So, first things first: is this Asimov's Foundation. No, not at all. They took the title and a few names from the book. The abstract concept of an empire before it's downfall, a try to shorten the time of barbarism in it's wake by mathematically predicting the dynamics of large populations and furthering the rise of a new civilization. Certainly, they changed sex and ethnicities of some main characters, but that, of course, is of no real consequence for the story. From book to series, they would have to add some details in the storylines, as Asimov did not really concern himself with the small personal plots. He wove a grander picture. However, they did not do that, but rewrote and changed the whole thing in the arrogance and hybris of thinking they could do it better than Asimov. They could not. They could not even capture a vague spirit of it.
So it's not Foundation, but is it good as it's own story within the set boundaries? Sadly, mostly no. It's visual qualities are beyond doubt. Wonderfully realized and often quite beautiful. Beyond that it is a weak soap opera with hints of female empowerment (that is not a negative) and some wishy-washy sci-fi plots that are all over the place. The only good idea is the genetic dynasty of empire to symbolize the static entity the empire has become - completely resistant to change and evolution. All else is aimless meandering. Quite a waste.
So it's not Foundation, but is it good as it's own story within the set boundaries? Sadly, mostly no. It's visual qualities are beyond doubt. Wonderfully realized and often quite beautiful. Beyond that it is a weak soap opera with hints of female empowerment (that is not a negative) and some wishy-washy sci-fi plots that are all over the place. The only good idea is the genetic dynasty of empire to symbolize the static entity the empire has become - completely resistant to change and evolution. All else is aimless meandering. Quite a waste.