Unmasking Cleon's Rebel streak: Behind-The-Scenes of Foundation Season 2

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Foundation season 2.

Summary

Cleon defies his training and opts to forge his own path, rejecting the influence of the artificial intelligence that groomed him for his role, reveals Lee Pace, star of Foundation. Pace suggests that Cleon's ego leads him to believe in his ability to achieve anything independently, even without the assistance of his relationship with the AI.

Cleon's mindset devolves into a primitive state, driven by a strong craving for personal gains and a readiness to use violence to attain his objectives.

Lee Pace, who stars as Cleon in the Apple TV+ sci-fi series Foundation, discusses why his character goes against his protocol training in season 2. Pace, known for his roles in blockbuster films like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Hobbit, embraces a captivating persona in Foundation as the Emmy-nominated actor portrays a version of Cleon during his peak.

In an interview with Collider, Pace discusses Cleon's rejection of his training in Foundation season 2. The actor highlights Cleon's ego and how it factors into his actions. He also reveals the character's mindset and how it influences Cleon's decision-making. Pace also playfully comments on Cleon's penchant for using his voice. Read the full quote below:

"This emperor is quite unique. His circumstances are extremely specific. He is raised by an artificial intelligence that has groomed him for his role and requires him to function in a very precise manner. However, the Cleon that I portray this season is choosing to reject that. This season's Cleon asserts, 'No, I'm going to determine my own destiny. I am an individual, not a clone. I will do things my own way.'"

He possesses a tremendous ego, confidently declaring, "I am fully capable and will handle any situation. You need not worry about me." However, I believe this mentality leaves him somewhat isolated and uncertain because he lacks the constant support and guidance of a partner who can think on his behalf. While he may be the ruler of the entire galaxy, he does not have the freedom or societal expectations to engage in critical thinking. Nevertheless, he is beginning to explore this aspect and his thought process seems rather rudimentary, characterized by a strong desire to acquire what he wants and eliminate anyone who obstructs him. It is a simplistic and primal way of thinking, driven by anger and violence, but surprisingly effective for him.

Where Foundation Season 2 Leaves Lee Pace's Cleon

In Foundation season 2, the story took a dark turn with a brutal ending for Cleon XVII, also known as Brother Day. Initially, Cleon had plans to diversify the bloodline by arranging marriages between characters. However, as the finale approached, the plot took an unexpected twist. Cleon met his demise in a violent manner, leaving viewers shocked.

Despite Riose and the fleet initially following Cleon's orders, they eventually refused to continue with the bloodshed. Pace's character, in particular, was determined to destroy all seven planets claimed by the Foundation, even though they posed no real threat. Cleon believed he had already defeated Riose and confidently opened the ship's shuttle. However, he was ultimately thrown out into the vacuum of space. Surprisingly, Riose displayed her survival skills by using Hober Mallow’s casting device to switch places with Cleon just moments before the shuttle was opened.

The confirmation for Foundation season 3 is still pending, however, showrunner David S. Goyer is expressing a positive outlook. It is anticipated that if there is a third installment, Lee Pace will be among the actors returning. Despite Cleon's tragic downfall caused by his ego, resulting in a gruesome end, this should not mark the conclusion of the intriguing Apple TV+ series.