Foundation Review: Upon Awakening (Season 1 Episode 5)

One thing Foundation consistently does is make strange choices in terms of what it decides to show us or focus on. Foundation Season 1 Episode 5, “Upon Awakening,” checks back in with Gaal, but it does so after flashing back and showing us her life leading up to her departing for Trantor.

The expected thing is for the series to pick up with Gaal floating in her little spaceship pod, making its landing in a new ship. That’s what we all are dying to see after catching a glimpse of her at the end of Foundation Season 1 Episode 4, “Barbarians at the Gate.”

Yet again, Foundation does the unexpected thing, and yet again, it doesn’t really work in the series’ favor.

We don’t need to see Gaal’s past. The series has hinted well enough at how hard it was for her growing up, and how religion and math don’t mix on her planet. The sleeper’s way is all they need.

So, “Upon Awakening” doesn’t show us anything new. We don’t walk away from this knowing or understanding Gaal any better, thus making the flashbacks a waste of time.

The scenes with Gaal in the present day are much more illuminating. One, we get to catch up with what happened on the Deliverance after Raych put her in that pod. Two, we get answers as to what happened with her. And three, we are reminded that Gaal is an absolutely brilliant person.

Watching her work around her limited authorizations is highly entertaining. She beats the ship at its own game, and the ship probably doesn’t even recognize it. It’s so much fun watching her determine the answers to her own questions.

Also, it’s been awhile since we were reminded of her genius. Now, instead of hearing about how she beat some mathematical proof that most of us we not understand, we get to see her intellect play out in something that’s much easier to follow.

Honestly, there’s not much to say about the events on Terminus other than the Anacreon’s attack helps build intensity and keeps the momentum of the episode going. Gaal’s storyline is the one that draws our attention.

The pacing is just right on Foundation Season 1 Episode 5. Whether you’re concerned about Gaal on her spacewalk or the foundation on Terminus, the episode keeps you invested on the events unfolding throughout the hour.

The series seems to have hit its stride, and man, is it getting good.

Stray Thoughts

• Of course, Hari is somehow still alive, crafty bugger.
• It is nice not to spend time with Dawn, Day, and Dusk for a bit.
• I hate that as Raych died by floating, my mind went to The 100.
• Who makes a murder weapon the key to a ship??
• Also, Raych couldn’t have quickly told her an authorization code before ejecting her into space?

What did you think of this episode of Foundation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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