As someone who read the books but didn't watch this, how does the show work? How closely is it following the books and is it rotating cast a lot for different eras? The books take place over centuries and eras.

[–] Skavau@piefed.social 26 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (3 children)

It's not at all to my knowledge. They introduced a unique concept of the genetic dynasty to represent Empire. Basically it is always ruled by 3 people: Dawn, Day and Dusk - all genetic clones of each other decanted at different times. When one ages up enough, they move up a level. When Day becomes Dusk, the current Dusk becomes "Darkness" and is killed - and a young Dusk is then decanted.

It's completely unique to the series but is one of the most fascinating parts of the show.

[–] acosmichippo@lemmy.world 11 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (1 children)

decanted at different ages

I think they are all decanted as infants and live naturally through dawn, day, and dusk. I think they are only decanted at different ages as a replacement for one that died.

[–] Skavau@piefed.social 6 points 5 months ago

I'll amend: decanted at different times.

[–] jagermo@feddit.org 2 points 5 months ago

That is one of my favorite apsects of the show.

[–] _hovi_@lemmy.world 1 points 5 months ago

Oh damn that's not in the books? Yeah it's a really cool concept, definitely makes the show stand out

[–] NerdInSuspenders@leminal.space 16 points 5 months ago

Some elements loosely follow the books, but there’s quite a bit that is unique to the show. Some may say that’s a good thing, others bad. Many of the characters share the same names as those mentioned in the books. Don’t go in expecting a truly faithful adaptation, but from a production standpoint it’s a visually beautiful piece of art. Many of the actors and actresses portray compelling characters, and as others have mentioned there is the unique genetic dynasty that is by far one of the most interesting pieces of the show. Lee Pace (Brother Day) is captivating in his role.

[–] Mitchie151@lemmy.world 4 points 5 months ago

Foundation is one of my favourite books, and I hated the TV show for not following the plot of the books more closely. I didn't mind it if I pretended it was just inspired by foundation but it is so different it almost could have been named something else and had the slight nods to the book cut. The thing that was so fun about the foundation books was the way everything 'just worked out' in the end according to the plan, and then seldon pops out and basically says 'told you so'. That entire concept is missing which basically makes it not foundation. It's also making every effort to preserve cast through eras with contrived means. I gave up on it part way through S2, though all the seasons are getting pretty decent reviews.

[–] cerebralhawks@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 5 months ago

Gaal is a woman (which tracks, they pronounce it Gail). As someone who hasn’t read the books, that’s all I know.

Try to think of it as a tribute to Foundation. Apparently the books are quite unfilmable but they’re doing their best? Also it’s not so much an adaptation but more of a “if it were filmable this is what it would be.”

[–] starchylemming@lemmy.world 3 points 5 months ago

it is so far from the books i got angry and didnt bother with season 2

(my free trial ended anyway)

yet the adult Emperor is so great, he almost singlehandedly carries the show

oh and visuals are nice too ofc

[–] DagwoodIII@piefed.social 3 points 5 months ago (1 children)

I watched the first season and gave up. There are much better SF shows on Apple.

[–] f1error@lemmy.world 2 points 5 months ago

Much like "I, Robot," the only connection to Asimov is in the title and character names. This "Foundation" is not Asimov, it's passable SyFy crap for those that have not read TONS of AtomPunk Science Fiction. I feel bad for the fans of "Apple Foundation", they will never experience real "classic" science fiction.

[–] NIB@lemmy.world 1 points 5 months ago

It has very little in common with the books. Some names and key moments. The best part of the series is the Empire arc, which is mostly original.

It does go through eras but even that is somehow bastardized in the name of the tv series. It is silly and ridiculous.

[–] boywar3@lemmy.world 4 points 5 months ago

Neato!

As a lover of the Foundation series (probably read/listened to it all the way through half a dozen times by now) - it certainly isn't the same as the books, but it is a pretty enjoyable watch nonetheless. There was definitely a lot of care put into building the world, and the time skipping adds a good bit of flavor, watching the decisions of the previous rulers echoing forward as the show progresses.

Perhaps not as culturally significant as the books, but certainly worth a watch imo

[–] IWW4@lemmy.zip -5 points 5 months ago (4 children)

Season 1 was a roaring dumpster fire. I am amazed it gets the viewers.

[–] Skavau@piefed.social 15 points 5 months ago

Season 1 was very mixed, but it absolutely improved.

[–] troed@fedia.io 9 points 5 months ago

I had troubles following S1 at times, but S2 and S3 are up there with the very best Sci-Fi ever.

[–] zarniwoop@lemmy.dbzer0.com 7 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Seemed like enough people were happy with it that Apple is willing to spend many millions of dollars so I’m guessing you’re not on the production team right? They should hire you maybe. You seem to have a nuanced view of the show and production in general.

Either way, hope you find a path that lets you utilize your erudite commentary to opine about such matters.

[–] paraphrand@lemmy.world 4 points 5 months ago

Struggling shows should always be smothered in the crib, like Netflix does. Right?