Foundation (2021)

The critic finds the sprawling sci-fi saga thrilling when it exceeds expectations and praises its dazzling adaptation of Asimov with strong performances from Jared Harris and Lee Pace.

The critic calls the series a sharp remix that uses the source as inspiration for a markedly different version, delivering smart world-building and one of TV’s most expansive sci-fi epics. They single out the nuanced performances of the cloned emperors and the lush, differentiating visuals across timelines for praise.

The critic praises the series as a breathtakingly bold, intellectually stimulating adaptation that is mind-bogglingly epic and lavishly produced, though dense and not for everyone. They single out the stunning production design, location shoots and the performances of the cloned emperors for particular praise.

The critic finds the adaptation intriguing and visually stunning but notes it is too early to judge fully after only two episodes, with some fragmented and inert early scenes. They single out the gorgeous, opulent production design and Jared Harris's anchoring performance for praise.

The critic calls the series visually stunning like a beautiful screensaver but criticizes it for lacking emotional or narrative depth in its characters and story.

The critic finds the big-budget Apple TV+ adaptation earnest, ponderous and lacking humour or lightness despite its visual spectacle and serious themes. It feels like a wasted flagship opportunity as a new sci-fi series rather than something truly special.

The critic describes the series as beautiful but tedious and stultifyingly dull, with epic visual scale but far too limited fresh ideas. They single out the pause-your-TV-to-contemplate-the-visuals gorgeous production for praise while complaining about the lack of visceral impact.

The critic calls the Apple TV+ series overblown sci-fi dross that is good-looking but po-faced, complex to the point of being impenetrable, and devoid of humour. It disappears up its own black hole with narrative issues and android-like characters.

The visually stunning adaptation delivers both hard sci-fi ideas and emotional heart through strong characters and relevant themes. It occasionally feels muddled by its scope and time jumps but succeeds in engaging viewers with humanity amid epic stakes.

The critic hails the series as an excellent, entertaining adaptation that blends elements of Star Trek and Game of Thrones, praising its visuals, performances, and faithful yet expanded take on the source material.

The series is visually gorgeous with strong performances and themes of hope, but its dense, time-jumping story can feel scattered and too large for television. It stumbles in execution yet maintains an engaging grip on its characters' resilience.

The series successfully remixes Asimov into an accessible, vibrant TV epic with action, sex, and character drama while preserving core ideas about history and civilization. It is not a masterpiece but a fun, gateway-friendly reinvention that rewards patience.

The adaptation arrives too late and feels overshadowed by fresher sci-fi peers like Dune. It is a solid but cold and clumsy saga that adds Game of Thrones-style elements at the expense of wit and scale.