The X-Men series is a confusing series with heaps of characters and too many bad decisions by directors and others in charge. A fresh new look at the X-Men franchise is definitely needed but the people with the power to decide that tend to simply just make another dimension the new series is set in. This is the case with Legion. Based on the X-Men character Legion this show follows David Haller, a man with mind bending powers similar to that of Professor X but he believes the powers are just voices in his head. Now if you thought that the X-Men films on their own were confusing enough, timeline wise, then this series is going to be even more confusing. It may or may not be part of the same universe, the ones with the real powers are holding information to themselves for now, and the show itself is as mind bending as they come. That sounds like a bad thing I know but really it makes it unique. The show doesn’t just represent the character of David as crazy instead it makes the whole show crazy. It is the perfect way to throw the viewer into the deep end and tell them to get used to it as the show propels itself forward at a fast pace. Beautifully shot, well written, perfectly cast and designed to almost perfection, Legion is a superhero show that the average TV fan can enjoy. Shows like Arrow and The Flash are made for comic book fans and those who watch shows on The CW but Legion is aiming for an audience of people who want their next big drama show, this is a contender for the Best Drama Award at The Emmy’s type of show. It has only been the first episode I know but it has the charismatic appeal that shows like Breaking Bad have where you find yourself routeing for a character who you don’t actually know that much about, a character that could easily end up being the bad guy. In a world filled with superhero everything, the show does a good job at not conceding to typical superhero traits but instead focuses on mystery and the relationships between characters. It isn’t a show about saving a city or the world but instead it is a show about learning who you are and becoming your best self while others are holding you back because they’re afraid. David is a character that the viewers will clearly love getting to know but also be scared of getting know because of who he might become when his powers are unleashed. The show’s only fault in the first episode is the special effects at the end are a little obvious but given that it is a pilot episode I can let that slide a little and I hope the show fixes that. Legion is going in the right direction and if you’re a fan of TV shows with great drama and mystery then this is one X-Men adventure you have to go on, even if it is very confusing.
VERDICT
Do I Recommend it? If you’re a comic book fan then yes. If you’re a fan of shows with drama and mystery then yes. If you love Dan Stevens in Downton Abbey and want to watch something similar then no.
Score: 4.5/5 – As trippy and mind-bending as it is Legion is a fantastic start to a surprisingly great TV show. What could’ve been really average has turned out to be one of my favourite new shows in recent years and I can’t wait to learn more about David and what mysteries the show has in store for the rest of the season.