Review: FOUNDATION Episode 3: The Mathematician's Ghost

I am going to go out on a limb here and assume that you have watched the first two episodes of the Apple TV+ show Foundation. This is the television adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s classic book series of the same name. Things that will be discussed from here on out, even in the non-spoilery area, will require you to have seen the previous episodes.

“The Mathematician’s Ghost” was a great episode for exposition. It helped to set up where we are at 37 years after the events that transpired at the end of episode two. We get a more comprehensive look behind the curtain as far as what it is like to be one of the three members of The Empire. Apparently, being clones isn’t all that it is cracked up to be. As Dusk turns to The Darkness and a new Day is being born, things may not be as good for them as they would like the Galaxy to believe. Their may be flaws in re-cloning themselves.

At the same time on a inhabited Terminus, we can see the struggles of trying to fulfill Hari Seldon’s dream and continuing to thrive under the ever looming, maybe dangerous presence of the Vault near by. The only person that may have answers to the mystery of The Vault is Salvor Hardin, the Warden of Terminus. She is the only person who can get not only get close to The Vault, but she is starting to feel that it is telling her that change is coming to Terminus. This feeling is confirmed at the end of the episode when a trio of invading ships show up on the horizon.

Now, for those of you who are looking for a little bit more, please continue reading because we are about to get into spoiler-town.

SPOILERS AHEAD!

This episode to me was a “Ya got me” moment in this season. The end of episode two was a real cliffhanger, and it really makes me crazy when shows throw in a filler episode between super important/exciting scenes. Okay, filler episode may be a harsh way to put it, but I am a sucker for instant gratification, and this delay’s that for me.

The episode starts with Demerzel, Emperor Cleon’s personal C3-PO, talking to the Cleon the First before his passing. Demerzel is the most crucial part Cleon’s plans to extend his rule as Emperor for the rest of time. She helped start the process and we fast forward 400 years to present time in the show. She is presently trying to aide the current Dusk with his departure into The Darkness. The point is made in one conversation that she has trained every clone since the beginning and she can’t help but remember every single one. The current Dusk is starting to see the flaws in the plan of constantly cloning and how dangerous this could be. He knows that he can’t stop it, even though he tries.

Meanwhile, on Terminus, Salvor Hardin is continuing keep her constant watch over the inhabitants of the colony. Being the only person that can get close to The Vault, she is starting to feel a change inside the monolith and she doesn’t like what she feels. However, before she can really do anything about it, her interplanetary trader beau, Hugo arrives on the planet to spend some time with her. Is during their time together that the overwhelming feeling that something isn’t right grips her again and she goes to investigate. While she is making sure everything is safe, she finds someone running through a restricted area. She eventually loses sight of the subject, just in time to look up and see that there is an invading fleet on its way to the planet.

I know that they have to establish timelines and the sense of danger that revolves around this. I feel like they did a good job. I am still intrigued with what is to come, and I can’t wait to see how this plays out. I love the amount of detail that was put into this show. What comes next should be a lot of fun. Please check it out and let us know what you think.