Foundation fans, get ready! Season 3 is taking us deeper into Asimov’s robot universe than ever before, and it’s got everyone buzzing about a potential new series. Could a Demerzel/Daneel origin story be on the horizon? We’re certainly hoping for it!

Apple TV+’s ambitious adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s ‘Foundation’ is venturing deeper into its source material’s lore than ever before, subtly laying the groundwork for what could become a highly anticipated robot-focused spinoff. As Season 3 progresses, a significant revelation has prompted viewers and critics alike to consider the compelling narrative potential lying just beneath the surface of the main series.

For decades, Isaac Asimov meticulously crafted a sprawling science fiction universe where his iconic ‘Foundation’ sagas and groundbreaking ‘Robot’ series eventually converged. This masterful unification presented a vast, interconnected future history of humanity and its artificial creations, a literary feat that has captivated generations of readers.

The television adaptation of ‘Foundation’ has, from its inception, hinted at this shared canon, most notably through the enigmatic and powerful character of Demerzel. Her ancient origins and profound influence within the Galactic Empire have consistently suggested a deeper connection to Asimov’s broader narrative tapestry, intriguing dedicated fans of the books.

However, it is in Season 3’s eighth episode, “Skin in the Game,” that the series makes an explicit and pivotal connection. The direct mention of the name “Daneel” by Emperor Day, who links it to Demerzel’s past guises, provides an on-screen confirmation of a long-held fan theory and a crucial detail from Asimov’s later works.

This ‘Daneel’ refers to R. Daneel Olivaw, a central figure in Asimov’s original ‘Robot Books,’ first appearing in 1954’s ‘The Caves of Steel.’ Daneel, initially a humanoid robot detective partnered with human Elijah Baley, evolves over millennia to become one of the most influential beings in galactic history, orchestrating events that shape both the Robot and Foundation eras.

The revelation that Demerzel and Daneel are one and the same character in the show, mirroring Asimov’s literary integration in novels like ‘Robots and Empire’ and ‘Foundation and Earth,’ opens up a wealth of storytelling possibilities. It solidifies the series’ commitment to the unified lore and establishes a rich, pre-Foundation history ripe for exploration.

Showrunner David S. Goyer had previously confirmed in a 2023 Reddit AMA that the series possessed the rights to use the name “Daneel” and that the characters were indeed the same, aligning with the author’s intent. This on-screen confirmation, however, elevates a subtle background detail to a central narrative component, highlighting its importance to the unfolding story.

Given this newly confirmed, intricate backstory and the immense popularity of the ‘Foundation TV Series,’ the idea of a dedicated ‘Sci-Fi Spinoff’ exploring the origins and adventures of Daneel/Demerzel in the early robot-human interactions becomes incredibly compelling. Such a series could delve into the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence and galactic expansion, enriching the entire ‘Apple TV Plus’ universe.

While ‘Foundation’ remains one of the most compelling contemporary sci-fi shows, its narrative focus cannot easily accommodate a procedural crime drama starring robots. A separate ‘Robot Books’ adaptation could, however, explore these intricate elements without diluting the primary series’ distinct tone and grand ambitions, offering viewers a comprehensive vision of Isaac Asimov’s magnificent creation.