Television

It's not at all to my knowledge. They introduced a unique concept of the genetic dynasty to represent Empire. Basically it is always ruled by 3 people: Dawn, Day and Dusk - all genetic clones of each other decanted at different times. When one ages up enough, they move up a level. When Day becomes Dusk, the current Dusk becomes "Darkness" and is killed - and a young Dusk is then decanted.

It's completely unique to the series but is one of the most fascinating parts of the show.

Some elements loosely follow the books, but there’s quite a bit that is unique to the show. Some may say that’s a good thing, others bad. Many of the characters share the same names as those mentioned in the books. Don’t go in expecting a truly faithful adaptation, but from a production standpoint it’s a visually beautiful piece of art. Many of the actors and actresses portray compelling characters, and as others have mentioned there is the unique genetic dynasty that is by far one of the most interesting pieces of the show. Lee Pace (Brother Day) is captivating in his role.

It's a very loose adaptation that takes a lot of liberties, but it seems apparent that the writers at least did their homework on the world and knew what to borrow and what to reference in ways that would make more sense for TV.

Interestingly, I found the "truer to book" storylines in the first couple of seasons to be nothing special, but the mostly original storylines they put together were compelling enough to keep me watching. As of the third season, they seem to have found their pace with everything coming together in a way that feels good and satisfying, but I know that David S Goyer, the main showrunner to this point, is stepping back, so curious to see if season 4 will be as good.

I watched the first season and gave up. There are much better SF shows on Apple.

it is so far from the books i got angry and didnt bother with season 2

(my free trial ended anyway)

yet the adult Emperor is so great, he almost singlehandedly carries the show

oh and visuals are nice too ofc

Foundation is one of my favourite books, and I hated the TV show for not following the plot of the books more closely. I didn't mind it if I pretended it was just inspired by foundation but it is so different it almost could have been named something else and had the slight nods to the book cut. The thing that was so fun about the foundation books was the way everything 'just worked out' in the end according to the plan, and then seldon pops out and basically says 'told you so'. That entire concept is missing which basically makes it not foundation. It's also making every effort to preserve cast through eras with contrived means. I gave up on it part way through S2, though all the seasons are getting pretty decent reviews.

Gaal is a woman (which tracks, they pronounce it Gail). As someone who hasn’t read the books, that’s all I know.

Try to think of it as a tribute to Foundation. Apparently the books are quite unfilmable but they’re doing their best? Also it’s not so much an adaptation but more of a “if it were filmable this is what it would be.”

It has very little in common with the books. Some names and key moments. The best part of the series is the Empire arc, which is mostly original.

It does go through eras but even that is somehow bastardized in the name of the tv series. It is silly and ridiculous.

Season 1 was very mixed, but it absolutely improved.

I had troubles following S1 at times, but S2 and S3 are up there with the very best Sci-Fi ever.

Seemed like enough people were happy with it that Apple is willing to spend many millions of dollars so I’m guessing you’re not on the production team right? They should hire you maybe. You seem to have a nuanced view of the show and production in general.

Either way, hope you find a path that lets you utilize your erudite commentary to opine about such matters.

Struggling shows should always be smothered in the crib, like Netflix does. Right?