The Pleasures of LEGION

I saw the 1.5 hr pilot episode of FX's Legion, a very different Marvel adaptation with connective threads to X-Men. Written and directed by TV's Fargo show runner, Noah Hawley, it starts in a really wierd, psychoanalytical setting with a young man who may or may not be mentally disturbed or traumatized, OR BOTH! The fact he may have telekinetic powers is almost an afterthought. Imaginative, mesmerizing visuals (for TV) and bizarre characters and an intriguing script add up to a thoroughly engrossing and unusual spin to a superhuman, or metahuman, or mutant origin story. I love shows like The Flash, Gotham and Agents of SHIELD, and I have sampled and been quite impressed by the three Defenders so far to stream on Netflix, but anyone who thinks (I was one) that we are saturated by superheroes on tv and film, should sample this show. It is entirely original in its concept and execution. In fact it does not begin with any normal premise and challenges its audience. Some of it is dark and conspiracy laden,but what shines through are its lead characters well portrayed by Rachel Keller and Dan Stevens (of Downton Abbey!) under the masterful guidance of Hawley.  Oh, and there is a sweet love story to boot.