Warning: Spoilers ahead forFoundationseason 3, episode 6, “The Shape of Time.“Foundationseason 3, episode 6, “The Shape of Time,” is the best episode of the current run so far, and arguably ranks among the show’s best overall efforts. As theFoundationtimelinerapidly approaches a key milestone, the battle between Empire and Foundation also hits a vital juncture.
As one of thebest sci-fi shows on Apple TV+,Foundationhas moved from one strength to the nextsince its debut. “The Shape of Time” givesFoundationseason 3’s new charactersmore opportunities than ever to continue making a name for themselves, and all against the backdrop of a riveting installment.
Gaal Dornick & Lady Demerzel’s Reunion Steals The Show In “The Shape Of Time”
Lou Llobell & Laura Born Deliver Stellar Performances
After coming back together for the first time in centuries, “The Shape of Time” brilliantly portrays Gaal (Lou Llobell) and Demerzel (Laura Birn) as equally shocked that the other is still alive. Birn’s performance as an enraged robot shows her character in a way she’s rarely seen, and it’s terrifying.
Their interactions are filled with fascinating moments, and the huge revelation thatDemerzel was instrumental in psychohistory’s formative stagesis expertly executed. Llobell’s flawless performance as someone who’s trying her best not to act afraid while being held hostage makes her the perfect scene partner for Birn.
Demerzel’s decision to allow Gaal to live comes as a genuine reliefafter an episode of immense tension between the two characters. “The Shape of Time” ends with the audience understanding them both far better than they have for a while, and setting up an exciting future for the dynamic.
Brother Day’s Return Makes His Future Compellingly Uncertain
Day’s Trip To Mycogen Ends In Disaster
Lee Pace’s Brother Day was essentially absent from the episode that precedes “The Shape of Time,” but he returns to a prominent role in episode 6. After seeking out Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing’s Song (full name Songbird-17),Day’s story briefly looks like it’s about to enter its happy ending phase. Then,Foundationdoes what it always does and subverts expectations.
After being forcibly and violently rejected by Song and her surprise lifemate,it’s unclear what Day’s next move could be. He burned countless bridges to get to Mycogen, so going back to his former life will be incredibly difficult, if not impossible. After his failed attempt to restore Song’s memories, staying in Myogen also won’t have the same appeal it once did.
So, with the apparent death of Dawn (Cassian Bilton) at the end of the previous episode, Day’s self-imposed exile leaves Dusk (Terrence Mann) on the cusp of facing ascension alone. The narrative possibilities this opens up for Day andFoundation’s Genetic Dynastyat large are very fun to think about.
Foundation Season 3 Continues To Fail One Of Its New Characters With The Most Potential
Captain Pritcher Needs A Bigger Role
Brandon P. Bell’s Captain Han Pritcher has appeared sporadicallythroughoutFoundationseason 3, but his character still hasn’t had a chance to properly establish himself. Despite being revealed as a Mentalic, love interest to Gaal Dornick, and one of the most rebellious members of the Second Foundation, the show still can’t seem to find a good place for him in the story.
“The Shape of Time” has Bell’s character confined to a jail cell for the entire episode, wasting the potential he has. Still,I have to believeFoundationis biding its time in this respect. After being denied the chance to meet Seldon (Jared Harris) with the others, Captain Pritcher managed to avoid the chaos in the Vault.
With many of the Second Foundation’s key figures incapacitated by the end of “The Shape of Time,” the episode has finally laid the groundwork for Captain Pritcher to be the hero he’s supposed to be. What remains to be seen is whetherFoundationseason 3 can pay it all off.
I Love How Hari Seldon Shattered The Second Foundation’s Hope With Just Four Words
“Who Is The Mule?” Is A Surprisingly Chilling Line
Both versions of Jared Harris' Hari Seldon have been absent for a little while, but the episode builds up to the return of the Vault’s holographic iteration of the character. The episode does a terrific job of making Seldon’s emergence seem like the solution to the Mule’s (Pilou Asbæk) reign of terror.
Paired with the acquisition of Magnifico Giganticus (Tómas Lemarquis) and the Visi-Sonor, Seldon’s return does seem like the answer, but when he utters the worrying words: “What is the Mule?” when pressed on how to handle the villain, all hope evaporates.
While Seldon’s followers no longer revere him as the central figure in a psychohistory-based religion, he’s still hugely admired. His inability to help proves he’s missing vital pieces of information, but this also opens the door for the return of the human Hari inFoundation’s immediate future.
New episodes of Foundation season 3 release every Friday on Apple TV+ until the finale on September 12.
Foundation Season 3, Episode 6
Cast
Foundation is a science fiction film that follows a band of exiles on a crucial journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization as the Galactic Empire collapses.
