Foundation season 2 finale explained: Who is the Mule?

Foundation just had its big season 2 finale that answered several questions while also showing a look at the long-awaited villain the Mule. What does it mean for season 3?

Caution: This article contains SPOILERS for the Foundation season 2 finale 

It looked like dark times for the good guys as the Empire wiped out Terminus and Hari dying. But, it turned out Hari had pulled off a brilliant scheme to fake his death and save all the people inside the Vault, allowing them to live on as avatars for the future.

Tellem died, freeing all the people she controlled who offered to become the Second Foundation. Demerzel was revealed as the puppetmaster between so many events for her mission to ensure the safety and continuity of the Genetic Dynasty. Day launched a new attack, only for it to turn into a trap by the Spacers. Day and Bel fought, with Bel seemingly ejected into space but had used a device to swap appearances with Day, so he was the one killed. Brother Constant escaped while Hober and Bel shared a final drink before going down with the fleet.

After Sareth was arrested for treason, Dawn figured out Demerzel’s plans. He saved Dawn as Day’s death was announced to the galaxy and that Sareth was carrying Dawn’s child. This led to three new Cleons born, with Demerzel (now possessing the Prime Radiant) able to continue the cycle all over again.

Tellem managed to take over a young boy who attacked Salvor, who died 150 years before she was supposed to. While mourning her, Hari and Gaal realized this meant the future was not written in stone. They decided to go into cryosleep to prepare for the Mule’s coming in 152 years.

The final scene flashed forward to show the Mule at last ranting that he would stop Gaal even if he had to burn down the universe to do it, showcasing the twisted monster Hari has long feared.

Who is The Mule on The Foundation?

The Mule is played by Mikael Persbrandt. The character in the original novels by Isaac Asimov is possibly the most powerful mutant telepath of his time. A twisted madman, the Mule cunningly played at being a mere court jester while secretly manipulating everyone around him until he could seize power. Besides that, almost nothing was known of his past, even his name.

David S. Goyer, the show’s creator, talked to ScreenRant about how the series didn’t want to jump to the Mule too quickly but build up to him. He also hinted the wait would be worth it.

"The Mule is one of Asimov’s great characters, and so many people came before me; everyone wanted to jump to The Mule. And I always felt we had to earn The Mule. But now, with season 3, we get to do The Mule, and I’m really excited about that. The most exciting aspect of The Mule for me is that all bets are off once he enters the story, and whether it’s psychohistory, whether it’s Empire, truly anything can happen now because he’s that much of a black swan."

The series has broken away from the books at a few points, so that might mean showing the Mule’s origins or a new direction for him. However, this just means Foundation season 3 is going to up the ante in a full galactic war to leave fans waiting for more.

Foundation Seasons 1-2 are streaming on Apple TV+.