Long Ago, Not Far Away

What Foundation show runners and writers were able to execute (and it comes full fruition this episode) is the telling of a long, galactic spanning story in a compelling and entertaining way...wait isn't that what the Foundation books do? Yes it is and they did it this season in a TV format.

The reveal of demerzel's origins and how both her and the cleons are trapped in their cycle is one of the most poetic arcs of recent science fiction. I can't stop thinking about it longer after watching the episode on this. It's interesting that the writers were able to take source material and create deep and meaningful original narrative but in line with the theme of the source material. Bravo sirs.

Whether you like or loathe the adaptation of Asimov's original work, you will be impressed with this episode. Easily one of the strongest so far. With incredible but unintrusive CGI, this episode brings together and advances important strands. Demerzel's origin, in particular, is beautifully done. A visual treat, wonderfully presented. If you like sci-fi, you will enjoy those scenes. Elsewhere in the universe, Tellem and Gaal's relationship takes a turn for the worse, no surprise given last week's story. And Day and Seldon have a nicely staged chat about all things Foundation. Lee Pace's Day face to face with Jared Harris's Seldon, two huge characters in their own way, was cleverly constructed.

I started watching this as a book reading sceptic. It's won me over and I don't want this season to end.

This is what a great episode looks like. Scene to scene, line for line, had it all and then some.

Great action, space battle, drama, and intensity finally. All previous episodes have been ok and have you holding on just enough for the next to give you a gem like this. Wish the previous episodes delivered as ep. 9 does.

Well done, directed and epic. True to the spirit of sci-fi, asimov, and space adventure. Salvor and Gaal story a little boring now but hope it comes to a cool finale. Cleon dynasty and Demerzel is really what makes this fascinating and captivating. Love Jared Harris and his Seldon potrayal too.

What we and/or I have been holding out for. Hoping ep. 10 and beyond can live up to that.

What it promised to deliver, it delivered. It is epic on the true sense, as everything is immense, on the same time that it feels intimate.

"Long Ago, Not Far Away" follows everything that the previous episode built and lay the foundation to everything that will come.

The slow burn is real. This is an example of an episode that does not limit itself on what it should do. Really, "The Foundation" strives at being what it wants: a grand, epic and philosophical science fiction series with superb acting.

The cinematography and both production and costume design are stellar on an already outstanding episode. Everything comes together and, ind the end, you just want it to continue.

Amazing.

A theme: As with many good stories, there are misdirections and red herrings galore, from simple showy magic tricks to body swapping to mind swapping (sort of);

Another theme: how arrogant those in positions of power can be when they think they have all the insight;

And another: Time. From realising that we are not quite when we thought we were, to showcasing a four dimensional analytical engine;

And another: lies.

All weaving together, reinforcing and tearing at history, in a constant tug of war between what *could* be and what *will* be; between the great sweep of stochastic force and the non-linear importance of inflection points.

Good heaven's this is storytelling of the highest order and, still, we will only know in the next episode if they have 'stuck the landing'.

But that was a quite stupendous amount of fun. Weep, NTBers, weep.