Foundation S1E4 "Barbarians At The Gates" Review: Foundation Sets Up The Rest Of This Exciting Series

Release date: October 8, 2021
Running time: 45 minutes

Salvor faces off with an enemy of the Empire. Brothers Day and Dusk are at odds, while Brother Dawn wrestles with his truth. 

If you were waiting for Foundation to pick up, then this is the week to watch.  Although it doesn't quite get into the full on action, this episode has lots of intrigue and a whole lot of build up.  But this build up has important revelations and an exciting format, as you get to see more of some pivotal characters.  We really get a good look at the three emperors as they deal with their own galactic crises, and of Salvor and her place in the foundation.  It has an air of excitement that seems to set the rest of the season up for some amazing times.

Episode 4 keeps the same great production values that have made this series a visual treat, but adds a whole layer of new information.  We get important revelations about many of the main characters, and a good idea of who will be the focus of the following episodes.  And we get to see some characters grow into the leaders that we expected them to be, with some pretty impressive acting from them.  I really liked Leah Harvey as Salvor, who takes on a commanding performance in this one.  And I also loved the set up.  Whereas before I was annoyed, this time I am all about the slow build.  The build up here feels meaningful, with a direct relation to what we find out and what will occur in the near future.  It really speaks to the care that this series has that we can have episodes that have so much backstory, and it will pay dividends in the remaining six.  

Foundation S1E4 puts the spotlight on some characters and sets up  some exciting events that will have an impact on both the Foundation and the Empire.

Watch it.

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Foundation is available to stream on Apple TV+ with Season 1 Episode 4 "Barbarians At The Gates" available on October 8, 2021.