The Show's Transformative Departures from Isaac Asimov's Foundation Series

Article Overview

Significant revisions have been made to key characters such as Gaal Dornick, Salvor Hardin, and Eto Demerzel in the Apple TV+ rendition of Isaac Asimov's Foundation series. These modifications involve the alteration of gender and reshaping of their respective roles.

In Foundation, the Emperor concept undergoes a significant transformation in the TV series, presenting the notions of a genetic dynasty and individuality within the monarch. This infusion of ideas brings forth a fresh perspective to the story, absent in Asimov's books.

Furthermore, the TV series introduces exclusive elements like a terrorist assault on Trantor through an orbital sky bridge, as well as the cruel assassination of Hari Seldon. These alterations contribute dramatic tension and propel the narrative in distinctive ways not encountered in the original books.

Isaac Asimov's Foundation series has been adapted into a television show on Apple TV+, but there are noticeable differences between the show and the original book. Asimov, a renowned science fiction writer, first introduced the Foundation series in 1942, which had a significant impact on the genre. However, the challenge of bringing it to life on screen was formidable due to its expansive timeline and complex ideas. Apple TV+'s Foundation series, despite being a lavish reinterpretation, successfully overcame these obstacles.

Showrunner David Goyer, who deeply respects Asimov's work, understands the need to adapt the story for a different medium. He believed that the key to a successful adaptation lies in focusing on the emotional depth and character development. Goyer recognizes that Foundation should captivate not only the fans of the book but a wider audience as well. To achieve this, he introduced diverse elements that were not present in Asimov's works, enhancing the dramatic potential of the story. As a result, Foundation underwent significant changes for the television show.

Both seasons of Foundation are exclusively available to stream on AppleTV+

Several Major Characters Have Been Radically Redesigned

Gaal Dornick, Salvor Hardin, And Eto Demerzel Were Male In Isaac Asimov's Foundation Books

Isaac Asimov's books underwent significant changes to several major Foundation characters, including the series' protagonists. A prime example is Gaal Dornick, portrayed by Lou Llobell, whose gender was altered for the show. Moreover, the romantic plot involving the mathematical prodigy was absent in the original books. These alterations extend beyond the surface level. In Asimov's works, Gaal Dornick is a renowned mathematician from a more developed world compared to Synnax in the Foundation series. Furthermore, Gaal is depicted as older, more confident, and already holding a doctorate. Asimov dedicated limited attention to Synnax in his writing.

Gaal Dornick is not the sole Foundation character who differs from the Isaac Asimov novels. Another notable change is Salvor Hardin, portrayed by newcomer Leah Harvey, who has also undergone a gender swap. In addition, Hardin is reinvented as the Warden of Terminus, rather than serving as its mayor. This significant alteration fundamentally transforms the dynamics of Trantor, as Salvor's role becomes military-oriented rather than administrative. In the books, Hardin gained fame for numerous wise sayings, such as "violence is the last refuge of the incompetent." However, Foundation's portrayal of Salvor Hardin suggests a more action-driven character, indicating a potentially different role in the future.

One other character has been gender-swapped for the Apple TV+ adaptation of Foundation — Laura Birn takes on the role of Eto Demerzel, the Emperor's adviser. Eto, a character of significant importance in Asimov's books, is actually revealed to be R. Daneel Olivaw, the hero of the I, Robot series. Asimov cleverly connected these two science-fiction franchises by ret-conning Eto's alias as the true identity of Olivaw. Moreover, Asimov envisioned Olivaw as the mastermind behind the Foundation and even the inspiration behind Hari Seldon's discovery of psychohistory.

Raych Foss Is An Original Character (With An Old Name)

AppleTV+ Created Alfred Enouch's Character From Several Minor Isaac Asimov Ones

Alfred Enoch portrays Raych Foss, a significant supporting character in Foundation. He is Hari Seldon's closest friend but ultimately becomes his killer. Interestingly, Raych's name appears to be a tribute to Hari's adoptive son from Asimov's book series, although Raych is portrayed as an original character in Foundation. In the prequel novel "Forward The Foundation," Hari adopts Raych when he is 12 years old, and he grows up to adulthood before meeting his demise.

