‘They’re not sure they can trust each other’: Foundation season 3 stars drop big hints about what’s next for the Apple TV+ show’s most unlikely team-up

Foundation season 3 episode 3 reveals an unexpected alliance between two characters
This week’s entry builds on the surprise-laced final scene of its forebear
Some of the Apple TV Original’s cast have teased what’s next for this unlikely dynamic

Two members of ‘s primary characters tentatively agree to stay in touch, and collaborate on a plan to tackle The Mule because he poses a big threat to Empire and The Foundation. And, while Gaal has been “ready to take on” this all-consuming quest since last season, she’ll need all the help she can get, including from Empire. After all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, right?

Brother Dawn looking at a hologram of Gaal Dornick in Foundation season 3 episode 3 — Dawn has been holding secret meetings with Gaal via holographic calls (Image credit: Apple TV+)

That doesn’t mean there won’t be moments of tension and mistrust between Dawn and Gaal. The Foundation and Empire have been foes for centuries at this point, and, according to Llobell and Bilton, it’s not a foregone conclusion that they’ll continue to get on in one of the best Apple TV+ shows‘ third season.

“You see them [Empire and The Foundation] trying to come together to take on The Mule,” Llobell told me. “But, there’s still tension. They’re not sure they can trust each other – ultimately, I don’t think they can.

“But, it’s still incredibly satisfying to see these characters together again in the same scene [NB: Dawn and Gaal last appeared on the screen together in the season 1 premiere],” Llobell continued. “They’re coming to a point where their goals align, and I’m really excited for fans to see where things go from here.”

Gaal looking at a hologram of Brother Dawn in Foundation season 3 episode 3 — Despite agreeing to collaborate, there are still tensions between the duo (Image credit: Apple TV+)

“Previously, it’s been Empire against The Foundation, but this season is more interpersonal,” Bilton said.

“What’s interesting about Dawn and Gaal’s relationship is that there’s two things going on. They’re both ambassadors for their side’s way of perceiving the future, so you have these ideals about how the galaxy should be shaped constantly butting heads, so their first in-person meeting becomes this cat-and-mouse game as they size up the other party.

“At the same time, you’ve got two young people who are trying to make an impact,” Bilton added. “What does it mean to be someone with the spotlight trained on them when everything’s starting to fall apart? And how can they ensure a legacy that’ll endure and allow history to look back kindly upon them? So, while it’s a game of poker and the relationship between them is a cagey one, a kind of friendship blossoms because they have to trust each other.”

Do you think Dawn and Gaal’s ‘frenemy’ dynamic will hold strong, or is it doomed to fail? Let me know in the comments.