Unveiling the Epic Season 2 Finale of Foundation: Exclusive Insights on Season 3

Warning: SPOILERS for Foundation season 2 finale!

Summary

In the season 2 finale of Foundation, Terminus and the Cleon Dynasty were destroyed, yet there remains a glimmer of hope for the future despite the devastation. The anticipated character of The Mule, who was hinted at throughout the season, finally made a physical appearance, laying the groundwork for a formidable antagonist in forthcoming seasons of the series.

In the finale, it was revealed that Gaal and Hari's minds have become connected, resulting in a deeper empathic bond that will have a significant impact in the coming seasons. Season 2 of Foundation concluded with the apparent destruction of Terminus and the latest version of the Cleon Dynasty. Despite the losses, there was still hope for the future. Created by David S. Goyer and inspired by Isaac Asimov's influential science fiction novels, the Apple TV+ series is evolving to incorporate the complexities of human desires and relationships as the story progresses.

The Mule, a character teased throughout Foundation season 2, is significantly important to the source material. In episode 10, The Mule appeared in the physical form after haunting Gaal's visions of a dark future. Gaal sacrificed everything to prevent her daughter Salvor's death at The Mule's hands, but tragically, Salvor ended up dying to protect her mother instead. This heartbreaking reveal that the future can change led Gaal and Hari to decide to train their second Foundation of Mentalics and enter cryosleep for 152 years. Finally, in a glimpse of real-time, the show provided a glimpse of The Mule.

Screen Rant recently interviewed Goyer about Hari Seldon's miraculous escape in the finale of Foundation and discussed how it adhered to the narrative's established rules. Goyer also shared his overarching visions for the future of the series, should a third season be greenlit, while also providing insights into important moments involving Gaal, Demerzel, and The Mule.

David S. Goyer Talks Foundation Season 2 Finale

Screen Rant: The way Gaal rescued Hari was truly spectacular. Did Jared Harris find it as exhausting as it appeared?

David S. Goyer: Absolutely, it was quite a challenge. We shot that scene over four consecutive days. It's interesting to see the different theories online about his survival and how Salvor will come to his rescue or even suggesting he's a robot.

We decided not to go with the idea of him being a robot for several undisclosed reasons. Instead, we found this canon way for him to have survived which we believe is much more intriguing. Upon reflecting on the episodes, it becomes clear and I believe we have been fair in our storytelling. In episode 6, when Tellem explains how everything works to Gaal, it foreshadows Gaal's actions. I found that to be very clever.

Regarding the ending, I'm not sure if everyone fully grasped the connection between Gaal and Hari's minds. Gaal had a revelation. She mentions seeing Yanna, which refers back to the flashback in episode 6. Gaal actually experienced all of that. They now have this deep empathic connection that will play a significant role in future seasons. Just like many other aspects of our show, there is more to their connection than what meets the eye. It's almost as if they have formed a unique bond.

I love how Gaal has really blossomed this season. At first, it seemed like she was solely focused on rescuing Salvor without considering the bigger picture. However, now that saving Salvor is no longer an option, it opens up new possibilities for the future. Can you discuss the delicate balance in this series between the characters' personal relationships and the challenges they face with psychohistory?

David S. Goyer: It's intriguing when overseeing a show like this. During the middle of the season, some viewers were frustrated with Gaal, wondering why she wasn't more suspicious or proactive. Of course, with episode 10, we reveal that she actually was. She had a plan and was collaborating with Hari. It's part of the excitement as a showrunner, knowing the direction the story is headed while the audience is left in the dark. Hopefully, when we unveil the future path, it will be an "aha" moment that surprises you.

However, it is crucial to understand the personal desires of characters, their societal obligations, and the necessary actions for the plot. Achieving a delicate balance between these factors is essential. At times, it may seem logical for a character to act in a particular way for the sake of the plot. Nonetheless, a truly compelling show emerges when a character's development is so well-defined that they deviate from plot-driven expectations to align with their true essence. This is because real-life individuals often act against their own interests, providing for an exhilarating narrative.