Notably, Raych once attempts to infiltrate Hari's enemies undercover but is captured and reprogrammed to assassinate his own father. Fortunately, this assassination is prevented. In the Apple TV+ adaptation of Foundation, Raych's character differs significantly, but he still incorporates certain scenes involving other characters, including Seldon's lawyer. According to David Goyer, the key to Foundation lies in capturing the emotional essence of the narrative, and Raych plays a crucial role in accomplishing this in the first two episodes by exploring his relationships with Hari Seldon and Gaal Dornick, which drive the storyline.

Foundation's Emperor Is Totally Different From The Books

The Galactic Monarchy Didn't Matter Much To Isaac Asimov

Asimov did not pay much attention to the Emperor, as seen in his books and short stories where he portrays the latter Emperors as incompetent. Foundation, however, presents a new perspective on the Emperor through the concept of a "genetic dynasty." Emperor Cleon I initiated a lineage of clones, each brought up with the belief that they embody the continuation of his legacy. Consequently, the Emperor becomes the embodiment of the Empire's permanence, unwavering and constant, always present and infallible. However, in reality, each Emperor grows up in the shadow of their predecessor, which makes them more individualistic than they perceive themselves to be.

The Terrorist Attacks On Trantor

There Was No Sky Bridge In Isaac Azimov's Books

Trantor, the ecumenopolis, is believed to have influenced the creation of city planets like Coruscant in Star Wars. The depiction of Trantor in Asimov's books is quite accurate, including the introduction of the orbital sky bridge. This innovative concept plays a significant role in the Foundation series on Apple TV+. In a shocking turn of events, the bridge is targeted by terrorists, resulting in its destruction and causing a profound impact on the Emperor's confidence. The sinister attack, unique to the TV series, becomes a pivotal moment as it leads the Emperor to contemplate the validity of Hari Seldon's predictions, ultimately approving the establishment of the Foundation.

Moreover, the terrorist attack could potentially expedite the decline of the Empire. In the original books, the Anacreons, a faction blamed by the Empire for the attacks, initiate an uprising that poses challenges for the Foundation. However, an unsettling question arises: were the Anacreons truly responsible for the attacks, or did Hari Seldon orchestrate them to serve his purpose? The convenient timing of the Anacreon's involvement leaves room for speculation.

Hari Seldon's Death Never Happened In The Books

Isaac Asimov Had A Much Happier Ending For Hari

While Asimov's books and short stories depict Hari Seldon living to an advanced age and leaving holographic messages as his legacy, the portrayal of Hari in Foundation on Apple TV+ takes a darker turn. In this adaptation, he meets a brutal end at the hands of his friend Raych, for reasons initially undisclosed. One could speculate that Seldon himself engineered this tragic fate, perhaps convinced that the Foundation's unwavering dedication to his vision necessitated the presence of a martyr.

Everything that stems from Seldon's demise — particularly Gaal Dornick being placed in an escape pod in cryogenic suspension — is solely fabricated for the purpose of enhancing the narrative. This addition is intended to introduce a sense of drama, and perhaps there is an additional motive as well. David Goyer has hinted at devising multiple approaches to retaining key characters throughout the progression of the Foundation story, spanning decades. It is plausible that Gaal may remain in cryogenic suspension for an extended period, utilizing the pod as a convenient plot device.

The Vault Has Changed Considerably

The Null Field Was Invented For Foundation On Apple TV+

In the TV series, the Vault, a crucial element of Asimov lore, has undergone a significant transformation. Unlike Asimov's novels, where the Vault would open during pivotal galactic events referred to as "Seldon Crises" to share vital knowledge and influence events throughout the millennium, the TV adaptation has taken a different approach.

It is reasonable to assume that in the TV series, the Vault will serve the same purpose. However, in this version, it was sent to Terminus before the colonists arrived, and it possesses a mysterious null field that repels all living organisms until it opens. Salvor Hardin's peculiar resistance to the null field adds even more significance to her role in the story of Foundation, but this detail is entirely new.

The Second Crisis Has Changed

The Foundation TV Show Merges Several Events To Prolong Its Foundation Vs. Empire Conflict

The second season of Foundation takes place 138 years after the conclusion of the first season, introducing the concept of the Second Crisis. Following the successful prevention of the initial Seldon Crisis, the Foundation experienced significant growth. However, this newfound strength posed a significant threat to the Empire itself. As the second season unfolds, it is revealed that the Empire has discovered the continued existence of the Foundation, necessitating immediate action to address this situation. This marks the onset of the Second Crisis.

