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The Worst Episodes of Foundation

Every episode of Foundation ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Foundation!

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Follow a band of exiles on their monumental journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization amid the fall of the Galactic Empire.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    Foundation Season 3 Episode 2 - Shadows in the Math
    5.2/10(32 votes)

    #1 - Shadows in the Math

    S3:E2

    Gaal and Hari advance their plans on Ignis. Empire grapples with an unforeseen prediction. Pritcher enlists help to investigate the Mule.

    Director:Tim Southam
    Writers:Leigh Dana Jackson, Caitlin Parrish

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  2. Foundation Season 3 Episode 3 - When a Book Finds You
    5.8/10(34 votes)

    #2 - When a Book Finds You

    S3:E3

    An unexpected alliance is formed. Pritcher, Bayta, and Toran come face-to-face with the Mule. Demerzel seeks spiritual guidance.

    Director:Tim Southam
    Writers:Eric Carrasco, Gregory Goetz

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  3. Foundation Season 3 Episode 4 - The Stress of Her Regard
    5.9/10(30 votes)

    #3 - The Stress of Her Regard

    S3:E4

    Demerzel struggles with the paradox of her programming. Pritcher's true loyalties are revealed. Day sets off on a quest for answers.

    Director:Roxann Dawson
    Writers:Jane Espenson, David Kob

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  4. Foundation Season 1 Episode 6 - Death and the Maiden
    6.0/10(59 votes)

    #4 - Death and the Maiden

    S1:E6

    Brother Day meets Zephyr Halima—a would-be leader who opposes the Empire. Brother Dusk grows suspicious of Brother Dawn.

    Director:Jennifer Phang
    Writer:Marcus Gardley

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  5. Foundation Season 2 Episode 3 - King and Commoner
    6.0/10(47 votes)

    #5 - King and Commoner

    S2:E3

    The Empire recruits Bel Riose to investigate the resurgent Foundation. Hari leads Gaal and Salvor to a desert planet.

    Director:David S. Goyer
    Writers:Jane Espenson, Leigh Dana Jackson

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  6. Foundation Season 2 Episode 5 - The Sighted and the Seen
    6.0/10(43 votes)

    #6 - The Sighted and the Seen

    S2:E5

    Gaal, Salvor, and Hari arrive on Ignis and meet the source of the strange signal they've been tracking. Dawn and Dusk are suspicious of Day.

    Director:Alex Graves
    Writers:Jane Espenson, Joelle Garfinkel

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  7. Foundation Season 3 Episode 1 - A Song for the End of Everything
    6.0/10(39 votes)

    #7 - A Song for the End of Everything

    S3:E1

    A mysterious new pirate with terrifying abilities—known as the Mule—catches the attention of the Foundation and Empire.

    Director:David S. Goyer
    Writers:David S. Goyer, Jane Espenson

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  8. Foundation Season 2 Episode 2 - A Glimpse of Darkness
    6.1/10(49 votes)

    #8 - A Glimpse of Darkness

    S2:E2

    Gaal has a disturbing vision. Day's bond with Queen Sareth grows stronger. The Vault opens and reveals a cryptic message.

    Director:David S. Goyer
    Writers:David S. Goyer, Jane Espenson

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  9. Foundation Season 2 Episode 4 - Where the Stars Are Scattered Thinly
    6.1/10(45 votes)

    #9 - Where the Stars Are Scattered Thinly

    S2:E4

    Queen Sareth and Dawn share a moment as she tries to learn more about Day. Brothers Constant and Poly bring Hober Mallow to Terminus.

    Director:Mark Tonderai
    Writers:David S. Goyer, Leigh Dana Jackson

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  10. Foundation Season 3 Episode 8 - Skin in the Game
    6.2/10(34 votes)

    #10 - Skin in the Game

    S3:E8

    Gaal and the Second Foundation reckon with the fall of New Terminus. Day faces judgment on Mycogen. Dusk's ascension looms.

    Director:Roxann Dawson
    Writers:Caitlin Parrish, Tyler Holmes

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  11. Foundation Season 1 Episode 5 - Upon Awakening
    6.3/10(62 votes)

    #11 - Upon Awakening

    S1:E5

    A flashback reveals the origin of Gaal’s conflict between faith and science. The standoff on Terminus takes an unfortunate turn.

    Director:Alex Graves
    Writer:Leigh Dana Jackson

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  12. Foundation Season 1 Episode 7 - Mysteries and Martyrs
    6.3/10(58 votes)

    #12 - Mysteries and Martyrs

    S1:E7

    The Anacreons and their hostages board the fabled Invictus warship. The bond between Brother Dawn and Azura intesifies.

    Director:Jennifer Phang
    Writer:Caitlin Saunders

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  13. Foundation Season 2 Episode 1 - In Seldon's Shadow
    6.3/10(52 votes)

    #13 - In Seldon's Shadow

    S2:E1

    Hari finds himself trapped in a mysterious prison. An assassination attempt leaves Day shaken. Gaal and Salvor devise an escape plan.

