The superhero genre has become more focused on TV since the streaming market got even more crowded with the addition of Disney+. The medium has become a hot spot for the genre due to the fact that it's a key piece in their "Phases"
The X-Men spin-off series Legion is arguably the most unique TV endeavor for the overall brand, as it is narratively new and exciting. Legion tells a wonderfully bizarre, bold, terrifying, and genuine superhero-themed story that deserves to be in the same conversation as other shows like Daredevil as some of the best to come out of live-action comic book TV.
One of the best aspects of Legion is the juxtaposition of vibrant ’60s-themed aesthetic with ominous elements of psychological horror. The show blends the visual elements of that decade with the modern day to create an artistic direction that1-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-6556
The use of psychological horror was crucial to that distinctive art direction. It was terrifying to see Dan Stevens as David Haller's afflictions manifest around him.
That is also due to the erratic depiction of one of the several manifestations of the Shadow King's vice-grip over David.
It is one of the boldest approaches to a live-action comic book adaptation that has been done in recent memory, but it is hard to imagine it being done again in the current age of streaming. Legion is one of the shows that has mastered the balance of being overwhelming and making positive qualities.
It is hard to remember that Legion is a superhero TV show, but not in a way that is condescending. It is one of the best examples of how inventive the right creative team can be with the genre, and especially so with a collection of heroes and villains like the X-men.
It's difficult to tackle sensitive themes like mental illness in a production. It has to be expressed in a way that doesn't make it seem like it's an insult to a cheap person and that it's a compelling narrative piece that serves the story.
One of the show's greatest strengths is the fact that David is the unreliable narrator. Analyzing what is real and what isn't through David's perspective is both confusing and frightening.
David doesn't know what to believe when he's being malicious or intentionally misleading The audience is put in his shoes as he sees the world through his warped point of view.
He was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a child and spent a lot of his time in a psychiatric hospital, but he is not unwell at all and this is just the result of a special gift. As the series goes on, it becomes clear that the culprit isn't so black and white and neither are the answers.
The rest of the supporting cast touches on different aspects of trauma with Rachel Keller being the next best example. She is both intertwined with David's story and standing as an interesting and compelling character on her own merits.
The depiction of overcoming trauma, even from the damage done by David, isn't used for shock value and is instead used as a substantive depiction.
It is not often that a live-action superhero show with colorful ’60s aesthetic, haunting uses of psychological horror, and psychedelic visuals can convey such heavy emotional impact through Pink Floyd-inspired musical numbers.
Legion uses a number of different groups as influences for their music. Whether it's a representation of David's fractured mind, a depiction of a psychic fight, or a metaphor for overcoming an emotional obstacle, these musical numbers are another example of the creativity of the team.
Legion is a superhero adaptation that is very unique in terms of visuals and writing. There is a refreshing narrative structure and a cocktail of distinctive artistic styles in the show.
Legion is available to watch on the streaming service.
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