Foundation Series (Apple+)

[pukunui]

Spoiler: spoiler questions

Were there robots in the books? I don't recall. Also, IIRC, the clones are a new idea, which is really, really, well written?

Spoiler

Not in the original series from the 40s/50s. They were included in the prequels / sequels that he wrote in the 80s, when he was busily trying to tie all of his novels into one shared universe.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

If you are a student of film and TV, it is interesting.

If you are a fan of Asimov's work, maybe not so much, as your attempt to answer the technical question may yield a monstrosity, like it did for Frankenstein.

You imply that such a project must inevitably be bad. Why do you believe that to be the case? I don't have Apple TV, but most of the comments on Foundation here seem broadly positive, including from fans of the books.

 

[Morrus]

Second episode. Even better! So far I love this show.

The Emperor(s) are vindictive as hell.

In the books, IIRC, Seldon dies of old age early on and appears as a pre-recorded hologram at important junctures over the coming centuries.

I just can’t get over how gorgeous this is. When the richest company in the world makes a sci-fi TV show, I guess you get movie level visuals. Plus it’s gripping.

 

[pukunui]

I'm a big fan of the original trilogy. (I really didn't like the prequels/sequels.)

The trailer and the reviews I've read have put me off watching this. It has, however, inspired me to re-read the original trilogy. Yes, it's dated, but it's still a fun read.

The sparse minimalism of the language is one of things I like about it.

I could see it working better as a stage play than a movie or TV series.

I guess I'll wait and see what you guys think of it by the time all episodes have come out.

 

[Mallus]

I just can’t get over how gorgeous this is. When the richest company in the world makes a sci-fi TV show, I guess you get movie level visuals. Plus it’s gripping.

I keep thinking about the scene with the public execution (among other things). Not only is it as epic as any effects sequence on the big screen, it was so smart & powerful - especially watching it as an American, a few weeks after the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and our final exit from Afghanistan.

It replaced “Londo watching the Narn homeworld get bombed”’ as best use off effects to enhance the drama of a scene.

 

[Zardnaar]

Interesting I like it so far. Never read the books but know the broad outlines.

 

[GreyLord]

The Foundation series and many of his other series were tied together later in life by Asimov. AS they are related, there are many sources they could draw upon for inspiration to the stories ranging from the Galactic Empire novels to the Robot novels and more.

I could see a great breadth and range of ideas that could be incorporated into a Foundation series if they are also using those as sources.

 

[Zaukrie]

Those that were bored before EP 3 may never come back (personally, I really like it).

 

[Morrus]

Three in and still loving it. Best sci-fi show in years!

 

[Paul Farquhar]

I have seen the first four episodes now, and it is really good. It's a long time since I read the books, but this series seems to just use the original stories as a foundation, and builds out from there.

Episode four did feel a bit more like a conventional space adventure though.