Foundation Season 1 Episode 7 review: A captivating episode that recaptures some of the lost magic

The seventh episode Foundation titled ‘Mysteries & Martyrs’ has captured all the arcs of its primary characters to great effect,

Foundation Season 2

Story:

Unlike some of the episodes since the pilot, all three story arcs have been given plenty of development to solidify the overall narrative of the season. In Trantor, Brother Dawn explains to Azura why his brothers should never be aware that he’s different from the rest of the clones of Cleon. Salvor Hardin and Phara’s journey aboard the Invictus is met with death and destruction, while Brother Day seeks means to get the upper hand on Zephyr Halima at The Maiden.

Review:

The series Foundation is caught between visual excellence and inconsistent storytelling - a trait that has latched on to the show after its first two episodes. However, episode seven has managed to find the right balance with an engrossing narrative. The three main story arcs are well-paced, providing context and answers to several unanswered plot lines.

The events in Trantor and The Maiden, despite being mutually independent, are allegorically connected with each other. Whereas aboard the Invictus, Hardin is forced to find a way to work with Phara in order to survive. Onboard Raysch’s ship, Gaal Dornick is reunited with her mentor Hari Seldon - a digitally simulated consciousness of Seldon, similar to Russell Crowe’s Jor-El from Man of Steel.

Brother Dawn’s and Brother Day’s subplots are undoubtedly the most intriguing of the series so far. Their stories offer plenty of philosophical conundrums, thought-provoking narratives, and stunning visuals. Brother Dawn’s predicament forces the audience to be empathetic towards the young ruler, and surprisingly, Brother Day’s struggles at The Maiden against the charismatic Zephyr Halima makes him a sympathetic character.

The choice of adding Zephyr Halima to a prominent role is a welcome decision, as she adds a much-needed zest to the show. She also appears to be the only credible threat to the Empire, symbolic of the power struggles of the past between the Church and Crown in medieval Europe. It begs the question as to whether Phara and Acroneans’ grand scheme to launch an attack on Trantor will amount to anything, despite their concerted efforts.

There is a possibility that Zephyr Halima’s power and influence over trillions of people could be the greater threat to the Empire, rather than a terror attack by vengeful Acroneans. Regardless, the remaining episodes promise plenty of twists and turns with the series edging closer to its finale.

Review:

There are a few minor issues with its screenplay especially with scenes involving those aboard the Invictus. In fact, there is a clear contrast with how the subplots are written, but there is relative consistency in ‘Mysteries & Martyrs’. In fact, it is packed with great moments of storytelling and visual spectacle.

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