Unveiling the Intense Second Crisis in Foundation Season 2

WARNING: This article includes spoilers for the first episode of Foundation season 2. In this episode, the Second Crisis, a key concept from Isaac Asimov's Foundation book, is introduced, setting the stage for the rest of the season. The previous season ended with Salvor Hardin and Gaal Dornick aging slower than expected due to the cryosleep chamber, and in season 2, episode 1, they reunite and discuss the Foundation's future.

Hari Seldon makes a comeback in season 2, and his consciousness exists in two forms. One resides within the Vault in Terminus, serving as a constant reminder of the importance of following Seldon's Plan. The other resides within the Prime Radiant, an artifact used to store Seldon's calculations about humanity's future. These calculations account for multiple crises that humanity will face, with the first crisis already resolved in season 1.

Foundation Season 2 Is Covering The Second Seldon Crisis

Taking place 138 years after the conclusion of the first season's finale, Foundation season 2, episode 1 depicts the aftermath of the resolution of the first Seldon Crisis. Gaal explains in "In Seldon's Shadow" that the Foundation has thrived since the resolution of the initial crisis. However, this prosperity has posed a threat to the Empire. Unknown to the Encyclopedists until the conclusion of the First Crisis, Hari Seldon's true plan was to transform Terminus into the capital of a new empire. The Foundation's objective is to establish itself far away from the Empire's influence, ultimately becoming the bedrock of a new galactic power.

Nevertheless, the first episode of Foundation season 2 unveils that the Empire is now aware of the Foundation's continued existence. Furthermore, Demerzel has provided the Empire with information about a society akin to a cult that has emerged from Terminus and is extending its influence to peripheral kingdoms based on the teachings of Hari Seldon and the Foundation. The Foundation is currently at the pinnacle of its power, marking the onset of the Second Seldon Crisis. The Empire perceives both the Foundation and the "Church of Seldon" as threats, potentially sparking a conflict between the two. This will serve as the version of the Second Seldon Crisis in Foundation season 2.

How The Second Seldon Crisis Plays Out In The Foundation Book

In the original Foundation novel, the Second Crisis involves an external threat from the Galactic Empire. However, "The Mayors," the third short story in Isaac Asimov's Foundation series, explores two additional significant events occurring simultaneously. Set 30 years after the First Crisis, this story showcases the Second Seldon Crisis. It is worth noting that the Foundation show diverges from the book's timeline, with season 2, episode 1 taking place 138 years after the season 1 finale. "The Mayors" extensively covers the Second Crisis and highlights Salvor Hardin's leadership as the mayor of Terminus.

During this time, Salvor Hardin's government, which is based on Hari Seldon's instructions, faces criticism from an opposing political party. The Actionisty Party aims to impeach Hardin and seize power, marking the initial stage of the crisis. Simultaneously, Prince Regent Wienis of Anacreon plans to take control of Terminus, envisioning it as the hub of a new "empire" centered around the Foundation. An added complexity arises from the fact that Anacreon now adheres to the Scientism religion, established and upheld by the Foundation. Salvor Hardin must navigate the Anacreon threat without undermining the achievements of the preceding generation or Hari Seldon's legacy.

What Foundation’s Second Crisis Means For Season 2

The official synopsis for season 2 of Foundation confirms that the Foundation has entered a religious phase, with the Church of Seldon spreading throughout the Outer Reach. This suggests that elements from Anacreon's story and the Second Seldon Crisis in "The Mayors" will be included in the season, despite some deviations from the book. The synopsis also indicates that the focus of the season will be on a war with the Empire, rather than just the situation in Anacreon.

As Gaal discussed with Salvor, humanity's current actions are straying far from Hari Seldon's plan. If the Second Crisis is not resolved, humanity will completely veer off the intended path and face numerous additional crises. The Foundation is now at risk of prolonging the dark age rather than minimizing it. It will be intriguing to see what role Gaal Dornick plays in the Second Crisis of season 2, considering she was not involved in this part of the book. Furthermore, Salvor Hardin is currently not in Terminus and has a different role compared to her book counterpart, who is the mayor at this stage.

Episodes of Foundation release Fridays on Apple TV+.