Legion: 9 Ways It's A Totally Unique Comic Book TV Show
5. And The Visuals Are Even Crazier
Hawley had only directed one episode of TV before Legion - an early episode of Fargo's second season. And while that was assured, it's nothing compared to the absolute stunner he delivers in the Legion premiere.
That episode in particular - not that it changes too much in the next two, which come from the dependable hands of Michael Uppendahl (Mad Men, Fargo, American Horror Story) - is a complete trip, unlike not only anything seen in comic book TV terms, but pretty much anywhere on television.
The closest recent comparison would be a movie, Doctor Strange, which similarly employed trippy, world bending techniques (albeit on a much larger scale). Legion turns the world upside down and inside out, slows it down and speeds it up.
From the bright colour palette to the kaleidoscopic camera work, the show is visually arresting, with a kinetic energy and a penchant for framing and symmetry that would make Wes Anderson proud.
Crucially, it never feels like its too much or overly indulgent, but rather - like with the sound - an effective way of showing us the world as David sees it.