Foundation season 3 moves forward in the timeline, creating a vastly different environment for the TV series. Isaac Asimov’s Foundation books coined the term “Galactic Empire,” and that’s essentially been the state of civilization throughout the show so far. The Cleonic genetic dynasty has been in power for centuries, defining the show’s tone until now.
Foundation’s cast is led by Jared Harris and Lee Pace, both of whom maintain their opposing roles as Hari Seldon and Brother Day. However, the galaxy’s standing has changed following the events of Foundation season 2’s ending. Despite Terminus being destroyed, forcing the Foundation to flee, the Empire has declined following Cleon XVII’s actions.
It’s Been 325 Years Since Foundation Began
Empire Has Declined Since The Show Started
The series began in the year 12,067, when Gaal Dornick arrived on Trantor to meet with Hari Seldon. Their arrest led to his hearing and their ultimate exile to Terminus, following the reveal of Hari Seldon’s psychohistorical discoveries. It turns out that exile was part of his plan, with the Foundation serving as an outpost for the Encyclopedia Galactica.
Of course, the Encyclopedia Galactica was a distraction in and of itself, as the purpose of the Foundation was always to replace the Galactic Empire in preparation for its imminent collapse. The Seldon Plan has worked to a tee so far, despite threats like Cleon XVII’s assault on Terminus.
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One of the main things to remember from Foundation season 2 is that the citizens of Terminus escaped. At the start of Foundation season 3, around the year 12,392, those citizens have established themselves on a new planet, and their influence is spreading to a degree that’s alarming to Empire.
It’s Been 152 Years Since Foundation Season 2’s Ending
The Second Foundation Has Grown In Power
Gaal Dornick and Hari Seldon entered cryosleep on the planet Ignis in preparation for the rise of the Mule. They awoke once per year to guide the planet’s citizens, but have primarily been resting to deal with the Foundation’s most dangerous threat yet.
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152 years later, Foundation season 3’s premiere ended with Gaal waking up. The Mule conquered Kalgan, furthering the already established tension between Foundation and Empire. As he says, he has a thirst only the entire galaxy can quench, and he won’t be stopping after just one independent planet.
Lee Pace’s Brother Day Is Now Cleon XXIII
Brother Day Is A Very Different Character In Season 3
152 years later, Foundation season 3 picks up the story with Cleon XXIII (23). That means he’s the sixth Cleon to rule as Brother Day, following season 2’s Cleon XVII. Foundation season 3’s version is much more jaded and cynical, refusing to rule and instead living out his days at a pleasure palace, believing Empire to be doomed.
The first Cleon we saw in the TV series was Cleon XII, who exiled Hari Seldon to Terminus. Foundation’s setting has drastically changed, and Cleon has changed to reflect those differences.
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
