Apple TV+‘sFoundationshow began life as a series of books by legendary sci-fi author Isaac Asimov, but another project from the streaming platform could be part of the same, larger shared universe as Asimov’s space opera. Although theFoundationbooks have been altered quite drastically to create the show, it’s still somehow recognizably the same story.Asimov’s worldbuilding and extensive lore have allowed for a great deal of flexibilityduringFoundation’s adaptation process, and Apple TV+ has applied a huge piece of Asimov’s canon to another project on its platform.
WithFoundationseason 3 confirmedand on the way, the show’s next run of episodes will continue the centuries-long saga of war between the Empire and Hari Seldon’s titular organization. Even among the huge number ofsci-fi shows on Apple TV+,Foundationstands out for its glossy aesthetic and cerebral premise. The scope of its fictitious universe is so vast that it can incorporate events from the very distant past, which may very well be what the show is doing with an underrated Tom Hanks movie from a few years ago.
Jeff In 2021’s Finch Is Strongly Suggested To Abide By Issac Asimov’s Three Laws Of Robotics
Tom Hanks’ character builds a robot with very familiar rules
Apple TV+‘sFinchis a heartwarming tale of Tom Hanks’ titular character teaching a robot how to care for his dog when he inevitably passes away. Tone-wise, it’s almost nothing likeFoundation, but a major part of the robot’s design originates in the pages of Isaac Asimov’s work. The author first included his famous Three Laws of Robotics in his 1950I, Robotbook, and also went on to use them in hisFoundationseries. AlthoughFinch doesn’t reference the Laws by name, the first of the four “Prime Directives” he installs in Jeff is identical to Asimov’s First Law.
“A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.”
Asimov’s Second Law states, “A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law,” and the Third is, “A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.” Hanks' character never explicitly says these two Laws, but Jeff’s behavior and storyline make it pretty clear that the first three ofhis Prime Directives are the same as Asimov’s Laws of Robotics.
Jeff’s Fourth Directive is the only other one that’s spoken out loud inFinch, and it states: “In Finch’s absence, [a] robot must protect the welfare of [Finch’s] dog.
Jeff’s Fourth Directive is the only other one that’s spoken out loud inFinch, and it states: “In Finch’s absence, [a] robot must protect the welfare of [Finch’s] dog. This directive supersedes all other directives.” This is a new addition that never features in Asimov’s work. However, it could be folded into the author’s canon in one of two ways. The first option is that the Fourth Directive is also the Fourth Law, but becauseFinch’s dog (Goodyear) is such a specific subject, it never interferes with the other Laws of Robotics - other than in Jeff’s case.
Finch
Cast
Tom Hanks stars in the post-apocalyptic drama Finch as a man who builds a robot to care for his dog and keep him company as they journey across a barren wasteland. Originally titled BIOS, the sci-fi movie was released in 2021.
Alternatively,Jeff may be the first robot in Asimov’s universe, and although he may have been used as a blueprint, the Law concerning Goodyear was simply deleted so as not to influence later models of robots and their decision-making abilities. Either theory could be valid, and they both create interesting additions to Asimov’s Laws of Robotics, whether there have always only been three of them, and if the rule about caring for Goodyear was specific to Jeff’s programming.
Apple TV+’s Finch Movie Using The Three Laws Implies It’s A Prequel To Foundation (& I, Robot)
Foundation is set a very long time after Finch
Robots aren’t a huge part ofFoundation’s story, butLaura Birn’s Lady Demerzelis a huge connection to Asimov’s larger universe. As the last remaining Robot,Demerzel is the onlyFoundationcharacter restricted by the Three Laws of Robotics. Even if there is secretly a Fourth Law about Goodyear, as implied inFinch, this doesn’t remove the possibility that Hanks' character was the creator of not just Jeff, but by extension, all Robots in the Isaac Asimov shared canon. However,Finchis set nowhere near theFoundationtimeline, as the two stories are separated by centuries.
One Failed Isaac Asimov’s Adaptation Needs A Remake (But Not As A Movie)
There is one Isaac Asimov adaptation in particular that needs revisiting, but a movie may not be the best format for it to reach its potential.
A specific year isn’t mentioned inFinch, but certain clues imply the story takes place in the near future. So,Finchcould be a very distant prequel toFoundation, In addition, Apple TV+’s space opera implies a general version of events from Asimov’sI, Robotbook are also canon inFoundation. Will Smith’s 2004I, Robotmovie is set in 2035, which wouldn’t align with the state of the Earth inFinch.
Finch Being Part Of Foundation’s Canon Would Explain Why The Show Isn’t Set On Earth
Humanity left Earth long ago in Foundation (& Finch may explain why)
Foundationis set centuries into humanity’s future, so although the race did still originate on Earth, humans are now essentially unaware of where they came from, and how and why they headed for a life on distant worlds.Finch’s post-apocalyptic setting provides a perfect reason why humanity left its homeworld behind. As Tom Hank’s character so eloquently explains inFinch,a solar flare left Earth’s ozone layer looking like “Swiss cheese.”
Although the Earth may not be salvageable, there could easily be enough resources for a planet-wide evacuation of the remaining population.
Finch’s endingproves that it’s not the entire planet being baked to death as Hanks' character assumed. Near San Francisco, Finch is able to venture outside without being burned. So, there are likely other parts of the world still habitable, plus other ingenious engineers like Finch. Although the Earth may not be salvageable, there could easily be enough resources for a planet-wide evacuation of the remaining population, and if Jeff were to go with them, that makes it even more likely he would be the bedrock of the robots inFoundation.
Foundation
Foundation is a science fiction film that follows a band of exiles on a crucial journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization as the Galactic Empire collapses.
