"Legion" - TV Review

   The newest entry in the "superheroes on TV" sweepstakes is also the most offbeat show so far.

   Legion is very loosely based on a character in the X-Men Universe - the incredibly powerful (but mentally unstable) child of Professor Xavier and Gabrielle Haller.

   This series doesn't follow the typical superhero mold - in fact, for the better part of the first episode, the viewer wonders what is real - and what isn't.

   The story plays out in the mind of the David Haller (Legion), a young man who's being treated at a mental health care facility. Or is he?

   His friend is the always-delightful Aubrey Plaza - and when he meets a mysterious and beautiful young woman (played by Rachel Keller) - a fellow patient at the facility - his life starts to take some really strange turns, and we get some glimpses of the forces arrayed against him - and some potential allies.

   It's a serious, disturbing story, with lots of unexpected twists and turns along the way. You won't see much in the way of typical superheroics - fighting supervillains, flying through the sky, that sort of thing - but you will see a clever, thoughtful story that will keep you guessing throughout.

   The ending opens up all-new layers of possibilities and introduces some new (and possibly familiar) characters.

   It'll be interesting to see if this series connects with the X-Men film universe, or if it's in its own reality - or (third possibility!) perhaps it's set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

   Finding out - and seeing where the series goes next - promises to be an entertaining prospect.

   The series isn't for everyone (and it's certainly not for children - there are some violent images here), but if you're looking for a unique take on the world of mutants, this is it!

Grade: A

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