The jaunt leads to the startling revelation (for audiences, at least) that the Emperors’ advisor Eto Demerzel (Laura Birn) is also a robot: the first of three big surprises that episode 2 drops on viewers. Initially unshaken in his belief that Anacreon and Thespis should be punished for their crimes, Dusk’s dice with death, as well as a trip to one of Trantor’s decimated subterranean levels in the wake of the Star Bridge’s collapse, make him more sympathetic to their cause. Realizing that his body is starting to fail him – each of the Empire’s leaders are clones of its first emperor, Cleon I – Dusk spends the rest of episode 2 reflecting on, and questioning, his existence.ĭusk’s mini-story arc is the first time that Foundation thematically resonates with its audience. Working on the Mural of Souls, a seemingly endless piece of artwork depicting the history of the Empire’s current rulers, Dusk almost falls from his lofty perch to his death. Meanwhile, Dusk busies himself with menial tasks away from the hubbub, and it’s during one such errand where Preparing to Live’s key theme emerges. The ensuing impasse results in Day (and Dawn but, as a child, he takes a backseat to proceedings) interrogating Anaceron and Thespis' envoys over their parts in the devastating assault. Day and Dusk find themselves quarreling over the decision to exile Seldon, Dornick and their disciples, as well as whether they should retaliate over the Star Bridge attack.
Of the alternating storylines, Trantor’s is arguably the simpler to follow.