Is This the End for My Favorite ‘Foundation’ Character in Season 3?

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Heed this notice: Reveals for Episode 2 of Foundation‘s Season 3, titled “Shadows in the Math,” are unfolding. If you prefer not to have plot twists spoiled before watching, I recommend caution when proceeding. However, if you’re willing to take that risk, enjoy!

If Hari Seldon and Gaal Dornik’s plan had worked out as intended, these two psychohistory trailblazers would have been revived together each year on Ignis, to check up on Humanity’s progress. As the 2025 premiere of Foundation demonstrated, plans can often be misguided. The upcoming Season 3 could bring about a significant departure of a key character, which is quite disappointing for me, as I adore this character deeply.

I Don’t Think Hari Seldon Will Last Past The Third Crisis

In the latest episode of Apple TV+, Hari Seldon, as is often his way, decides to act independently. As portrayed by Jared Harris, this psychohistorian feels it’s necessary to ready the Second Foundation for the upcoming Third Crisis. This implies a deviation from his previous plan, where he had planned to age over a century in the body that his consciousness attained during Season 2.

Participating in a press conference for Season 3 of “Foundation”, I had the opportunity to chat with both Jared Harris and Lou Llobell regarding this week’s happenings. Firstly, let me share insights from my discussion with Harris. Interestingly, he brought up a point that hadn’t crossed my mind earlier. Here’s what he shared, in an exclusive interview for TopMob:

It’s fantastic that Gaal is no longer solely identified by her relationships with Raysch, Salvor, or Hari. Instead, she is now able to chart her own course and tell her unique story. This is especially exciting because she is the central character of our series; it was her voice we heard in Episode 1 of Season 1, after all!

It was painful to watch Hari Seldon struggle to activate the ancient Prime Radiant. Though he’s not technically deceased, his departure from Gaal essentially makes her the leader of the Second Foundation. On a positive note, we now have another manifestation of Hari – the digital consciousness shared by Dr. Ebling Mis (Alexander Siddig) – to monitor and guide our actions.

If the “other” Hari Seldon were to encounter Gaal, their bond wouldn’t be as deep as the one between Hari and Ignis. Essentially, it seems Gaal is taking charge in her part of the scheme to safeguard humanity against the threat posed by The Mule (Pilou Asbæk) in this season of Foundation. From the first two episodes, I can confidently say she’s doing a commendable job filling that role.

Gaal Dornik’s Authority May Have Already Taken Form In Foundation Season 3

As a film enthusiast, during the Foundation press day, I often find myself pondering about the key insights each cast member should carry for their characters. Intriguingly, my chat with Lou Llobell led me to delve deeper into Gaal Dornik’s character development.

Ms. Llobell’s reply was revealing, clearly demonstrating the knowledge Gaal has gleaned from Hari Seldon.

In essence, Gaal always seems to have a purpose behind her actions. To put it another way, whatever she does, there’s a method or intention behind it.

Listening to her explain her reasoning, it strongly resonated with me as if I were back in the early episodes of Foundation, recalling Hari Seldon’s secretive strategy to ease the impending Dark Age. Time after time, his psychohistorical plan was kept under wraps just like she did hers.

Now it’s Gal’s time to play her cards similarly, and since she’s initiated a conversation with Brother Dawn (Cassian Bilton), I’m eager to uncover the true events unfolding. I have no doubt that Hari Seldon would approve, depending on which timeline you’re referring to.

The third season of Foundation is progressing week by week on Apple TV+ every Friday. If you find yourself needing to refresh your memory about the first two seasons or even the intense opening episode of Foundation, remember that the final episode won’t be aired until September 12th.

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2025-07-19 08:38