The Mule: Unraveling the Enigma and the Ominous Obstacle to Hari Seldon's Grand Design

Summary

Portrayed as a mutant telepath driven by an insatiable hunger for dominance, The Mule skillfully manipulates both thoughts and emotions, showcasing his extraordinary psychic abilities. However, his cunning extends far beyond his mental talents, as he cleverly assumes the guise of a jestering courtier to stealthily seize control and exert his power.

In Foundation season 2, episode 2, the character known as The Mule emerges as a significant danger to Hari Seldon's Foundation. The Mule possesses the ability to bypass Seldon's accurate forecasts and control the individuals that Seldon's psychohistory relies upon. This eventually results in the destructive downfall of the First Foundation. Please be cautious as spoilers lie ahead for those who have not watched this particular episode.

Isaac Asimov fans will remember that Foundation's The Mule made an appearance in the first episode of the show's first season, hinting at the character's eventual presence in the Apple TV+ series. However, creator and showrunner David S. Goyer had specific requirements for introducing the character. In the current timeline, the Galactic Empire appears to be safe from the main antagonist in the books. But Gaal's glimpse into the future, shown in episode 2 of Foundation season 2, serves as a grave warning about the threat posed by The Mule.

With an extensive eight-season plan for Foundation, there is no need to hastily include every character or plot point. The Mule is originally introduced in Asimov's second book, Foundation and Empire. Goyer's deliberate approach mirrors the style of the science fiction legend. However, in the television world, unexpected changes can occur despite the best intentions. Although The Mule only briefly appears in episode 2, this introduction sets a new path for Gaal and the continuation of Hari Seldon's scheme.

Who Is The Mule In Foundation?

The story of Foundation revolves around characters scattered across various planets in the galaxy, all living under the control of the powerful Galactic Empire. Cleon, portrayed by Lee Pace, plays the role of the emperor and his numerous clones, who have maintained the Empire's stability for thousands of years. Despite facing numerous challenges, one of the most formidable threats to the Galactic Empire is a character known as The Mule. In the second episode, Gaal encounters The Mule when she projects her consciousness 150 years into the future, thereby revealing the looming darkness that he represents for the galaxy.

According to the lore created by Asimov, little is known about The Mule compared to other characters who hold similar significance in Galactic history. The Mule's true name and origins remain a mystery, which only adds to the intrigue surrounding his appearance in Foundation. This violent warlord possesses mutant telepathic abilities and possesses a thirst for conquest. In addition to his mental manipulations, The Mule is also highly cunning in other aspects. Upon capturing Gaal, he is immediately able to discern that she comes from a time before the empire was weakened by Hober Mallow.

The gangly and socially awkward individual faced constant ridicule due to his physical appearance throughout his entire life. These experiences compelled him to utilize his extraordinary abilities to dominate and subjugate diverse populations. This is precisely why The Mule adopts the persona of a court jester, known as The Clown, in Asimov's novels. By portraying himself as a comical and insignificant figure, The Mule cunningly schemes to seize control over the First Foundation. In a similar vein, it appears that the show is utilizing The Mule in much the same way: Gaal's glimpse into the future, 150 years ahead, reveals that The Mule has already triumphed over the majority of the galaxy.

How The Mule Threatens Hari Seldon's Foundation

In the world of Foundation, Hari Seldon, a renowned mathematician, develops psychohistory - a scientific discipline that enables him to predict the future by analyzing probabilities. This scientific breakthrough is grounded in a fundamental principle: human reactions to specific stimuli remain consistently predictable. In the first season of Foundation, Seldon utilizes this algorithmic science to foresee an upcoming period of darkness. The scientist is confident that his understanding of human behavior can significantly reduce the duration of this impending crisis, potentially shortening it by thousands of years.

While some viewers may still be recovering from the events concerning Hari Seldon in the first season of Foundation, there is a more significant threat to be concerned about. In the books, The Mule not only manages to elude Seldon's predictions but also disrupts his psychohistory metrics by manipulating the very humans on which Seldon's scientific principles are based. The Mule's ability to outmaneuver Seldon ultimately results in the downfall of the First Foundation, establishing The Mule as a pivotal antagonist in the series. However, Gaal's brief encounter with The Mule reveals that his true fear lies with the Second Foundation.

Who Plays The Mule In Foundation Season 2?

Foundation, a "remix" of Isaac Asimov's books, has been previously described by Goyer. Asimov's books were originally released as short stories. In the trailer for season 2 of Foundation, various new characters are introduced, including the enigmatic figure known as The Mule. However, the character's true identity remains a mystery until episode 2 is released. Although Mikael Persbrandt was initially credited as portraying the Warlord of Kalgan, it has now been confirmed that he will be playing the pivotal role of The Mule in Foundation.

Asimov's compilation of stories in "Foundation" makes The Mule's sudden appearance all the more threatening. Despite a temporary absence, it is a smart narrative decision to introduce the looming threat earlier rather than later. In the upcoming season 2 of Foundation on Apple TV Plus, The Mule attempts to extract the secret location of the Second Foundation from Gaal's mind, providing her with a new path and purpose in the show's past timeline. Get ready for new episodes dropping on Apple TV+ every Friday, starting from July 14 to September 15, 2023.