Screen adaptations of large complex books tend to get off to a slow start. Mostly because there is a lot to explain to the viewer. This was the case with various series, and especially with Foundation on Apple TV+, writes The Verge.

The TV series is based on the books by Isaac Asimov. It contains several unusual concepts at once – psychohistory (a type of mathematics that can predict the future) and genetic dynasty (an endless line of clone emperors who rule the galaxy). So the first few episodes of the series were “loaded” with explanations. According to Foundation showrunner David S. Goyer, it was impossible to avoid.

“I felt like the first three episodes of season 1 were so exposition heavy, but — trust me — we tormented ourselves trying to figure out a way around it,” he explains. “We just decided, screw it, we have to explain this stuff and hope the audience is still around.”

At the same time, he believes that this may simply be a necessary “evil” of this kind of adaptation.

“A lot of the really worthwhile shows that I ended up loving took a while to get going,” Goyer says. “Maybe that’s just what one has to do when you’re doing a big ambitious, novelistic show.”

However, Goyer adds that with the second season of Foundation the team did not have such a problem. Its purpose is to be more accessible. It will feature things like exploring the inner lives of the characters, more action, and some sex and even humor.

It was previously reported that the events of the second season of Foundation takes place a century after the events of the first season. The Empire, led by Lee Pace’s Brother Day, prepares for a full-scale confrontation with the Foundation, led by Hari Seldon (Jared Harris). The second season of Foundation has 10 episodes.