Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women and nonbinary folks who inspire us. These characters are prime examples of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.

DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for the Apple TV+’s adaptation of Isaac Asimov‘s Foundation.

Salvor Hardin

Fast Facts:

Salvor Hardin patrolling on Ignis.

Foundation Apple TV+

Salvor Hardin (Leah Harvey) is the Warden of Terminus at the start of Foundation’s first season. She’s a bit of a recluse, keeping to herself and her patrols. Hardin shares with those closest to her that she felt she never fit in with the people of Terminus but takes her job of protecting them very seriously. She has a unique ability to see the past, almost as if she is being drawn into the memories of the past. She uses this to help guide her during her time as Warden. She is a vital part of successfully surviving the first crisis predicted by Hari Seldon (Jared Harris) alongside her fellow members of the Foundation.

RELATED: Keep up on Foundation with our recaps!

At the end of the first season, she sets off from Terminus in search of answers about who she is and her biological parents. Just as the season draws to a close, she comes face to face with her mother, Gaal Dornick (Lou Llobell). Season two sees the two join together to uncover the mystery behind the second Foundation and Gaal’s terrifying visions of the future. Hardin continues to be the scrappy Warden but also embraces the science that Gaal and Seldon cling to. She continues learning as they face off against Tellum (Rachel House) and even takes her dive into the Prime Radiant.

After helping Seldon and Gaal overcome Tellum’s corruption and control of the Mentalics, all seems well. That is until Tellum tries to crush everything Gaal and the others have built one last time. However, just like the Warden she is, Hardin throws herself in front of the bullet to protect Gaal and dies in the process. We are hopeful that her death will help guide Gaal forward in season three as she faces the terrifying visions she saw throughout season two.

The Real Deal:

Salvor on Terminus.

Foundation Apple TV+

Salvor Hardin is the real deal. Apple TV+’s adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation took and gender-swapped several characters. Hardin is one of those characters, and, in doing so, they gave us an incredible female role model. She is unapologetically strong and terrific at her job as Warden. She is a critical player in the first crisis and supports Gaal throughout season two. Their relationship is one of the most heartfelt as they both begin to navigate the awkwardness of mother and daughter. Hardin is a quick thinker and a quicker shot and isn’t afraid to do what needs to be done, even if that means throwing herself in front of a bullet to protect the ones she loves.

RELATED: Foundation Prep: What You Need To Know About Apple’s Epic Sci-Fi Series!

Why She Matters

So, why does Salvor Hardin matter? We dare you to ask her that. She is an absolute badass and extremely intelligent, even though she would instead go brawns over brains any day. Hardin may feel like an outsider within the Foundation, but she still takes her job as Warden seriously and protects her people, the Vault and the mission. As Hardin ventures out into the galaxy for answers, she keeps her mind open. Even though she doesn’t understand the science that Gaal and Seldon thrive on, she doesn’t discount it. Hardin even begins to really start to see the value and learn to rely on it while on Ignis. And in the end, Salvor makes the ultimate sacrifice to protect those she loves and further the cause.

So, be like Salvor Hardin. Protect your people, venture out for answers, continue learning and adjusting, and open your mind to things you might not know or understand.

Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: GAAL DORNICK

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