How does Brother Day change over time in “Foundation?”
Table of Contents
The character of Brother Day in the Apple TV+ series 'Foundation', portrayed by Lee Pace, is a fascinating study of the complexity of governance, power, and the conflict of tradition versus change. Brother Day, the title of the current ruling Cleon, is not a single individual but a cycle of cloned emperors each bearing the same face, memories, and attributes across different eras. This article seeks to delve into the character evolution of Brother Day, tracing his journey from Cleon XII to Cleon XIII, and finally to Cleon XVII.
Cleon XII: Brother Day as the Troubled Emperor
Cleon XII, during his reign as Brother Day, found himself faced with a series of unprecedented challenges. With the predictions of Hari Seldon looming over him, he was plagued by worries about the fate of his Empire. Seldon's theory of psychohistory, which could predict the future downfall of the Galactic Empire, threatened the stability and continuity that the line of Cleons represented.
His Brother Day was not only reactive but also proactive in his approach. One of his significant actions was the decision to exile Hari Seldon and his Foundation to the planet Terminus. His rationale for this move was dual-fold: to isolate a potential revolutionary threat, and to leverage the potential successes of the Foundation to bolster the regime. This decision underlined Cleon XII's strategic thinking, as he sought to maintain control over a situation that could destabilize his rule.
Cleon XII also grappled with the rising tensions between the Outer Reach planets of Anacreon and Thespis. Despite attempts at maintaining peace, the situation culminated in a terrorist attack on the Star Bridge. In response, Brother Day made a drastic decision to execute the delegations from both planets and ordered a bombing. This action was emblematic of his forceful and volatile leadership style, designed to maintain imperial control at any cost.
Cleon XIII: Brother Day as the Reformist
Following Cleon XII, Cleon XIII ascended to the throne of Brother Day. Cleon XIII inherited a realm beset by turmoil, largely due to the impulsive actions of his predecessor. His reign saw an Empire challenged by religious dissent stemming from Luminism, insurgency on Trantor, and defiance from the Outer Reach planets.
Cleon XIII sought to rectify the legacy left by Cleon XII, beginning a process of introspection and reform. He recognized the harm caused by his predecessor's aggressive actions and sought to steady the Empire. One significant departure from tradition was his decision to leave Trantor to attend the funeral of Proxima Opal, installing a favored successor as her replacement. This break in protocol signaled Cleon XIII's willingness to challenge the established norms for the betterment of the Empire, setting him apart as a reformist.
Cleon XVII: Brother Day as the Maverick
With Cleon XVII, the character of Brother Day takes an even more drastic turn. Recognizing the corruption creeping into the Genetic Dynasty, Cleon XVII decided to put an end to the centuries-old tradition. He proposed marriage to Queen Sareth I of the Cloud Dominion, intending to bear natural children and extend his own legacy.
This decision represents a stark deviation from the Cleon tradition and signifies a potentially revolutionary shift in the Empire's leadership. Cleon XVII, as Brother Day, was no longer content with simply maintaining the status quo or implementing reforms. Instead, he was ready to rewrite the very rules that had defined the Galactic Empire for eons.
From Cleon XII to Cleon XVII, the character of Brother Day in the 'Foundation' series undergoes a significant evolution. Each incarnation of Brother Day offers a distinct leadership style and approach to governing, reflecting their unique circumstances, challenges, and individual personalities, despite their identical genetic make-up.
Cleon XII grapples with threats to the Empire, both internal and external, reacting with a firm hand to maintain stability. Cleon XIII, inheriting a troubled Empire, attempts to right the wrongs of his predecessor and seeks reform. Finally, Cleon XVII, facing corruption within the Genetic Dynasty, decides to entirely break with tradition.
These varying approaches to leadership present a compelling study of how different factors can shape identical individuals differently. They also raise intriguing questions about how the future of the Galactic Empire might be shaped by the evolving character of Brother Day.
