‘Foundation’ Recap: ‘Upon Awakening’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Foundation’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the science fiction market is flooded with new stories and that’s not exactly a bad thing. Because for the longest time, this genre was limited in print to a handful of maestros who were entrusted with Sci-Fi’s security and in television and film, limitations special effects wise kept the genre focused on a select few franchises. But now, with technology at an advanced state and the demand for new stories in print at an all-time high, everyone is telling science fiction stories and dreaming of a better tomorrow. But with so many Sci-Fi stories on the market now, how does one determine which are the best of the best? Well, the answer to that is simple, the ones that are digging deep into the human condition and asking the tough questions are the ones that rise above the rest and that is precisely why we need to celebrate the AppleTV+ series, Foundation.
 
For this phenomenal science fiction series continues to ask tough questions about our world and who we are, and this week’s episode is no exception to that rule. For ‘Upon Awakening’ took the time to catch up with Gaal in her hyper sleep, wherein she was dreaming of the past and how it brought her to her new ship amongst the stars and well, that allowed for some tough questions to be posed. Because we came to learn that her home world was once a haven for science and logic, but rising sea levels and other environmental disasters, motivated this world to return to a more theological grounding and ban science and well, learning about that and seeing this world, is what motivated the story to ask… what is it that allows for a technologically advanced society, one where knowledge is available to all, to slip into notions of Gods and monsters and faith and abandon science and every comfort it has to offer. 
 
IN part, this episode theorizes that it is related to an atonement of sorts. That a society that does harm to its environment and sees their way of life change because of it, holds to a collective subconscious remorse. One that demands they absolve themselves of their sins and returning to religion allows for that, and it most certainly gave Gaal’s people purpose and direction, despite how incorrect they are, and the parallel here was obvious. Since our world is currently suffering through a divide of sorts. One where conservative Christian beliefs somehow take precedence over science and logic and facts because of this deep rooted feeling that modern man needs to atone for sins and it does leave one to wonder if this plot thread is also designed to serve as a warning. One that informs us that a lack on our part to halt climate change’s progress, might push man back into darker ages of misinformation and zealotry.
 
But while that made for some powerful commentary for certain, there was more to this episode than mere examinations of our modern world. For this episode did also see Gaal learn that her former lover set up her rescue ship and designed it to test her mind and send her back to Seldon’s home world, an idea that worries her to no end. Plus, we also came to learn that everything that’s been happening on Terminus has been grounded in age old vendettas, since the Anacreon’s basically set a trap up for the Empire. One that they walked right into hook, line and sinker. Allowing for evil to rule the day in a place that is supposed to be humanity’s last hope, and it will be quite interesting to see how Salvor and her friends get out of this mess. Since it will be some time before the Empire can dispatch more warships to the edge of the galaxy.
 
However, while we wait to see what comes next for so many characters, we can revel in the wonder of a top-notch science fiction story. One that not only impressed us with breathtaking visuals and compelling performances and moments, but truly dug deep into questions that are burning in our minds right now about our world and what makes this episode genuinely impressive, is that it offers no easy answers to our problems with misinformation. It simply gives us a root cause, one that it will be up to us to figure out a solution to and that is brilliant to say the least, and it does leave one to wonder… what other commentary and fascinating explorations about our world and our society await us down the line. Or if the time has come for this series, to shift its focus onto the Vault and the outright cataclysm that awaits all of humanity. Until next time.

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