While in Isaac Asimov's original Foundation books, this predicament was resolved by Salvor Hardin through a confrontation with a neighboring planet, facilitated by the Foundation's religious beliefs, the Apple TV+ adaptation combines various elements from the books. In the series, the Second Crisis is a blend of the aforementioned event and a new Seldon Crisis, driven by Hober Mallow's determination to steer the Foundation towards a more commercial direction beyond its religious practices.

Hari Seldon's Wife Wasn't Human

Seldon Had A Robot Assistant In The Isaac Azimov Novels

Yanna Seldon played a significant role in Hari Seldon's past life during his scientific endeavors in the Foundation books. The Apple TV+ show also portrayed her importance in the past, assisting him with his work on psychohistory. However, there is a notable distinction between Yanna in the book and the Apple TV+ series. The books by Isaac Azimov featured Dors Venabili, a robot who served the same purpose as Yanna, being Hari's now fully human wife.

Queen Sareth Didn't Exist

The Pivotal Ella Rae-Smith Foundation Character Isn't In The Books At All

Queen Sareth (Ella Rae-Smith) holds a significant role in the Foundation TV series, although she is absent in the Isaac Azimov books. Apple TV+ seemingly introduced this character to amplify the storyline of Cleon XVII, as his narrative possesses greater significance in the show compared to the books. A notable moment occurs when they embark on their prearranged wedding, during which she explicitly expresses her intention to marry him solely for the purpose of securing an heir for her realm, Cloud Dominion. It is worth noting that Cloud Dominion is an original addition to the series.

Bel Riose Was A Military Leader In The Novels

Riose Gets A New Life A Chance At Revenge In The AppleTV+ Show

Both the Foundation novels and the Apple TV+ series depict Bel Riose facing a similar fate. In the novels, he emerged as a prominent military figure who became aware of the Foundation's activities on Terminus. Driven by the desire to revive the crumbling Empire, he embarked on a mission to conquer the planet and thwart the Foundation. As anticipated by Hari Seldon's predictions, Cleon II, perceiving Riose as a formidable threat, ordered his capture and subsequent execution. In the TV show, Cleon XVII imprisoned Riose for disregarding orders and instead, successfully leading his troops to victory. Tragically, he received news of his husband's execution amidst the ongoing conflict.

This established a fresh dynamic in the Foundation TV show, where Bel not only lacked the esteemed status of a military leader but harbored a deep grudge against Cleon XVII. He was granted release from his captivity, on the condition that he would once again serve the Empire, with the promise of freedom as his reward. Additionally, he discovers the remarkable news that his husband is still alive and is able to reunite with him. Nevertheless, in parallel with the books, Bel ultimately meets his demise. However, the notable divergence lies in the fact that in the TV adaptation of Foundation, he confronts Cleon XVII in an intense confrontation before succumbing to death, with triumphant retribution on his mind.

Foundation

Release Date September 24, 2021Cast Jared Harris, Leah Harvey, Lou Llobell, Lee PaceGenres Drama, Sci-FiSeasons 2Story By Isaac AsimovStreaming Service Apple TV+Showrunner David S. Goyer

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the changes made to Isaac Asimov's Foundation series in the Apple TV+ adaptation. On the one hand, I appreciate the show's efforts to modernize the story and make it more accessible to a wider audience. The gender-swapping of characters like Gaal Dornick, Salvor Hardin, and Eto Demerzel is a welcome change that reflects the increasing diversity of our society.

On the other hand, I am concerned that some of the changes made to the story may undermine the integrity of Asimov's original vision. For example, the introduction of new characters like Raych Foss and Alfred Enouch seems unnecessary and detracts from the focus on the main characters. Additionally, the decision to kill off Hari Seldon in the first season seems like a major departure from the books and could have significant implications for the future of the series.

Overall, I think the Apple TV+ adaptation of Foundation is a well-made and entertaining show that captures the spirit of Asimov's original work while also updating it for a modern audience. However, I hope that future seasons will stay more faithful to the books and avoid making unnecessary changes to the story.