Okay, I know this is Asimov's premise for the whole thing, and I have no problem with that--I mean, it was short story in a 10cent magazine back in the 1940's. But in a million dollar series that is going to be several episodes (not a short story in a pulp mag), at a time when we have some amazing scifi television series (like The Expanse) that try hard to be logical and consistent....shouldn't the writer of this series have given more thought as to WHY the Emperor almost executes Hari for this?
The nominal excuse we're given in the first episode is that Hari has influence and is going to shake up the Empire with his predictions. But...
(1) There's trillions of people on Trantor and trillions more in the galaxy at large. How much of an influencer is Hari that he'd worry the Emperor? Hari seems to be a reclusive mathematician who is famous only among other mathematicians. (How many followers does he have?) He's not a Pope or popular world leader or famous or super charismatic or anything...so, why execution/exile?
(2) Hari's only proof that his predictions are true is math so obscure and difficult that only a rare genius who solves a problem that's never yet been solved can attest that it's true...If climate change scientists, who have a ton of data that can be understood by laymen have a tough time convincing people, think how hard a time Hari would have...so why worry about him convincing a lot of people?
(3) And in answer to that question: yes, there's a long history of people predicting the end of the world, no proof needed. And a long history of people believing those predictions. losing their minds and doing weird stuff. But how much of this is getting out to the public at large? Is Hari making galaxy-wide speeches about this? Did he put out a best selling book/documentary that was beamed into everyone's home on every planet?
Which brings me to the real question here...if there is ANY explanation as to why the Emperor is seriously worried about the influence of Hari's predictions to undermine the Empire...why hasn't the show presented that explanation?