Apple TV+’s ambitious sci-fi adaptation, Foundation, concluded its third season with a pivotal turning point: the Genetic Dynasty has collapsed, the Second Foundation has triumphed, the Seldon Plan is back on track, and the Mule’s identity has been revealed. However, the finale also left many questions unanswered. A fourth season has been confirmed, but David S. Goyer, who helmed the first two seasons and penned much of the third, is no longer involved. Goyer announced that the new creative team will “forge its own path,” raising uncertainty about how faithful the series will remain to Asimov’s books or where it might diverge.
First, there’s the Mule issue. The third season ended with the revelation that Bayta is the Mule, but her fate was left ambiguous. In the books, the Mule isn’t killed but is neutralized in a mental duel, continuing as a more benevolent ruler before dying young. In the series, we saw her collapse after a confrontation with Gaal, though subtle hints suggest she may not be dead. Whether the Mule will return in Season 4 or be mentally “neutralized” will be crucial.
The Second Foundation is no longer just a counterforce to the Mule. In Asimov’s works, this group was established from the start to protect Hari Seldon’s plan, oversee the First Foundation, and guide humanity’s course. In the series, this role has been somewhat overshadowed, with the group primarily focused on preparing for the Mule. The new season is likely to showcase their broader influence on history’s trajectory.
The fall of the Genetic Dynasty puts the Empire’s fate in question. Though Trantor still stands, the finale saw Brother Dusk’s descent into madness, the deaths of Day and other clones, and the destruction of Demerzel’s body, signaling the dynasty’s end. In the books, this marks the Empire’s fragmentation and Trantor’s ruin. Thus, Season 4 is poised to depict this collapse on screen.
New characters are on the horizon. Golan Trevize, in particular, is set to play a pivotal role. Seemingly a mere council member, Trevize becomes central in the final two books due to his intuitive decisions. Young Second Foundation leader Stor Gendibal, historian Janov Pelorat, and the mentally powerful Bliss are also expected to join the cast eventually.
Another major development is the introduction of Gaia, a planet in Asimov’s universe with a collective consciousness encompassing all life, not just individuals. Linked to the Mule’s origins, Gaia plays a critical role in humanity’s future. The third season finale’s glimpse of the robot colony on the Moon likely foreshadows Gaia’s arrival.
Finally, there’s Demerzel. Though physically destroyed in the finale, her story in Asimov’s books is far more expansive and pivotal. The Moon colony’s appearance suggests she may be a key figure in unraveling the series’ biggest mysteries. Whether the show will lean into surprises here remains to be seen.
While the third season left major questions unanswered, it generously planted seeds for the next chapter. All eyes are now on how Foundation will balance Asimov’s legacy with its own creative vision. Season 4 will not only continue the story but also serve as a critical juncture in determining the series’ direction.
