Season 1, Episode 8 – “Chapter 8” confirms that Legion is a mess but its a pretty mess so at least it has that going for it. Overall, the series has muddled plot arcs and inconsistent characterization spending the majority of its energy on artistic visuals that ultimately feel hollow without any narrative substance behind them.

Season 1, Episode 7 – Legion finally escapes its narrative loop in “Chapter 7” but still doesn’t follow through on the story it started telling. With just one episode left in the season, the series can’t seem to choose between cohesive plot and auteur stylistics.

Season 1, Episode 6 – Legion spins its wheels in “Chapter 6” offering an interesting alternate universe without providing any new information, character growth, or anything else to move the story forward. While the unreliable nature of the narrative is intriguing and the aesthetics are always pleasing, the series needs to tighten up and actually tell a story.

Season 1, Episode 5 – “Chapter 5” of Legion tries to undermine reality and just undermines itself. Showing a lack of both character development and the series’ usual style, the plot ties itself in knots that ultimately unravel by story’s end. Though the episode itself does not gel, it lays groundwork for the rest of the season to build on.

Season 1, Episode 4 – Legion opts for a more objective viewpoint than usual in “Chapter 4,” adhering more to linear time and less to trippy stylistic sequences. That objectivity plays to the episode’s benefit, utilizing a tight narrative structure and excelling at moving the story forward with the characters’ specific superpowers.

Season 1, Episode 3 – “Chapter 3” of Legion spins its wheels a bit, opting more for atmosphere than plot. While we learn important information for the future, the lack of structure in the episode prevents any feeling of satisfaction or resolution.

Season 1, Episode 2 – “Chapter 2” of Legion continues all of the style, depth, and intrigue of the first episode but adds in more structured bits of plot and begins to anchor the series’ story arc. David has to deal with layers of trauma and mental illness while navigating his newfound superpowers and new situation in the mutant enclave.

Season 1, Episode 1 – “Chapter 1” of Legion showcases its beautiful style, unconventional narrative structure, and superpowers to full effect. With a story that functions equally well on its own terms and as a launching point for the rest of the series, the episode is a cinematic masterpiece.