This article makes mention of suicide.
Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Foundation season 3, episode 2!Foundationseason 3, episode 2 just showcased the Apple TV+ sci-fi show’s scariest scene ever, revealing how powerful the Mule really is.Foundationseason 3’s biggest focus is on the arrival of the Mule, a powerful Mentalic whose presence threatens both the Foundation and Empire. Thecharacters ofFoundationare trying to ensure his power doesn’t reach across the galaxy.
However,Foundationseason 3, episode 1opens with him using his strong power of suggestion to take over the trade planet Kalgan.He manages to convince an army of soldiers to kill each otherbefore telling the leader of the planet to kill himself. However, another moment from season 3, episode 2 shows just how far he’s willing to influence.
The Mule Demonstrates His Influence In A Tense & Ruthless Scene
He’ll Do Whatever It Takes Using His Powers Of Suggestion
DuringFoundationseason 3, episode 2, the Mule lines up a number of people loyal to the previous ruler of Kalgan, explaining his powers of suggestion to them. To demonstrate this,he brings out the princess Skirlet, a child, who pledges her loyalty to him. He forces her to eat in front of the loyalists, before handing her a gun.
On the count of three,he wants her to shoot herself with the gun. As he gets to three, an onlooker in the crowd of loyalists says “three” with him. This showcases how his powers of suggestion spread like a virus, something he even acknowledges with a glance. This offers some insight into just how effective his powers really are.
Skirlet does, in fact, pull the trigger. However, the gun isn’t charged, and the Mule takes it away from her before she can try again. But he has to convince her it’s okay, showinghe’s still utilizing the thought of Skirlet killing herself as leverage against those loyal to her- theApple TV+ sci-fi showpulls no punches.
How The Mule’s Scariest Scene Makes Him An Even Bigger Threat
Based on the demonstration of his powers,the Mule’s influence behaves very similarly to a virus,just like he described it in the season 3 premiere. The influence he pressures onto specific people can seemingly be transferred to those in the same vicinity, something that can help him win over more of the galaxy through his sheer power alone.
This makes him a deadly threat to everyone outside of his control, sincehe’s essentially creating a hive mind where he’s in charge. Getting to him without somehow being influenced is the only way the factions inFoundationwill be able to stop him. But how they can fight against such a powerful Mentalic remains to be seen.
