‘Legion 1×05’ Review
Stars: Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller, Aubrey Plaza, Jean Smart, Mackenzie Gray, Scott Lawrence, Katie Aselton, Tatyana Forrest, Jeremie Harris, Bill Irwin, Amber Midthunder | Created by Noah Hawley
Legion has held back on giving us the truth around David (Dan Stevens) but this week it feels that we are finally close to that answer. With Cary (Bill Irwin) finally working it out, maybe the problem of Legion isn’t all just in David’s mind?
After the events of last week, now is the time for David to finally show his powers. Finally going to Division 3 to save his sister, the big question is, just who is in control and is David’s actions is own or some other sinister power?
One thing that I’ve enjoyed about Legion is the handling of mental illness within the show. It has always been questioned whether it is David’s mental state, or something else that has altered his memories and causing him to do things, but now we (seem) to have the answers. The fact that there is a secondary being also in control is very interesting for fans of Marvel’s character, and I won’t explicitly state who the Devil with the Yellow Eyes could be. What we do know though is that we are closer to knowing just who it is, and what part it takes in David’s actions.
We also know as fans of the show though that Legion won’t reveal too much to us all at once. If anything, the new revelations are used to make events even more creepier. When David takes Syd (Rachel Keller) inside his mind, the fact that the secondary being (as I’ve chosen to call it) begins to infect their safe space shows the power it has. We also get some beautiful scenes as Syd and David finally get to touch each other, with expected results.
Branching into other people’s storylines, my two-favourite side-characters (or character) are once again Cary and Kerry Loudermilk (Bill Irwin and Amber Midthunder). I won’t spoil what happens after last week’s events, but in all the David and Syd chaos, it is still nice to see that there is still time for these two to have their moments too. It is also very interesting to see just how the two merge together as one so we get to see how their powers work.
What is important this week is not only that we find out some facts about the Devil with the Yellow Eyes, but also, we see just how powerful David now is. Just because we know this thing isn’t his own mind fighting to protect David, doesn’t make him any less dangerous. If anything, it is hinted that he is very powerful, and this is why his dangerous friend decided to connect with him in the first place.
I’ve already mentioned that this will reveal some clues to Marvel fans as to who the Devil with the Yellow Eyes is, and this is exciting for the show. It teases at a big confrontation to come that David may not be ready for. Also, worthy of note is just how badass Aubrey Plaza is as her friendly façade begins to fall away and her true purpose is revealed. The cast has really been excellent with Legion, but Plaza seems to be having the most fun with a very versatile character.
While there is a danger that Legion could alienate some people with the abstract way it presents its story, I have to admit the stranger it gets, the more I love it. I know this isn’t exactly helping to make it a “mainstream” show that gets the ratings, but it is the kind of superhero show we really deserve. We need something different and Legion is definitely it. Now that we are being dragged into the shows end-game with only three episodes left this season, let’s hope it keeps up the same levels of quality it has provided us with.
***** 5/5
Legion can be seen in the UK every Thursday on Fox at 9pm.
Exactly, this is what we deserve and what we needed. Noah Hawley handling this part of Marvel’s space is the real deal. Was waiting for this kind of genius gang for a long time, and i truly hope this show will go deeper and wider, to last .