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There was a point where the old empire was advancing on the Foundation only to have their general recalled at the moment of total triumph to prevent the general from taking over power after returning victorious. Also the expansion phase against the barbarian kingdoms wasn't completely bloodless.

But the wars and conquests were never really explicit, more described as a historian would describe it as it would happen in the Roman Empire.

I cannot imagine how anyone could possibly adapt that tale and have it work.

I would love to be wrong though.

Foundation and Empire has two wars in it so there would be plenty of potential for explosions. The actual fighting isn't described much in the book, but I doubt that a TV adaptation would treat it the same way.

As I recall, violence was often threatened but avoided. They might make plenty of tension that way.

Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent

...but it might beef up a screenplay. Still, much of Star Trek manages to get by on threats alone.

And that makes the violence so much more impactful when it happens.