Foundation Season 3’s Most Tragic Death, Explained By The Showrunner [Exclusive]

This post contains spoilers for the season 3 finale of “Foundation.”

“Foundation” is one of the best sci-fi shows on Apple TV+, which is saying a lot because the streamer has some of the best sci-fi shows around. This is a phenomenal adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s monumental sci-fi book series of the same name, constantly remixing the source material to become its own thing while still capturing the essence of the books. At its best, “Foundation” feels like what Asimov would do if he had actually planned the series from the start and had done it in 2025 rather than the 1950s.

Arguably, the two biggest changes, and the best things “Foundation” has done, have been the introduction of the genetic dynasty — three clones meant to represent the “imperishable permanence” of the Galactic Empire — and Demerzel (Laura Birn), an enigmatic robot aide of the emperors. The three emperors are simply a hoot to watch, but Demerzel steals the show whenever she’s on screen as the seemingly emotionless, calculating, undying robot.

Yet, the more we’ve learned about Demerzel and her history with the genetic dynasty, the more “Foundation” adds a level of tragedy to her story. This aspect isn’t in the books, but feels very much on point with Asimov’s writing. Her sort of robotic Stockholm Syndrome, where her programmed devotion to the emperors has genuinely turned into a form of love, has been fascinating and poignant.

Season 3 upped the ante by fully exploring Demerzel’s backstory independently of the Cleons, revealing her role in the Robot Wars, the creation of the Empire, and the fall of robots. This storyline also coincided with the best story about the emperors, with Lee Pace playing a version of emperor Cleon that fans affectionately dubbed Brother Dude due to his carefree attitude and long hair and beard reminiscent of the main character in “The Big Lebowski.” Throughout the season, Pace’s Brother Dude was humbled, and toward the end, he had a huge change of heart that inspired him to try and free Demerzel from her programming and help her find her kind.

Unfortunately, it was not meant to be, because in the season finale, both Brother Dude and Demerzel meet tragic ends.

Speaking with /Film ahead of the season 3 finale, showrunner David S. Goyer says he wanted this season of “Foundation” to be “about the actual fall of Empire and Demerzel’s freedom,” as well as “Day’s redemption.”