As we approach the climax of season three of Foundation, the galaxy finds itself on the brink of chaos. The fall of Empire has long been prophesied to lead to a dark era, a challenge that the Foundation was established centuries ago to confront. While the impending doom feels inevitable, how it will unfold remains a mystery. With the scheming Mule at play, viewers wonder: is there another force of calamity lurking just out of sight?
The penultimate episode, titled “The Paths That Choose Us,” introduces a candidate for this impending disaster—one that may not astonish fans of the series.
To put it plainly, you can’t introduce a devastating weapon influenced by a black hole in the first act without revisiting it by the third. For decades, Brother Dusk (Terrence Mann)—who has become a compelling dramatic figure this season—has been secretly perfecting his ominous creation, the “Novacula,” without letting the meticulous Demerzel (Laura Birn) know.
Brother Dusk plans to present this fierce masterpiece as a deterrent, believing that no one would dare to attack a ruler in possession of a black hole bomb. However, with Brother Dawn out of the picture, presumed dead in the void of space, Dusk’s mindset is shifting dangerously as he prepares for his impending “ascension.”
Ascension—essentially a euphemism for the euthanizing of an aging Cleon—is non-negotiable. Demerzel, under her directive, knows the exact time when Brother Dusk should be relieved of his duties. With only days left, Dusk struggles against fate, refusing to accept his end gracefully.
In last week’s episode “Skin in the Game,” Dusk finds himself cornered by influential political figures, including the head of the Galactic Council and representatives from the Cloud Dominion and Luminism faith. Their newfound power comes in the wake of Empire’s decline, emboldening them to propose that they surrender Trantor to the Mule, hoping to appease him in exchange for peace.
This infuriates Dusk, especially when the Galactic Council leader dismissively informs him, “This was just to notify you.” Not surprisingly, Demerzel stands against this plan, adhering to her commitment to protect Empire at all costs. When Dusk reveals the existence of Novacula, it becomes clear to her what he intends to do next.
As the narrative unfolds in “The Paths That Choose Us,” the political trio returns to confront Dusk, now accompanied by Demerzel and a striking hologram of the Mule.
Dusk, also appearing as a hologram, fills the Mule in on the proposition to hand over Trantor. In his signature indifferent style, the Mule accepts the offer, prompting Dusk to counter, “Sorry, I just checked. That offer expired.” When the Mule asserts he can easily conquer Trantor, Dusk retorts provocatively, “I will not bow to a usurper named for a farm animal.”
The tension builds as Dusk unveils his formidable weapon to the shocked assembly. In previous seasons, Empire has bombarded distant worlds like Anacreon and Thespis, but what Dusk does next is chillingly unprovoked. One by one, he annihilates Clarion Station, the Cloud Dominion’s mini-planets, and Luminism’s holy site, the Maiden.
The Mule, visibly shaken, promptly disconnects as Dusk chillingly warns him, “Don’t mess with Empire.” Offering refuge to the surviving witnesses in his throne room, Dusk notably ends with a snarky “this is just to notify you.”
This act of genocide, executed with a chilling ease, leaves even the seasoned ambassador Quent appalled, surmising Dusk’s actions stem from a deeper fear. As the story escalates, Demerzel faces her moral conflict but recognizes that Empire is her priority, reshaping the narrative dynamics within Foundation season three.
Will Dusk’s dire strategy to preserve Empire through mass violence prove fruitful? The imagery of a lamb slaughter—for a victory feast—might feel heavy-handed, but its impact is undeniable. Moreover, what perilous plans might he entertain as his life clock runs out?
The season finale of Foundation is set to air on September 12 on Apple TV+, building suspense about the fate of this intricate universe.
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