Legion Premiere Review: 6 Ups & 2 Downs From 'Chapter 1'

The first instalment of the X-Men series is very weird and even more wonderful.

Legion Dan Stevens
FX

Legion has managed to generate a lot of hype in the buildup to its pilot episode, promising an X-Men TV series from the creator of Fargo, with all manner of trippy visuals, a movie star lead, and a whole lot of weirdness.

It's centred on Dan Stevens' David Haller, a schizophrenic mutant who has spent his entire life in various hospitals and institutions. The first episode, written and directed by series creator Noah Hawley, introduces us to David and the world - or maybe that should be worlds, since the show spends so much time questioning what is real - he lives in.

Along the way we meet a host of key characters, including Rachel Keller's Syd and Aubrey Plaza's Lenny, but mostly we're getting to learn more about David, and see the world as he does.

It's a smart, confident pilot episode, with some truly stunning moments, and while it won't be for everyone, those who do go with it will surely find a lot to love. Now that the first season is finally underway, let's take a look at what worked and what didn't in Legion's pilot episode.

(Please note, this review contains spoilers.)

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.