The critically acclaimed FX series Legion now has an extra episode added to their latest season. Created by Noah Hawley, known for his work in another critically acclaimed FX series, Fargo, wrote the episode, as Keith Gordon directed. Season 2 premiered in April and its final episode will air in mid-June. Initially conceived to be a 10 episode season, FX recently announced an 11th episode to air on the 12th of June.
The mind mending Marvel series follows a mutant by the name of David Haller, diagnosed with schizophrenia at a young age. Having received psychiatric attention through his years, he finds out that his condition is more than a mental illness as it is revealed that a parasite named the Shadow King occupies his mind.
The first season has earned praise for its intricate narrative, impressive visuals, and sound design along with its departure from the usual superhero crime genre. The series closely ties itself with the X-Men universe as Haller, played by Dan Stevens is the mutant son of Charles Xavier. With this, the show’s tackling of mental illness albeit in a highly stylized manner, threads much of the themes associated with X-Men heroes such as Jean Grey and Charles Xavier himself.
The series features a strong supporting cast with the likes of Aubrey Plaza and Rachel Keller. The latter plays a young mutant by the name of Sydney “Syd” Barett. which is an obvious nod to Pink Floyd founder, the late Syd Barrett who was speculated to be schizophrenic. The second season is looking to take its intricate narrative to further heights with explorations of multiple timelines and themes of psychedelic proportions.
Legion may not be as popular as the other superhero-based series such as The Flash and Daredevil but it has the niche to draw in a different crowd that may suffer from superhero fatigue.
