Editor’s note: The following recap includes spoilers for Foundation Season 3 Episode 2.

A significant amount of drama unfolded during the <em>Foundation</em> Season 3 premiere, which had the monumental task of encapsulating a staggering 152 years’ worth of events, all while maintaining a connection to the ongoing narrative. Among these current events is the emergence of the Mule (Pilou Asbæk), a figure shrouded in darkness whose presence poses an existential threat to the entire galaxy. The latest episode, titled “Shadows in the Math,” crafted by the talents of Leigh Dana Jackson and Caitlin Parrish and brought to life by director Tim Southam, takes a slightly different approach. Episode 2 allows its diverse cast to take a moment to breathe, even if most of them find little respite or solace. They engage in intense calculations and strategies against an unknowable adversary, while simultaneously confronting their own mortality. This creates a dark yet captivating atmosphere that remains urgent and full of surprises, even in its quieter character-driven moments.

The cliffhanger from Episode 1 reveals Gaal Dornick (Lou Llobell) awakening from her prolonged cryosleep, acutely aware that the dreaded “herald of darkness” has finally made its arrival. Before Foundation continues with this suspenseful narrative, “Shadows in the Math” enriches the storyline by flashing back 151 years to the pivotal moment when Gaal and Hari Seldon (Jared Harris) founded the Second Foundation on the planet Ignis. Mentor and protégée face a daunting task of damage control to realign the galaxy with the Plan, opting to remain in cryosleep except for a few weeks each year. During their brief periods of consciousness, Hari dedicates himself to teaching psychohistory to the Mentalics, while Gaal showcases how they can utilize their psychic abilities to counteract the Mule. Their ambitious preparations extend beyond Ignis, as they seek to recruit more Mentalics from across the galaxy, thereby fortifying both the First and Second Foundations. Regrettably, time has transformed into an adversary rather than an ally, and they find themselves in desperate need of more time for humanity to have a fighting chance at surviving past the Third Crisis. Hari makes the selfless decision to stay awake, a choice Gaal resents yet understands, particularly given her impending confrontation with the Mule.

Upon her next emergence from cryosleep, Gaal discovers that 148 years have slipped away. Hari, now visibly aged with white hair, deep lines etched into his face, and slower movements, has managed to stay alive almost continuously. When Gaal encounters him in a forest, he reflects on how, despite his meticulously crafted plans, the future continues to revolve around Gaal; her significance ultimately eclipses his own. Hari entrusts Gaal with a Radiant filled with his extensive data regarding the Eight different Crisis. However, he omits to mention how close he is to taking his final breath. That very night, he and the Prime Radiant’s physical manifestation (Rowena King) depart for Oona’s World through a portal — and at this moment, the great Hari Seldon seems finally to accept death rather than evade it. The following morning, Gaal mourns her beloved teacher and surrogate father, a man she has fiercely admired, resented, and cherished. She envisions creating a statue of Hari akin to the three he meticulously carved to honor the loved ones they lost: Salvor Hardin (Leah Harvey), Yanna Seldon (Nimrat Kaur), and Raych Foss (Alfred Enoch). As it turns out, Hari has already immortalized his own likeness through a statue, which, of course, aligns with his character.

The Expanding Influence of the Mule in ‘Foundation’ Season 3 Episode 2

Returning to the present timeline, Gaal grapples with her loss. As the leader of the Mentalics, Preem Palver (Troy Kotsur) reveals to Gaal the same perturbations in the Radiant that Demerzel (Laura Birn) previously identified. Meanwhile, the robot majordomo and the Cleons continue their ongoing discussion from the previous week. Brother Dawn’s (Cassian Bilton) strategic mindset seeks a resolution to the crisis. Unfortunately, psychohistory proves inadequate for rectifying such a vast disaster, especially since, as Demerzel states, “something has been casting shadows in the math for years.” In a state of resignation regarding their inevitable doom, Day (Lee Pace) lies sprawled on the floor, indulging in a spore drug, while bitterly pointing out the irony that a century spent following the Radiant’s guidance has led them to this point of despair. Dusk (Terrence Mann), who is already wrestling with the reality of his impending mortality, expresses his frustration over how an unforeseen catastrophe has rendered the lives of both him and Demerzel (his brief existence, hers infinite) “pointless.” As Demerzel turns away, Dusk insists that this disaster warrants a temporary reprieve from execution; rather than facing death in ten days concurrent with Dawn’s ascendance to the throne, he argues that Demerzel needs a partner for the forthcoming battle. However, she coldly rebuffs Dusk’s plea, stating, “I am the clock for every Cleon’s life. And the time I keep is exact.”

Shifting the scene to Kalgan, the epicenter of turmoil, the Mule makes a grand entrance into one of the palace’s lavish, expansive rooms. A banquet table is set, with a line of servants waiting expectantly. Skirlet (Isla Gie), the young daughter of the deceased Archduke Bellarion (Ralph Ineson), professes her deep affection for the Mule — her father’s murderer — stating she loves him “more than anything.” Striding past the gathered servants, the Mule candidly explains that while he possesses the ability to compel individuals to adore him, his talent is akin to a muscle that can tire from overuse. “Fortunately,” he jovially asserts, “I can convert some by way of demonstration.” He instructs Skirlet to place her father’s gun against her temple and pull the trigger. To her fortune, the gun is unloaded. With his point made, the Mule settles down to enjoy a lavish meal.

The Cleons Face Death, Destiny, and Defiance in ‘Foundation’ Season 3 Episode 2

Meanwhile, two new characters are introduced as a pair. Toran Mallow (Cody Fern) shows no interest in upholding the esteemed business or political legacy left by his celebrated ancestor, Hober (Dimitri Leonidas). However, he does relish the advantages of his family’s generational wealth, facilitated by the Alliance of Traders, as does his newlywed wife, Bayta (Synnøve Karlsen). The couple is attempting to enjoy their honeymoon until the ominous shadow of the Mule’s ship, the Blacktongue, disrupts their sunbathing. Despite this interruption, the blissful couple remains unconcerned about the Mule’s coup — their privileged existence has left them “too complicit” to worry about a would-be tyrant oppressing the innocent civilians of Kalgan. They are equally unperturbed by the unannounced visit of Captain Han Pritcher (Brandon P. Bell). The duo appears young, carefree, and self-absorbed, yet they are not oblivious; they quickly realize that the Foundation intelligence officer is seeking to recruit them as spies. Their recognition and social status have granted them an invitation to a forthcoming celebration of the Mule’s takeover, and Pritcher intends to accompany them as their guest.

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