Foundation’sseason 2 premiere introduced audiences to a new planet called Kalgan, and there’s context for it in the show and the books. Apple TV+’s sci-fi series is based on Isaac Asimov’s Foundation novels, and season 3 appears to be primarily based on a section of Foundation and Empire called “The Mule.”
The Mule was teased multiple times in season 2, but after a recast, we got to see the first lengthy scene of him in Foundation season 3’s premiere. The Mule is one of many new Foundation characters, and he’s played by Game of Thrones and Aquaman star Pilou Asbæk, an actor known for playing over-the-top villains.
Kalgan Is The Galaxy’s Pleasure Planet
Kalgan Is Used For Gambling & Other Indulgences
Kalgan is a planet in Isaac Asimov’s universe that was introduced in the novel Foundation and Empire. Since it wasn’t particularly useful for military strategy or resources, Kalgan became a pleasure planet, a home for indulgences like gambling. As explained in the TV series, Kalgan is controlled by neither the Foundation nor the Galactic Empire.
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The TV series sees the Mule arrive to face off with Kalgan’s Archduke Bellarion for control of the planet, a scene that’s primarily used to demonstrate the Mule’s manipulative powers, forcing a small army to destroy itself. This is a notable difference from the book, where he wins over Kalgan without any violence.
Following the capture of Kalgan, the Mule uses the name “Warlord of Kalgan,” which was used in Foundation season 2. Going forward, this will be his base of operations as he extends his influence throughout the Galaxy.
Why The Mule Wants Kalgan
Kalgan’s Occupation Has Already Led To Strife Between Foundation And Empire
As a neutral planet, Kalgan serves a specific purpose to the Mule, as it will instantly trigger a response from both major parties in the galaxy. As shown in the scene between Foundation Ambassador Quent, Brother Dawn, and Brother Dusk, the matter of Kalgan being brought up stirs immediate tension between them.
Kalgan also seems to tie thematically to Brother Day’s arc in Foundation season 3
Although Brother Dawn claims he has no designs on the planet, Quent is apprehensive given the absence of Brother Day. The Mule says he has a thirst that only the entire galaxy can quench, and setting Empire and Foundation against each other is the perfect way to begin his conquest. Kalgan is the first step for thenew villain.
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Kalgan also seems to tie thematically to Brother Day’s arc in Foundation season 3, material that’s entirely original to the show. The new version of Cleon, whom Lee Pace plays in the season, is let loose in a way we haven’t seen before, indulging in pleasures of his own. It will be delightful to see how these two narratives collide.
Foundation
8/10
- Release Date
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September 23, 2021
- Network
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Apple TV+
- Showrunner
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David S. Goyer
- Directors
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Alex Graves, Roxann Dawson, Jennifer Phang, Mark Tonderai, Andrew Bernstein
- Writers
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Jane Espenson, Leigh Dana Jackson, Liz Phang, Eric Carrasco, David Kob, Addie Manis, Marcus Gardley, Lauren Bello, Olivia Purnell
