Foundation Season 3: The First Speaker Explained

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Contains spoilers for “Foundation” Season 3, Episode 2, “Shadows in the Math”

Enthusiasts of Isaac Asimov, brace yourselves! The imperial science fiction series “Foundation” on Apple TV+ has returned for another season. Instead of ending with a weak whimper like an imperiling Empire, Season 3 is off to an explosive start, fitting for the rising Foundation. The first episode delved into the common philosophies between Asimov’s Robot and Empire worlds (anyone remember the Zeroth Law?), while Episode 2 further expanded on the “Foundation” lore by examining the emerging Second Foundation and its leader, the First Speaker.

In the series, the character leading the mentalic enclave is given less focus compared to Hari Seldon (Jared Harris) and Gaal Dornick (Lou Llobell), who cast long shadows due to their larger-than-life personas. However, in the books, these characters are no longer present by this stage of the narrative. Instead, a succession of First Speakers, chosen by their peers, take center stage. These individuals play a pivotal role in driving the story forward by guiding the Second Foundation, safeguarding the First Foundation, and preserving the Seldon Plan.

In the second episode, we have not just one, but two individuals stepping into the role of the First Speaker. Let’s delve into the history and explore the significance of this esteemed position in Asimov’s universe. We’ll discuss what it entails to be a First Speaker and how this role might shape the course of events in our series going forward.

What is the role of the First Speaker in the Second Foundation?

In Isaac Asimov’s books, when Hari Seldon establishes the First Foundation on Terminus at the galaxy’s edge, he covertly creates a second one as well. Unlike its representation in the show, where it is located on Ignis, the book’s Second Foundation remains concealed within the Imperial capital itself, Trantor. It persists even as the Empire crumbles, and by the period depicted in the show, it is the only civilized part of Trantor that has survived the ruins.

In Asimov’s books, Hari Seldon establishes the First Foundation on Terminus at the edge of the galaxy, but he also secretly sets up another one called the Second Foundation, hidden within the Imperial capital, Trantor. This secret group continues to exist even as the Empire collapses around it, and by the time depicted in the show, it is the only civilized area on Trantor that hasn’t been destroyed.

In both the series and the novels, the Second Foundation is always headed by a First Speaker. While their role may seem simple at first glance, they are responsible for directing the community of mentalics (introduced towards the end of Season 2). Their duties involve serving as both mentor and protector to the Seldon Plan – a secret mission they inherit. In essence, they ensure that this plan, based on Asimov’s fictional science encompassing math, psychology, and history known as psychohistory, stays on course. The First Speaker acts as the primary liaison for this clandestine responsibility.

To attain the position of the First Speaker, a disciple of the Second Foundation needs to not only excel in psychohistory but should be so skilled that they significantly advance Hari Seldon’s legacy. By offering their unique insights and enhancements to the plan, a member of the Second Foundation can become eligible for the position of First Speaker. In the series, Thalis (Sandra Guldberg Kampp) is initially introduced as the First Speaker, but she is soon succeeded through the rapid progression of cryo-accelerated time by Preem Palver (Troy Kotsur), who was the first First Speaker in the books.

How the First Speaker, the First Foundation, and the Mule factor into the future

As we now encounter the First Speaker, notably Preem Palver, the story with the Second Foundation continues to unfold. With Hari Seldon gone and Gaal being the last of the original Foundation crew, it seems that the First Speakers will take on more prominence in upcoming events. In the novels, Preem Palver is pivotal not only against the Mule but also in misdirecting the First Foundation from the existence of the Second Foundation, which they view as a potential threat due to its clandestine and mysterious nature.

The newly chosen First Speakers persist in their struggle against the Mule, diligently maintaining secrecy over their settlement and ensuring the Seldon Plan progresses smoothly. Their significance transcends the immediate crisis at hand. A significant instance (as perceived by the First Speaker) in Episode 2 is often overlooked: When Hari reveals his revised Prime Radiant (containing all psychohistorical planning and discoveries) to Gaal, they both notice another Seldon Crisis brewing on the horizon. This one surpasses all others in terms of magnitude and insanity – not because the Mule wins, but if he loses.

In the epic saga of “Foundation,” the most jaw-dropping unveiling, a puzzling predicament in the time continuum, outshines even the menace posed by the Mule. As for the First Speakers, they are poised to find themselves right in the heart of the action should that enigmatic mathematical prophecy from the future ever materialize.

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2025-07-18 10:00