‘Foundation’ Recap: ‘Barbarians at the Gate’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Foundation’.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about how the AppleTV+ series, Foundation, has done a wonderful job of offering up some fascinating storytelling. The kind that has been grounded nicely in the true roots of science fiction, since we’ve been privy to moments that leave our eyes wide with wonderous visuals that tickle our imagination, alongside storylines that challenge our modern world and the people we are right now. But while it has been wonderful to enjoy such majesty, one can never forget that a great science fiction story… also knows when to abandon analysis and commentary to instead offer up a compelling story and that’s precisely why this series deserves our awe. Because the next chapter in this sweeping saga, does just that and that storytelling decision made ‘Barbarians at the Gate’, one compelling tale.
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One that finally saw the Empire, stop celebrating the rich history of Cleon to start dealing with crises for a change. For there was more unrest on other worlds, the kind that motivated Day to really ponder upon his journey and mistakes made and he genuinely came to realize that Dusk made one horrendous misstep when he sent Hari Seldon into the void. In that, he didn’t listen to Hari’s words and predictions, and he should have, since the Empire was now dealing with everything, he promised would come true and that motivated Day to take charge and relegate Dusk to cleaning up his own messes back home and that really was quite the powerful twist. For we’ve never seen the Cleons fight in this manner, nor have we really seen them act and it will be quite interesting to see where this twist takes us since it really did grow the emperors at last and force them to be more than idiots that stare lovingly at their own visages.

However, there was more progress to be made in this tale outside of what happened on Trantor. For Terminus also saw some big moments take place. For Salvor had to think fast to preserve the planet and her people and she used the Vault to do just that, by taking the leader of this group of rogues, named Phara, near it so it would knock her right out. Which in turn allowed for Salvor to learn that she was in fact not a rogue scavenger as claimed, but the top general of the Anacreon Army and she was clearly here with a plan. What that plan was exactly, Salvor wasn’t quite unable to uncover. For Phara’s soldiers quickly established battle lines all around the city and were unloading weapons left and right to try and attack the energy field, setting the stage for what should be an epic and possibly bloody fight, one that might bring about great strife on Terminus, since the good people that live here are currently on their own. 

But alas, not all hope is lost. For back on Trantor, Dusk did indeed give the order to have the Army/Navy explore exactly why the communications buoy has gone down, giving rise to hope since the soldiers of the Empire should quickly come to understand an old enemy has returned and is causing a heap of trouble. Plus, it would seem that at long last, an old hero is about to return to the fold, since Gaal was discovered by a ship in the closing minutes of this tale and once she is able to recover and gather her bearings… perhaps she can be of service regarding the chaos currently embroiling the galaxy. Since she is the last person that knows how to read the equations that Hari put forth and that math might help in understanding the Vault and its purpose and whether or not the end of the Empire is barreling forth in a swift and brutal manner.

However, while we wait to see what comes of all these juicy plot threads, we can revel in the majesty of one quality tale. For this one really did hold our attention, thanks in large part to its shift in tone and design. Because it really was quite refreshing to see the Cleons be more than just pretty boys and show some depth and humanity for a change and it was equally as wonderful to see consequences come about for their actions. But what matters more is that this episode really did do a wonderful job of setting the stage for some big moments to come, for everyone really. Since the revelations here really do leave one to wonder if the end times are upon the galaxy and all that does is leave us eager for more, so we can have our questions answered or see if a miraculous math bound miracle will save all of humanity. Until next time.

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