Spoilers

Empire realises that factions are seeking to kill him and Gaal learns about the daughter she never knew she had.

If any show would benefit from a detailed ‘Previously on…’ lead-in to bring you up to speed, Foundation is it. An unapologetically complex series that pulls together themes and characters (though not necessarily the narrative) from Isaac Asimov’s classic sci-if series, Apple’s adaptation returns for a second year nearly two years after its first. Thankfully, David S Goyer and Jane Espenson’s script manages to throw in the occasional reminders to jog our memories.

Jared Harris’ Hari Seldon is in a cell, drifting back to his youth, and is spitted into action by a visitation from his dead life mate – he needs to fix the universe. Elsewhere, and Gaal Dornick is getting to know her daughter Salvor Hardin, conceived from a donated embryo while in cryosleep. And on Trantor, the heart of the empire, Cleon has to fend off assassins in his bed chamber – but just who is behind it?

There’s an exciting underwater sequence, we get to meet new characters Queen Sareth (sole descendant of Dominion) and her counsellor Enjoiner Rue, and there’s a neat little cliffhanger to carry you into episode 2.

Verdict: Intelligently-written, adult sci-fi that demands your full attention. 8/10

Nick Joy