Warning: Spoilers ahead forFoundationseason 3, episode 3, “When a Book Finds You"Foundationseason 3, episode 3, “When a Book Finds You,” is what allows the space opera’s current era to finally bloom as this stage of the story comes into its own. After a stellar season 3 premiere and a follow-up that was largely responsible for laying more groundwork, it’s comforting to know that “When a Book Finds You” promises an engaging run.
Theending ofFoundationseason 3, episode 2, “Shadows in the Math,“came with a twist that centered around one ofFoundationseason 3’s new characters, and “When a Book Finds You” makes sure to focus on it. The revelation in question will drastically impact theFoundationtimelineas the show continues to be one of thebest sci-fi shows on Apple TV+.
Foundation Season 3’s Current Batch Of Cleons Continues to Be The Best Yet
The Active Clone Emperors Are Fascinating
Cleons XXIII, XXIV, and XXV are the active Brothers Dusk, Day, and Dawn, respectively, inFoundationseason 3, even though a newborn clone is set to enter the fray and trigger an Ascension ceremony that will impact all of them. The genetic drift that was revealed at the end ofFoundationseason 1 put a slow-burning change into motion for the Cleonic Dynasty.
By the time of theFoundationseason 3 premiere, the drift in question has hugely affected the behavior of all the active clones, and"When a Book Finds You” further cements the fact that they’re all essentially individuals. Dawn’s secretive collaboration with Gaal Dornick (Lou Llobel) and the Foundation is just the tip of the iceberg.
What’s perhaps a little disappointing is that Brother Dusk takes a break from preventing his Ascension in “When a Book Finds You.”
Lee Pace’s Brother Day, Cleon XXIV, and his attempt to leave Trantor behind is a cool imitation of Cleon VXIII’s storyline fromFoundationseason 2, althoughCleon XXIV fails to flee his homeworldwhile his distant predecessor succeeds. What’s perhaps a little disappointing is that Brother Dusk takes a break from preventing his Ascension in “When a Book Finds You,” and I was enjoying that arc.
Foundation’s Introduction Of A Robot-Focused Religion Is A Great Addition To Asimovian Lore
Lady Demerzel Becomes Something Of A Demigod In “When A Book Finds You”
Foundationhasn’t been afraid to rework the Isaac Asimov novels that serve as the source material for Apple TV+’s epic space opera. It has tweaked several components of the original books but also introduced many original elements for the adaptation. WhileLaura Birn’s Lady Demerzel being a robot is taken from Asimov’s series, she has undergone changes.
The most obvious alteration is Demerzel’s gender-swap, as the character is male in theFoundationbooks. However, “When a Book Finds You” introduces an entirely new piece of canon to its Isaac Asimov story — a religious movement called the Inheritance.
Demerzel’s status as the last remaining robot in existence is something thatFoundationhas rarely addressed in its first two seasons, but season 3 has already highlighted this storyline twice. Paired with the scene that showsDemerzel acknowledging her time in the Robot Wars, the Inheritance being revealed suggestsFoundationseason 3 has more plans to focus on Demerzel’s positronic nature.
“When A Book Finds You” Does A Better Job Of Balancing Its New Characters With Its Old Ones
Toran Mallow Hasn’t Yet Drawn Me in, But I Love Seeing More Of Gaal & The Others
Certain returning stars, like those playing the Cleons, are technically embodying new characters, but they still feel familiar. Inversely, figures like Lady Demerzel and Gaal Dornick are as present as they’ve always been inFoundationseason 3.The Apple TV+ show doesn’t forget about its new facesin “When a Book Finds You,” though.
Newcomers like Toran Mallow (Cody Fern) have beengradually introduced into the current runand have received considerable screen time, allowing the audience to get to know them. My issue with that is that the newer characters aren’t quite as interesting asFoundation’s original cast.
That said, I’m sure I’ll feel differently once their stories start to become more fleshed out. In the meantime, “When a Book Finds You” does the best job yet of any season 3 episode when it comes to splitting time suitably between established figures like Gaal and lesser-known entities like Toran.
I’m Still Not Completely Sold On The Mule As A Great Foundation Villain
Pilou Asbæk’s Character Needs To Prove He Can Be The Level Of Threat That’s Been Promised
Although originally played by Mikael Persbrandt duringFoundation’s flashforwards, the Mule is now played by Pilou Asbæk in season 3’s present-day scene. While I can’t argue with the sheer power the Mule possesses, I can’t help but feel like his big arrival has been underwhelming so far — other than that violent cold open in the premiere.
Hopefully,Foundationseason 3 goes on to justify the Mule’s huge build-up.
There is a lot of promise when it comes to the character’s potential, and Asbæk’s performance as the unhinged Mentallic has been great so far, butthe Mule lacks substancebeyond being intimidatingly quirky and having no real problem with violence. Hopefully,Foundationseason 3 goes on to justify the Mule’s huge build-up.
New episodes of Foundation season 3 release every Friday on Apple TV+ until the finale on September 12.
