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

2. The Stunning, Trippy Visuals

Legion David
FX

Nevermind comic book shows, in a visual sense there isn't really anything like Legion currently on TV. Hawley directs the hell out of this opening episode, which is full of stunning visuals and tricky camera techniques.

There are numerous sequences which are visually arresting, pulling us between seemingly different realities, the past and present, in disorientating fashion. It's not just flashiness for the sake of it however, but instead is utilised to truly take us into Davd's head, the kaleidoscope of colours and images the best way of presenting the world as he sees it.

There are a couple of scenes particularly worthy of a mention here. The one in the kitchen, in which time slows down and David's powers are unleashed, sending food and objects flying around, is an absolute delight. And then, at the end of the episode, when the show gets closest to superhero territory during the escape, it explodes into action in a stunning one-shot sequence that caps off the bedazzling pilot episode.

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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.