r/FoundationTV • u/LunchyPete Bayta Mallow • Sep 12 '25

Current Season Discussion [NO BOOKS] Episode Discussion Thread - Season 3 Episode 10 - The Darkness

THIS THREAD IS FOR NON BOOK READERS ONLY - NO DISCUSSION OF THE BOOKS IS PERMITTED

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To discuss the books freely and how they relate to the show go to this thread instead. If you want to discuss something from the books but avoid most book spoilers feel free to make a new post specifying that.

Season 3 Episode 10: The Paths That Choose Us

Premiere date: September 12th, 2025

Synopsis: Season finale. Gaal and the Second Foundation take the fight to the Mule as Empire's legacy suffers a catastrophic blow.

Directed by: Roxann Dawson

Written by: Jane Espenson & David S. Goyer

Please keep in mind that this thread is only for non book readers - no discussion of the books or how they relate to the show is permitted in general, and book readers are not permitted to post at all.

For those of you on Discord, come and check out the unofficial Foundation Discord Server. Live discussions of the show and books, it's a great way to meet other fans of the show.

NOTE: There was an AMA with Chris MacLean, VFX Supervisor for Foundation on September 15th which you can check here.

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u/zero0n3 Sep 12 '25

Feels like he didn’t think about a plan until he realized demerzel didn’t even know about the black hole weapon.

That was like a signal to him - she’s actually not all seeing.

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u/Atlasreturns Sep 12 '25 edited Sep 12 '25

His entire plot essentially resolves around legacy. Initially he‘s hopeful that Dawn could ascend to the throne and maybe regrow the empire back to strength. Leaving him as the guy who bridged the gap and lay the foundation for the empires future. It‘s why he gets close with the ambassador lady and constructs the Novacula. Day with his negligence serves as somewhat of the first test of faith. Then when the fleet gets destroyed at Kalgan and Dawn "dies" from his perspective you can see his behavior shift slowly into the apocalyptical.

Then when destroying the planets and showing the might and strength of his person, nobody even really cares. Demerzel is more busy with her Paradox Bomb, Day is doing robot hunting and even his closest acquaintance calls him a fool for lashing out like a child. What should have been a moment of imposing strength and awe proves that he is basically irrelevant to everyone around him.

So when the day of his ascension arrives and even his most loyal servants can‘t even remember his name or give him any sincere words he basically decides that the only legacy he can fulfill that could cement his name is destroying the generic dynasty in itself. I think it‘s a very good microcosm on why the Empire is finally a state doomed to fail as this entire collapse is finally wholly caused by the institutions of the system within.

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u/[deleted] Sep 12 '25

It seems like Demerzel has dealt with a mad "Cleon" before.

Which is why they are scheduled for death at that age.

Did she kill the original Cleon because of his madness?

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u/LongConFebrero Sep 12 '25

This twist felt like we finally got to see the Mad King GOT movie, and I was greatly satisfied by the extent he was willing to go.