Marvel has really put a lot of thought into the production of its television shows across various networks. All of the CW shows play out like standard superhero action films, while their Netflix shows are extremely grounded, dark and realistic. Their first show on FX too had its own distinct style and direction, clearly setting it apart from anything else on television today. "Legion" isn't just a strong superhero show, it is easily one of the strongest shows on television today, period.
Inside the mind of a Telepath
"Legion," created by Noah Hawley, is set in the near future and is centred on the life of David Haller, a young man struggling to deal with schizophrenia all his life.
David’s takes a massive turn when he is told that he isn’t schizophrenic at all, but is actually a powerful mutant with extraordinary telepathic abilities.
He is rescued from a psychiatric hospital by a small group of mutants intent on protecting him from government agencies who perceive David to be a possible threat in the future. Unbeknownst to David, his friends, or the government, there is a powerful ancient mutant living inside David’s mind and it has been causing havoc over the course of his life.
This mutant is actually a parasite feeding off of David’s powers and waiting to consume his mind and take over his body eventually. David must come to terms with these extraordinary circumstances, understand his own powers, face the truth about his past, and even battle the horrifying parasite within his own mind during the course of a thrilling first season.
Stunning visuals, settled story line
During the first season, most shows try to find their footing and settle on their characters, but "Legion" seemed sure-footed right from its premiere. The visual style chosen for the series is absolutely perfect, magnificently complimenting the madness inside the mind of a telepath still finding himself.
The supporting cast in the series is extremely strong as well, and give us some memorable characters with unique powers.
Dan Stevens plays the titular protagonist to perfection, channelling his own real-life schizophrenia into the role. He is ably assisted by Aubrey Plaza who plays the role of his friend at the start of the series, but ends up replacing the demon within his mind.
The role is absolutely spot-on for Plaza who plays the twisted character with incredible ease.
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of the show is its portrayal of Astral Planes and the constant bickering inside David’s own mind. We truly get a sense of the unhinged nature of the protagonist constantly looking to subdue his own demons in order to function in a normal way.
The look and feel of the show is extremely psychedelic in the best possible way, converting what could have possibly been difficult viewing to something extremely entertaining to watch. We know from the history of the character that "Legion" is actually the son of Professor Xavier, and it has been hinted heavily during the course of the show as well.
This makes us believe that there could be a possible father-son reunion in the cards in the near future, and that should be pretty exciting as well.
"Legion" managers to cement Marvel’s place in television, showing us once and for all that the brand is fully self-aware at this point and is only looking to better itself in the future.
