For the past couple of months, Diane and I have been watching Legion on the FX network. Legion is based on a MARVEL comic book series. David Haller is in a mental hospital. David has has “problems” all his life. But, a group of mutants show up to spirit him away. David learns he is a powerful mutant, but he has to learn how to control his powers. And, later, we find out what is causing David’s problems. Legion can be confusing and mystifying at times, but if you stay with it, you’ll find plenty to like about this unconventional series. Dan Stevens (who stars as the Beast in the hit movie Beauty and the Beast) is excellent as David. Jean Smart plays the leader of the mutants. I really like Rachel Keller who plays David’s “don’t touch me!” girlfriend, Sydney Barrett. Bill Irwin excels as Cary Loudermilk, a scientist with a dual body. Noah Hawley does a brilliant job running this series. FX renewed Legion for a second season for March 2018. GRADE: A
If Netflix picks it up I may give it a try just before the second season. I watched two episodes and then sort of forgot about it. There are so many shows on now that increasingly I am better off watching shows on Netflix where it keeps track of what episodes I’ve watched plus I can watch them quickly. I am too old for such fractured narratives and show long arcs. Episodic tv had its charms.
Patti, LEGION is still available on FX ON DEMAND for free. It’s only 8 episodes. I don’t know if the Second Season next year will include more than 8 episodes.
I watched the first two eps and recorded the rest. I’ll get to them, one of these days.
Bill, we usually record LEGION and zip through the commercials the next day. But, tonight, we’re going to stay up and watch the FINALE.
I watched the first episode, which I loved. I thought it was one of the best things I’d seen in a while. Episode two, I thudded to Earth. It was dull beyond belief, a bore. After episode three, Jackie decided – and I agreed – we just weren’t getting enough enjoyment out of it. As Patti said, there are just too many things on now and you can’t watch everything. Plus, though (like George) I like Rachel Keller, we’re seen the whole PUSHING DAISIES “can’t touch each other” thing before. It’s actually not unlike a darker PUSHING DAISIES (so Bill might like it for that reason), but as that show always wore out its welcome here, that isn’t a draw for me.
Jeff, you’re right about some dull stretches in LEGION. But, the last couple of episodes really picked up the pace. I think LEGION is a bit like TWIN PEAKS in pacing.
I didn’t watch it, because I thought it was related to the dreadful movie. I have too many shows I really enjoy and would have to take time away from to try it. You do make it sound more watchable, though
Maggie, if you’re patient with LEGION, it rewards you with great performances and some startling plot developments. LEGION is one of the best TV short series I’ve watched in 2017.