Seldon and his companions discover more about the Mentalics, and the Clerics travel to Trantor.

Here we are, starting the second half of this season, and things are really starting to happen. The freedom that so many of the characters have enjoyed is whipped away from them, and the grim reality of their fates is apparent.

At no stage would you want to live in the times chronicled in Foundation. You’re forever looking over your shoulder, fearing who is about to stab you in the back, or lock you up for being seen as dangerous. Incarceration is the name of the game for many of our key players, with multiple sticky situations needing to be resolved. Queen Sareth is assuming the mantle of the people’s queen (Empire won’t be happy) and Hari reflects on how he got to where he is… and how much time is left.

Verdict: A cracking episode that pulls no punches, reminding viewers that times are tough in the Empire. 9/10

Nick Joy