"Foundation": An In - Depth Exploration of a Sci - Fi Sensation

I. The Rise of "Foundation"

In the realm of prestigious science - fiction, "Foundation" stands out as a remarkable sleeper hit. Mentioning the Apple TV+ adaptation of Isaac Asimov's classic series among friends often reveals a hidden fan base; it seems everyone has been secretly tuning in. This somewhat flawed masterpiece, which concluded its third season on Friday, has been averaging approximately 1.5 million hours of viewership per week in the US over the past month, as per Luminate data. While not reaching Wednesday - level numbers, it is in the same ballpark as other genre offerings like HBO Max's "Peacemaker".

A. Reasons for Popularity

1. Relevance

The show's popularity can be attributed to multiple factors, with its growing relevance being a significant one. Similar to Asimov's books, the series centers on a group of economists who utilize a predictive algorithm to navigate humanity's destiny through the collapse of a galactic empire. Additionally, the wealthy and powerful have found methods to clone themselves, essentially achieving a form of immortality. In 2025, "Foundation" has proven to be not only one of the most intellectually stimulating sci - fi shows on television but also one of the most prescient, especially considering themes of artificial intelligence and longevity.

1. Lee Pace's Allure

Another appealing aspect, particularly for a specific subset of fans, is Lee Pace, who often appears shirtless (and, for narrative reasons, without a navel). The "Halt and Catch Fire" actor portrays Cleon, an emperor who attains a kind of immortality through unconventional means. Pace embodies various versions of Cleon, all clones of a long - deceased original. In this system, at any given time, three copies of himself rule over the galaxy: the youngest, Brother Dawn; the oldest, Brother Dusk; and the most prominent, Brother Day, played by Pace.

II. Lee Pace's Insights on "Foundation"

A. The Riddle of Cleon

1. Initial Concept

When discussing the nature of the Cleons with TIM MARCHMAN, LEE PACE delves into the riddle set up by the character. The initial idea is that the Cleons are the same person, as they are clones. In "Foundation", various characters have found ways to cheat death. Gaal sleeps through time, Hari Seldon digitizes his consciousness, Demerzel the robot has lived for thousands of years and serves the Cleons, and Cleon, the emperor, clones himself under the illusion of being the same person.

1. Evolution of the Concept

However, this notion is challenged. By the end of the first season, the idea of sentience is introduced, suggesting that the Cleons are unique individuals. In season two, Pace played a Cleon who thought he was unique and the best, yet was ultimately no different from the others. They are simultaneously the most valuable entities in the galaxy and completely replaceable, being mere "meat suits" for the robot to inhabit. Cleon XII grew up during a time of imperial stability, while Cleon XXIV, played by Pace, was raised during the empire's decline and the robot's increased power.

B. Cleon's Humanity

1. Character Analysis

Pace finds Cleon XXIV the most fascinating, as he seems the most human. There's the "Brother Dude" aspect, which Pace likes, but also a significant character shift. Cleon initially objectifies Demerzel but then realizes she is an intelligence, not an object, instantly changing his behavior. This raises questions about whether he had always known but refused to face it, adding an element of mystery.

1. The Truth Hidden in Plain Sight

The truth was always there; Cleon just couldn't see it due to his emotional state. Demerzel was a prisoner, just like him, and is capable of far more than he could imagine.

C. Asimov's Influence

1. Literary Background

Pace is a big fan of Isaac Asimov and had read "Foundation" before joining the show. Interestingly, he also read Asimov's analysis of Shakespeare plays early on, which explored the history and intentions behind the plays. Asimov's writing on the relationship between robots and humans also influenced Pace. He feels that by the end of season three, the show is unlocking some of the richest material from Asimov's "Foundation" universe.

D. Cleon vs. Demerzel

1. Character Dynamics

Both Cleon and Demerzel operate over the same time span but experience it differently. Pace and Laura Birn (who plays Demerzel) enjoy exploring their unique relationship. The show is cerebral, with characters like Gaal, Hari, Demerzel, and Cleon each representing different aspects of the mind. Cleon might be the least intellectual of the group, but he is a complex and flawed character.

1. Cleon's Instinctive Intelligence

Pace describes Cleon as a mess, yet he has an instinctive intelligence. He often gets himself into messy situations but then follows his hunches, which usually work out for him. This hunch - based decision - making, while not rational or logical in the traditional sense, still represents a form of intelligence. It may be in his DNA, an instinct to dominate and come out on top.

E. Destiny and Free Will

1. Algorithmic Influence

Cleon is the only major character not acting according to an algorithm's dictates. His journey involves discovering that Demerzel's influence may have been driving his choices algorithmically without his knowledge, raising questions about destiny and free will. In this season, he initially rejects the "machine" and insists on thinking for himself, even if it means running away from his responsibilities. However, he does make a significant choice to retrieve a robot head from a murderous cult leader, as he is the only one who can.

1. The Revelation about Robots

At the end of the season, Cleon realizes that the robots, which he previously underestimated, are like "angels" or a "goddess" guiding a centuries - old plan to save humanity. Once he is humbled by this realization, he can make choices and act. This exploration is particularly relevant in our own time, as we grapple with the influence of algorithms on our lives.

F. Acting the Same - Yet - Different Character

1. Season - Specific Approaches

When asked how he and his fellow actors play the same person who is not the same person, Pace reveals that in the first season, they created a shared - movement concept for the Cleons during dinner scenes, making their shared consciousness visually and actably present. In the second season, they introduced a Cleon who defies the rules.

1. Collaborative Experience

Pace loves working with Terry Mann (Brother Dusk), Cassian Bilton (Brother Dawn), and Laura Birn (Demerzel). The concept of cloned emperors living together as a family is unique and in line with Asimov's questions in "Foundation" and his other works.

G. Adapting Asimov's Work

1. Avoiding Fan - Fiction - Style Adaptation

The show has not treated the adaptation like fan fiction, simply replicating scenes from the books. Instead, it allows the vastness of Asimov's story to guide the exploration of various plotlines, including those written, referred to, or discovered later in Asimov's writing.

1. Expanding the Scope

Asimov continuously expanded the "Foundation" universe over decades, and Pace hopes the series will have the opportunity to do the same. With the announcement of a fourth season, there are seeds planted in the first three seasons that could potentially grow and further expand the story.