Regarding Salvor's influence on Gaal, her role in the character's demise was not the sole reason for Salvor's death. I hold immense admiration for Salvor and Leah Harvey's portrayal of her character. However, we believed that her death held profound significance as it suggests that the future remains uncertain. Moreover, with Salvor's daughter sacrificing herself to save Gaal, it now becomes impossible for Gaal to retreat. In order to honor her daughter's memory, Gaal must shoulder the responsibility and forge ahead. She must carry the weight of this burden.

I appreciate how it mirrors Hari's tribute to his late spouse. Even the renowned psychohistorian maintains his emotional bonds.

David S. Goyer: Absolutely necessary. And that particular scene, where they have a heartfelt exchange by the rocks, resonates with its raw humanity. When faced with such circumstances, one might feel inclined to surrender. However, one must remember, "If our beloved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice for us or for this cause, it becomes our obligation to persevere."

Regarding the non-human aspect, Demerzel is currently the most captivating and intricate character due to the extensive backstory you have included in her narrative. Was this entire backstory planned out initially? Additionally, how do you perceive her genuine sentiments towards the Empire? Moreover, what changes does she need to implement in order to ensure its continued existence?

David S. Goyer: I had planned out many of Demerzel's significant actions from the beginning. In season 1, I already knew we would reveal her story towards the end of season 2. When she revealed her true face at the end of season 1, many people assumed it was due to the conflicting emotions she felt after killing Dawn. While that was true, there is much more to it than meets the eye.

When we include flashbacks, it is not simply to provide additional information, but to allow viewers to reinterpret what they have seen before. It would be an intriguing exercise for the audience to revisit season 1's third episode, which featured Cleon I, after watching episode 2.09. How does this new understanding affect their perception of the moment when Demerzel unveiled her true self?

Demerzel is an incredibly intricate character, and if the show continues, there are still untold aspects of her story. We plan to unveil two or three significant flashbacks that delve further back in time. In the event that the show endures, we will even explore Earth's history 18,000 years ago.

Regarding gaps and leaps in time, season 2 concludes with certain character arcs that may not be revisited. For instance, Brother Constant's discover of what remains on Terminus to sustain the Foundation, or Sareth and Dawn's escape together. Will we be provided with insight into their lives beyond the 150-year mark in the future, or is that left to our imagination?

David S. Goyer: For certain characters, their fate will be left to the imagination, but there are interconnected storylines for some. One example is the unborn child of Dawn and Sareth. The intention is to have enough material to cover eight seasons, but even if we only get six seasons, we will bring back the storyline of that child. This is definitely part of the plan and the story is far from over.

Lastly, we recently received a glimpse of The Mule in the future. Can you share your perspective on the character?

David S. Goyer admired the unexpected nature of the last scene in relation to the character's previous depictions. The character, originally portrayed as a larger-than-life antagonist like Darth Vader, is now depicted as vulnerable, shedding tears, and displaying fear towards Gaal.

The Mule, a renowned character in Asimov's work, had many predecessors who wanted to immediately introduce him. However, Goyer believed that earning The Mule's entrance was important. Now, in season 3, they finally have the opportunity to explore The Mule, and Goyer is thrilled about it. The most thrilling aspect for him is that once The Mule enters the story, anything can happen. Whether it's related to psychohistory or the Empire, all bets are off because he is a true black swan.

And I believe that one of the additional aspects that individuals should consider when presenting a threat of this nature, such as the white walkers in Game of Thrones, is the potential for adversaries to recognize the need for collaboration. Consequently, viewers can anticipate witnessing some rather unconventional combinations and alliances in season 3.

About Foundation Season 2

"Foundation" is an epic saga based on Isaac Asimov's acclaimed novels. It follows a group of outcasts embarking on a remarkable quest to safeguard humanity and restore civilization in the face of the collapsing Galactic Empire.

Check out our other Foundation interviews here:

Jared Harris

Lee Pace & Laura Birn

David S. Goyer

Leah Harvey

Lou Llobell

Cassian Bilton

Kulvinder Ghir

The first 2 seasons of Foundation are currently streaming on Apple TV+.

Source: Screen Rant Plus