 3 Has Faced Some Production Issues
The Apple TV+ space opera has fought an uphill battle to continue
Foundationwas one of manyshows affected by the 2023 strikesthat derailed so many other projects. Unfortunately, even when the strikes were over, that didn’t mean an end to the disruption, asFoundationseason 3 halted production again in February 2024. After assembling in Prague to resume shooting, the cast and crew were sent home (viaIndependent). Reports fromDeadlinereveal that the sudden halt took place due to “Issues with budgeting and physical production.”
I really hope the stop-start nature ofFoundationseason 3 hasn’t negatively impacted its quality.
Producing a TV show is an incredibly creative endeavor. As such, I really hope the stop-start nature ofFoundationseason 3 hasn’t negatively impacted its quality. It can’t be easy to stay in the same headspace and not become frustrated at the uneven flow of a production process such as this. Of course, everyone involved is a professional and is likely accustomed to similar obstacles. Still, it’s tough not to consider it as a possible problem.
Apple TV+’s Reported Cost Cuts Make Me Even More Worried About Foundation’s Future
I hope Foundation’s glossy aesthetic doesn’t suffer
Reports fromBloombergsuggest Apple is “Growing a little more cost-conscious.” I’ve noticed the profitability of streaming is becoming a growing concern across many platforms - including Apple TV+. This adds to my increasing worry about what the future ofFoundationcould look like - starting with the coming season. The sci-fi show makes heavy use of SFX as well as bespoke physical sets, neither of which can be easy on its budget. IfFoundationhas its costs cut as suggested by recent reports, its vibrant aesthetic could suffer.
IfFoundationhas its costs cut as suggested by recent reports, its vibrant aesthetic could suffer.
I would like to think thatFoundationseason 3 only resumed once it was confident in producing the show on what is now presumably a reduced budget. If they were forced into continuing due to timescales but lacked the money to maintain the show’s high standards, then the coming season’s reception could take a hit. If this happens,I think there’s a very real possibility thatFoundationseason 4 never gets greenlit. Hopefully, that’s not the case.
What To Expect From Foundation Season 3’s Story
The Mule’s arc will be a huge focal point
The Mule inFoundationseason 3 will be one of the story’s main antagonists - if not the biggest. The character has yet to appear in any present-day sequences, but his cameos in Gaal Dornick’s flashforwards have set him up as an incredibly daunting opponent. The 150-year time jump near theend ofFoundationseason 2also takes the narrative into the heart of the war between Empire and Harry Seldon’s Foundation.
Hari Seldon and Gaal Dornick’s navigation of the timeline via various preservation technologies continues to serve them well.
Despite the massive time jump,Foundationseason 3’s cast will still be thoroughly recognizable. Despite not boasting anything more than a regular human lifespan, Hari Seldon and Gaal Dornick’s navigation of the timeline via various preservation technologies continues to serve them well when it comes to their continued presence in the story. Similarly, Lee Pace will return as Brother Day, as will all the other Clone Emperor actors - albeit playing distant successors to the previous versions of their characters. It’s this brilliant casting framework that contributes to my love of the show.
Foundation’s Biggest Book Change Copied A Controversial Star Wars Twist - But Did It Much Better
Apple TV+ made many changes while adapting Isaac Asimov’s Foundation books, but one new addition to the show was used by Star Wars first.
Foundationseason 3 has several other burning questionsit must answer, including what state theCleonic Dynastywill be in over a century and a half after the battle in season 2’s finale. With Lady Demerzel confirmed to be pulling the strings and the clones' continued DNA degradation, Brothers Dawn, Day and Dusk could be acting in increasingly erratic ways. One thing is certain: there will be no shortage of drama inFoundationseason 3.
Foundation
Cast
Foundation is a science fiction film that follows a band of exiles on a crucial journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization as the Galactic Empire collapses.
