The Mandelbear's Musings

So far I have seen the first four episodes of Apple TV's series based on Isaac Asimov's Foundation series. My 7-day free trial period ended Thursday afternoon, i.e. before the fourth episode came out at midnight East Coast time. So, since they've already charged me for the next month, I could presumably watch three or four more episodes before I drop (kick) my subscription in disgust. After seeing Episode 4 last night, I'm not sure my blood pressure will take that many.

I think Gizmodo's Review said it best:

They said Foundation couldn't be filmed, and it still hasn't been [...]

For people who don’t know or care about the source material, the result is extremely pretty but not particularly compelling sci-fi. For people who know or are fans of Isaac Asimov and his work, I feel compelled to warn you that if you watch the show you will see a scene so enraging that you will tear your TV in two with your bare hands; then you’ll realize how utterly unnecessary the scene was, and tear it into four.

The New York Times said It could have been better, if only, like Hari Seldon’s disciples, it had faith in the plan, but I rather doubt that even intervention by the Second Foundation could save it at this point. Maybe the Mule works for Apple?

OK, if that quote leaves you baffled, the rest of this post (under the cut for spoilers) will be even more baffling, but on the other hand there's a slight chance you might even like the series if you stop here. Ignore the gratuitous violence and the plot holes big enough to drive a starship through, and just enjoy the absolutely gorgeous sets and the occasional sex scene. But I think you'd be better off reading the books.

I'm not going to summarize either the TV series or the books -- the Wikipedia articles linked in the first paragraph do a good enough job for my purposes, and in any case I expect that if you're still reading, you've at least read Foundation, if not the whole trilogy. Perhaps multiple times. Or the whole series. Anyway, onward!

( Here there be spoilers. )

Reviews mentioned, with their actual titles:

• Foundation review – a galaxy of money can’t save Apple’s Star Dreck - The Guardian
• Review: The Math of ‘Foundation’ Doesn’t Add Up - The New York Times
• Foundation Review: Apple TV Show Unfaithful to Sci-Fi Classic - Gizmodo

The Time/CNN list of 100 Greatest Television Shows of all time. Post in your LJ with the following legend:
Bold - I watch/used to watch this regularly
Strikethrough -- I wouldn't watch it if you paid me
Question mark -- I never heard of it
Add comments if you like.

From telynor and gridlore; probably all over the place by now.