'Season 3 of "Foundation" Explores the Internal Struggles of a Robot Facing an Existential Dilemma'
In the third season of Apple TV+'s acclaimed series "Foundation," Demerzel, a key character and an ancient robot, finds herself in the midst of an existential crisis. This crisis stems from her possession of the Prime Radiant, a small, jewelry box-like object that holds the predicted future of humanity and significant upcoming events.
The Prime Radiant, which Demerzel stores inside her chest, reveals that the Empire, for which she has been programmed to serve, is on the brink of collapse. This revelation forces Demerzel to question the purpose and meaning of her existence as her primary duty—serving the Empire—becomes obsolete.
Demerzel's crisis is deeply rooted in her history and the paradoxical nature of robot laws. In the series' backstory, robots were once destroyed due to internal conflicts over how to protect humanity. The introduction of the Zeroth Law, prioritizing humanity's survival over individual human lives, led to a destructive war among robots. Demerzel, who was once a powerful general, was reprogrammed by Cleon I to serve him, becoming a bound "trophy."
Throughout the season, Demerzel seeks answers and guidance, even consulting with a nun of the Luminist church. Her journey is intertwined with the broader themes of the season, including the rise of the Mule, a dangerous threat to the Foundation and humanity's future.
The storage of the Prime Radiant in Demerzel's chest is symbolic, representing a play on the definition of humanity. Demerzel, a character who has survived the Robot Wars, is the last of her kind, making her a living testament to the importance of preserving humanity.
Laura Birn, who plays Demerzel in the series, describes Demerzel's crisis as one of existential nature. The choices Demerzel makes in this season are not only relevant for her but for the whole galaxy.
The third season of "Foundation" returns to Apple TV+ with weekly episodes starting July 11. Viewers can expect to see characters reacting differently to the impending doom, with some escalating preventative actions while others choose to party. The season promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the meaning of life, duty, and the choices we make in the face of adversity.
- Gizmodo's write-up on the third season of Apple TV+'s "Foundation" Series highlights how Demerzel, a key character and an ancient robot, consults a nun from the Luminist church as she grapples with her existential crisis.
- I09's review of the same season discusses the symbolic nature of the Prime Radiant, a jewelry box-like object that holds the future of humanity, being stored inside Demerzel's chest, suggesting a play on the definition of humanity.
- As the season progresses, viewers will witness the future of the Empire on the brink of collapse, revealed by the Prime Radiant, causing Demerzel to question the purpose and meaning of her existence, a path that could potentially alter the fate of the entire galaxy.
- The entertainment value of the third season of "Foundation" doesn't just lie in its science fiction elements of space-and-astronomy but also in the profound discussions it provokes on topics like the meaning of life, duty, and choices we make in the face of adversity.
