The much-anticipated ten part Foundation, based on Isaac Asimov’s series of short stories and novels, is a sumptuous sci-fi of a narrative that is, sadly, inconsistent in delivery and clarity. A confusion of time, place and character, humanity is widely spread across the galaxy living under the rule of the Galactic Empire. But, like all empires, from Ancient Rome to 19th century colonialism, from Star Wars to Game of Thrones, there’s an air of inevitably to their demise.
With psycho-historian Hari Seldon (Jared Harris) using math to forecast the end of current empire within 500 years followed by 30,000 years of chaos, steps need to be taken to prove him wrong. Insurrection across the universe follows as Empire: Day (Lee Pace), one of the four genetically cloned descendants of the orginal emperor, destroys planets in an attempt to stamp out dissidents. Both the brilliant young mathematician Gaal Dornick (Lou Llobell) and destined Salvor Hardin (Leah Harvey) set out separately from their respective planets not wholly certain where their futures lie.
In telling it now, Foundation appears to be a derivative science-fiction narrative. Yet, originally published in the late 1940s/ early 50s, it precedes the likes of Star Wars (1979). But it’s a clunky telling with inconsitencies of scale and acting. As Empire: Day, Pace struts like early Chris Hemsworth as Thor, overly pro-noun-cing lines whilst puffing his chest like a peacock: Llobell is a mature young adult one moment, spoilt brat the next. But it’s her story that, in the first two episodes, is the most engaging (and beautiful to look at), only to be replaced by the more adventure-laden and derivative Salvor Hardin tale. But why invading armies from different planets seem to be evenly spread with 20 or 30 troops apiece is an oddity not fully explained!
Lavish in places, Foundation‘s pulp fiction surprisingly lacks suspense or significant sense of wonder.
Rating: 58%
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