Foundation Recap: The Emperors Have No Clothes, And Barely an Empire

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In the end, it’s the Foundation‘s work with the Genetic Dynasty that will stand out the most. It’s worth mentioning again that this was an exceptional concept conceived by David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman, serving as a testament to their creativity. This week’s installment leaves no doubt that the Cleon dynasty, as we have known it, is coming to an end. As they face the collapse of their empire, the three brothers display human-like behavior, and their desperation and fear are palpable, fueled by their awareness that they may be the last ones left struggling to hold onto the life they truly desire.

Regarding Brother Dawn, he remains unchanged in his idealistic and emotional nature that we’ve seen since the first season, thus he continues to stand firm and resist submission. Dawn consistently fights for himself and holds a vision of life beyond his duties.

On the other hand, Cleon XXV exhibits a genuine curiosity about psychohistory and the origins of this entire situation, which he’s gained some understanding of through Demerzel showing them the Prime Radiant, calling its mathematics “akin to the language of angels” – reminiscent of Carl Sagan’s words. Later, Cleon expresses concern that Demerzel might be using the Prime Radiant for the benefit of the dynasty rather than the Empire or even humanity.

Three years ago, Dawn ventured into the restricted section of the Imperial library where he encountered Gaal, who convinced him of the danger posed by The Mule. With the time to act now upon us, Gaal assigns Dawn the task of declaring an official enclosure on Kalgan in order to halt the new Warlord.

As a cinephile engrossed in this cosmic saga, I initially found Dawn hesitant to summon an urgent Galactic Council meeting upon The Mule’s request for open dialogue with the Cleons. However, when he learns that The Mule himself is extending the olive branch, my curiosity piqued. Alas, Kalgan’s Warlord vehemently dismisses any diplomatic overtures and bellows for war, sensing our complacency.

It’s only Dawn who perceives The Mule’s seemingly unpredictable actions as a carefully orchestrated scheme, leading him straight to Trantor. Demerzel, steadfastly dedicated to the dynasty, fears that challenging the Council and taking action against The Mule’s plans might cause more harm than good, opting instead to send a few probes to monitor Kalgan – an effort that comes too late and falls short of the mark.

As Cleon makes every effort to minimize further distress by averting disaster, Brother Day yearns for escape from these events. Interestingly, the character named Lebowski’s Cleon is determined to live out his remaining days in isolation, following the footsteps of an earlier Dawn, and fleeing with his lover. He genuinely appears to value his companion Song, who seems sincere rather than feigning affection due to fear. Intriguingly, he confides in Song the Empire’s most guarded secret: Demerzel’s true identity as a robot.

Oh, Day, you’re remarkably endearing, yet surprisingly naive. It’s understandable that a background check on a concubine might not reveal her membership in a centuries-old cult worshipping robots, considered extinct. However, it’s hard to ignore Song’s skepticism about leaving the palace just before impending doom and her immediate reverential gesture upon seeing Demerzel, which gave away her cultist identity. This required Demerzel to wipe her memory according to its programming. Given Cleons’ past actions of unimaginable cruelty due to anger, what extreme measures might this Cleon take in the face of love and sorrow?

Discussing unimaginable acts of terror, tonight is a celebration on Kalgan. Han Pritcher, accompanied by the two Mallow’s, is off to encounter The Mule, or more accurately, Magnifico Giganticus (Tómas Lemarquis), whose name is the coolest in this series. He plays an intriguing instrument called the “visi-sonor,” which produces both visuals and melodies, reminiscent of the baliset from Villeneuve’s Dune but even more captivating. The Mule appears to always have Magnifico by his side, even in combat, and it seems that those who dance to his music are under some kind of hypnotic state. Quite peculiar, yet fascinating.

As Han moves toward the Mentallic, he swiftly recognizes his nature and becomes aware of Gaal Dornick. This is where their story unfolds, revealing her presence and potential danger to him. His reaction is so intense that he flees the planet instantaneously, abandoning the Mallows to carry on with their plan. Recognizing they can’t confront The Mentallic directly, they opt to gather information about him from Magnifico. Unfortunately, this turns sour as The Mentallic ridicules Toran, manipulating him, and even mimicking the gruesome tactics of Euron Greyjoy by stripping the skin from Toran’s hand. With a clever diversion using social media bots, Toran and Bayta make their escape from the planet and seize Magnifico. However, The Mentallic remains unfazed, as he considers certain events to be predestined – nothing ominous or foreboding about it.

The Prime Radiant

It’s rather endearing to witness the quick camaraderie among the three Cleons over a drink, a moment that feels authentic and familial, a departure from their usual emperor personas. The fact that this is the first episode of the season where they simultaneously perform the same hand-on-chin gesture is somewhat melancholic. This series wouldn’t be the same without them.

Combining Kalgan, the delightful planet, with elements of both a gritty cyberpunk cityscape akin to Blade Runner and a tropical beach resort is an inventive decision.

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2025-07-25 17:57