Warning: Spoilers ahead forFoundationseason 3, episode 4, “The Stress of Her Regard.“Foundationseason 3, episode 4, “The Stress of Her Regard,” finally puts the new era of Apple TV+’s space opera into motion after three installments that were kept busy laying the groundwork. Thenew characters inFoundationseason 3are now properly installed and primed to contribute more significantly to the larger narrative.
Foundationbegan as one ofApple TV+’s best sci-fi shows, and season 3 hasn’t disappointed so far. While recent episodes haven’t been especially action-packed, they’ve played an important role in setting up the current portion ofFoundation’s vast timelinethat’s chronicling Empire’s downfall. “The Stress of Her Regard” is where all that worldbuilding starts to pay off.
The Massive Demerzel Twist Is Great News For The Rest Of Foundation Season 3
Foundation Clearly Has Even Bigger Reveals To Come
The reveal thatLady Demerzel (Laura Birn) was the mastermind behind the Star Bridge’s destructioninFoundation’s pilot episode seems misplaced — in the best possible way. It’s a huge piece of information to digest, and yet “The Stress of Her Regard” shares it with the audience in the episode’s opening minutes.
“The Stress of Her Regard” could easily have ended with this Demerzel scene if it had wanted, but the fact that it didn’t is very exciting.
Although this could be interpreted as overly bold storytelling, I think it communicates confidence from the writers that there are even bigger revelations and storylines to come. “The Stress of Her Regard” could easily have ended with this Demerzel scene if it had wanted, but the fact that it didn’t is very exciting.
I Found Gaal & Han’s Love Story Oddly Distracting, But I’m Sure It’ll Pay Off
Foundation Season 3 Has Better Arcs It Could Focus On
Foundationhas once more found a way to subvert expectations by combining its ambitiously long storyline with shorter and more “realistic” arcs. In “The Stress of Her Regard,” the space opera shares events that had previously only happened off-screen, which revolve around Gaal Dornick (Lou Llobel) and Han Pritcher (Brandon P. Bell).
I completely understand whatFoundationis trying to do by pairing off Gaal and Han in what should be an untenable romance. To a certain extent, I find it interesting. However, it feels like it’s getting in the way of more interesting storylines at the moment.
On the other hand, I’m convinced Han’s offer of marriage will cause havoc for the Second Foundation eventually, which will be interesting. So, I don’t mind sitting through the start of another slow-burning arc if the eventual payoff is worth the wait. Still, with the rest of the season in full flow by the end of episode 4,I don’t know how wise it is to start this Gaal arc now.
Brother Day’s Rampant Disrespect For All Things Empire Is The Highlight Of “The Stress Of Her Regard”
Cleon XXIV Really Can’t Wait To Escape His Duties For Good
Lee Pace’s primaryFoundationseason 3 character, Cleon XXIV — currently Brother Day — has been an especially unconventional iteration of the original emperor since the series returned. He has surrendered his throne and chosen instead to live a life of leisure as far away from Imperial goings-on as possible.
From making mock robot noises at Demerzel to spitting at the feet of Cleon I’s holographic image, watching the impact of the genetic drift on Cleon XXIV is darkly amusing.
“The Stress of Her Regard” pushes this fascinating arc further than ever beforeby having Pace’s character ramp up the disrespectful behavior toward anything remotely related to his duties. From making mock robot noises at Demerzel to spitting at the feet of Cleon I’s holographic image, watching the impact of the genetic drift on Cleon XXIV is darkly amusing.
Of course, Day’s successful plot to flee to Mycogen in search of Song (Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing) brings the arc of Pace’s rebellious character to a head, making it unclear how long he will be able to evade Empire and live the life he so truly desires.
Foundation Season 3 Brilliantly Builds Tension For The Return Of Its Biggest Villain
The Mule Is Held To A Very Limited Role In “The Stress Of Her Regard”
“The Stress of Her Regard” provides a compelling analysis of what both sides of the war bring to the debate of good vs. evil. It does this by not overcrowding the episode with figures who definitely belong in one camp or the other. The most significant absence is the Mule (Pilou Asbæk), who appears only in a flashback.
There was no room for the Mule in “The Stress of Her Regard,” but the decision not to include him in the episode feels incredibly intentional rather than being a thing of unfortunate circumstance.Asbæk’s character is clearly a force to be reckoned with, and it’s unnerving having him out of sight for an entire episode ofFoundationseason 3.
New episodes of Foundation season 3 release every Friday on Apple TV+ until the finale on September 12.
Foundation Season 3, Episode 4
Cast
Foundation is a science fiction film that follows a band of exiles on a crucial journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization as the Galactic Empire collapses.