    Director:Alex Graves
    Writers:David S. Goyer, Jane Espenson

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  14. Foundation Season 3 Episode 7 - Foundation's End
    6.3/10(35 votes)

    #14 - Foundation's End

    S3:E7

    Chaos and destruction rain down on New Terminus. Back on Trantor, Dusk and Quent unite to assess the state of the galaxy.

    Director:Christopher J. Byrne
    Writers:Jane Espenson, Gregory Goetz

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  15. Foundation Season 3 Episode 9 - The Paths That Choose Us
    6.3/10(33 votes)

    #15 - The Paths That Choose Us

    S3:E9

    Gaal confronts the power of the Mule's conversions. Dusk resorts to drastic measures. Demerzel searches for clarity about the future.

    Director:Roxann Dawson
    Writers:Jane Espenson, Eric Carrasco

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  16. Foundation Season 1 Episode 3 - The Mathematician's Ghost
    6.4/10(68 votes)

    #16 - The Mathematician's Ghost

    S1:E3

    Brother Dusk reflects on his legacy as he prepares for ascension. The Foundation arrives on Terminus and finds a mysterious object.

    Director:Alex Graves
    Writer:Olivia Purnell

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  17. Foundation Season 1 Episode 4 - Barbarians at the Gate
    6.4/10(65 votes)

    #17 - Barbarians at the Gate

    S1:E4

    Salvor faces off with an enemy of the Empire. Brothers Day and Dusk are at odds, while Brother Dawn wrestles with his truth.

    Director:Alex Graves
    Writer:Lauren Bello

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  18. Foundation Season 1 Episode 8 - The Missing Piece
    6.4/10(55 votes)

    #18 - The Missing Piece

    S1:E8

    Brother Day embarks on a journey that no other Cleon has ever attempted. Salvor prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice to return home.

    Director:Roxann Dawson
    Writer:Sarah Nolen

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  19. Foundation Season 1 Episode 10 - The Leap
    6.4/10(59 votes)

    #19 - The Leap

    S1:E10

    An unexpected ally helps Salvor broker an alliance. A confrontation between the Brothers leads to unthinkable consequences.

    Director:David S. Goyer
    Writers:David S. Goyer, Josh Friedman

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  20. Foundation Season 2 Episode 6 - Why the Gods Made Wine
    6.4/10(46 votes)

    #20 - Why the Gods Made Wine

    S2:E6

    Day and Queen Sareth make an announcement. Tellem sows seeds of distrust between Gaal and Hari. Hober Mallow reaches his destination.

    Director:Alex Graves
    Writers:David S. Goyer, Jane Espenson

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  21. Foundation Season 2 Episode 7 - A Necessary Death
    6.4/10(43 votes)

    #21 - A Necessary Death

    S2:E7

    Salvor begins to question the Mentalics' motives. Hober Mallow’s proposal to the Spacers meets resistance. Brothers Constant and Poly stand trial.

    Director:Mark Tonderai
    Writers:David Kob, Eric Carrasco

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  22. Foundation Season 3 Episode 5 - Where Tyrants Spend Eternity
    6.4/10(35 votes)

    #22 - Where Tyrants Spend Eternity

    S3:E5

    Day enters uncharted territory. Dawn and Gaal put their plan in motion. Magnifico's worth becomes clear. Demerzel attempts to restore power.

    Director:Christopher J. Byrne
    Writers:Leigh Dana Jackson, Caitlin Parrish

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  23. Foundation Season 1 Episode 9 - The First Crisis
    6.5/10(55 votes)

    #23 - The First Crisis

    S1:E9

    On Terminus, Salvor witnesses how powerful the null field has become. Brother Dawn makes a daring choice.

    Director:Roxann Dawson
    Writer:Victoria Morrow

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  24. Foundation Season 3 Episode 6 - The Shape of Time
    6.5/10(36 votes)

    #24 - The Shape of Time

    S3:E6

    A long-awaited reunion turns violent. Day looks for Song. On New Terminus, the Vault opens—and the Mule takes aim.

    Director:Christopher J. Byrne
    Writers:David S. Goyer, Eric Carrasco

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  25. Foundation Season 1 Episode 2 - Preparing to Live
    6.9/10(79 votes)

    #25 - Preparing to Live

    S1:E2

    The Foundation makes the long journey to Terminus as Gaal and Raych grow closer. The Empire faces a difficult decision.

    Director:Andrew Bernstein
    Writers:David S. Goyer, Josh Friedman

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Worst Episodes Summary

"Shadows in the Math" is the worst rated episode of "Foundation". It scored 5.2/10 based on 32 votes. Directed by Tim Southam and written by Leigh Dana Jackson, Caitlin Parrish, it aired on 7/17/2025. This episode scored 0.6 points lower than the second lowest rated, "When a Book Finds You".