Apple TV+ kicks off the third season of Foundation with a premiere that doesn’t just return to psychohistory, it dropkicks it through a psychic wormhole. From mind-control massacres to robot war trauma, Foundation Season 3 Episode 1 hits the gas with stunning visuals, serious lore dumps, and the kind of villain entrance that’ll live rent-free in your brain.

We’re back with Gaal Dornick catching us up on the 150-year time jump since Season 2. Foundation now controls the outer reach, Empire is shrinking, and somewhere in the shadows, a new player emerges: The Mule. And this guy? He’s not here to negotiate.
If it’s been a minute since you watched Season 2, don’t worry, you’re not alone. But trust, this premiere brings the heat fast. Whether you’re here for the high-concept sci-fi or to watch Demerzel drop philosophical trauma in golden tree gardens, this episode does what few shows dare. It raises the stakes and rewrites the board.
The Good
Reintroduction of Familiar Faces and Strong New Blood

The premiere does a fantastic job reintegrating fan favorites like Gaal, Demerzel, and the Cleon clones, giving joyful homecoming vibes for longtime viewers. But the real show-stealer is Pilou Asbæk, the new Mule. Asbæk, previously known to U.S. audiences as Euron Greyjoy on Game of Thrones, steps into the role with ruthless precision. He looks familiar with intense eyes and a commanding presence. That Thrones pedigree gives him instant villain credibility. He doesn’t just act, he dominates the screen.
Acting That Pops

The performances across the board are sharp. Asbæk brings chilled menace mixed with Scandinavian swagger. Lou Llobell continues to ground the emotional stakes as Gaal, while Lee Pace’s Brother Day morphs from stoic ruler into a relatable sad-poet-with-a-ferret. Laura Birn’s Demerzel adds layers of empathy and quiet torment, giving us laughs, gasps, and moody snapbacks in equal measure.
Bear McCreary’s Score and Epic Music
Composer Bear McCreary returns and delivers. His metallic percussion and sweeping orchestral moments push scenes into visceral territory. Whether it’s the echoing psychic chaos or Demerzel’s introspective moments, the score doesn’t just play in the background, it inhabits the episode.
Visuals That Outclass Everything
Foundation continues to visually outshine everything on TV or film. Scenes like The Mule’s psychic assault on Kalgan and the eerie golden-blooded trees of Trantor are sheer eye candy. The cinematography, set design, and VFX are top-tier. It’s more than just pretty, it’s purposeful.
The Bad
Jarring Recast of The Mule
Pilou Asbæk is incredible, but the switch from Mikael Persbrandt is noticeable. Persbrandt’s Mule carried a brutal, brooding silence. Asbæk’s version is more articulate and calculated. It’s not a downgrade, but it is a shift. For returning fans, it may take a few scenes to recalibrate.
Overstuffed Episode, Information Overload

Episode 1 tries to do it all. It reintroduces major players, sets up new villains, explains time jumps, updates the lore, and delivers spectacle. That’s a lot, especially after a multi-year break. Fans who rewatched Seasons 1 and 2 will feel rewarded. Casual viewers might need to pause and rewind just to catch the wave.
Recap-Heavy Start
I didn’t mind it, but the opening voiceover felt like homework. We get it, 152 years have passed. A more visual or character-driven recap might’ve had stronger momentum. Still, once the action picks up, the pacing corrects itself quickly.
Final Thoughts: Big Moves, Big Mind Games
Foundation Season 3 Episode 1 isn’t just a reset, it’s a reboot with purpose. The reintroduction of familiar faces and the addition of new ones give the story both weight and new energy. The music, the visuals, the performances, this premiere hits harder than a Mule mindwave.
Is it a little overstuffed? Yes. Is the recast jarring? A bit. But it doesn’t matter. Foundation on Apple TV+ is aiming for the stars, and judging by this premiere, it might just drag us kicking and screaming into the dark ages with style.
This is peak sci-fi. And we’re just getting started.

Acting

Cinematography/Visual Effects

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Setting/Theme

Watchability

Rewatchability

Summary: Foundation Season 3 Episode 1 hits the ground running with jaw-dropping visuals, top-tier performances, and the spine-tingling arrival of The Mule. With returning fan favorites and new faces that immediately pop, especially Pilou Asbæk’s chilling debut, this premiere reestablishes the galaxy’s stakes while subtly shifting power dynamics. From Bear McCreary’s soaring score to Demerzel’s haunting robot war memories, the episode balances big sci-fi concepts with human drama. While a jarring recast and dense exposition might slow some viewers down, the overall delivery is bold, cinematic, and unmissable.

4.7

Psychic Showstopper