This Sci-Fi Series Inspired ‘Star Wars’—but I Think It's Even Better (and There Are 2 Seasons to Binge!)
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...there was a mathematician named Hari Seldon who predicted the fall of the Galactic Empire, kicking off a centuries-long war between rebels and the powers that be. Sounds like a Star Wars spin-off right? It's not, surprisingly. It's the premise for entirely different space series, an Apple TV+ show called Foundation starring Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Lou Llobell and Leah Harvey. That said, if you like Star Wars, you'll probably love Foundation—and there are already two (amazing) seasons to watch before season three comes out).
Based on the 1951 book series by Isaac Asimov, Foundation actually predates Star Wars by many years—George Lucas's first installment of Star Wars debuted in 1977. In fact, sci-fi lovers have long credited Asimov for influencing so much of the space-war genre we know and love today, with themes like expansive galactic empires, complex, inter-planet politics and metaphysical powers.
And not to get your Jedi robe in a bunch, but after binging the Apple TV+ series, I have to say...I prefer Foundation over any of the recent Disney+ Star Wars shows (or films for that matter). Here's why.
1. It's a Bit More Heady
Apple TV+
I like that Foundation trusts that its audience is smart. Explanations are not handed over on a silver expository platter and characters are neither starkly good or bad, which I have to say, the Star Wars binary gets a little gimmicky. The show explores big themes like order vs. chaos and destiny vs. free will through subtle character development, making it more like a prestige-TV experience (think: Don Draper in space) and less space cowboys, which your girl appreciates.
2. The Female Characters Have Agency
Apple TV+
Three of the main characters in Foundation are women, and they're awesome. They're each deeply complicated, smart, surprising and integral to the plot. I also like that in the world created by Asimov, we're not confined by typical gender roles. Sure, aspects of that stuff exist, but when a woman leads a security team in Foundation we don't waste screentime with any "BUT A WOMAN?!?!" reactions.
3. Lee Pace
Apple TV+
One of the coolest tricks Foundation uses is with the triumvirate of Emperor Cleon clones. I'll explain. The empire is run by the "genetic dynasty," or clones of the original Emperor Cleon. The idea is to instill continuity throughout the galaxy. To that end, three clones are in circulation together: Brother Day, a Cleon clone in his prime; Brother Dusk, a retired, older Cleon; and Brother Dawn, a young Cleon-in-training. (Like I said, heady.) And because the saga takes places over centuries, we get to see various Brother Days, all played by Lee Pace. Not only is he one of the most attractive men in the world (fact), but he gets to show off some serious acting chops, slightly tweaking the personalities of Brother Days throughout the series.
Interested in hopping on this multiple-timeline space saga? Seasons one and two are available for streaming on Apple+, and season three is apparently set to premiere in 2025.
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