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TV reviews




Rating: 4/5
Review: "Legion TV review"

Rating: 3.8/5
Review: "Marvel's Iron Fist TV review"

The only similarity is that both TV series are based on the characters of Marvel. Each has a different treatment.

Legion may based on the superhero genre but its whimsical presentation is a rare but engaging style. Throughout its 8 episodes, the creators and directors do not bother explaining anything that does not make sense. It is akin to Christopher Nolan's inception where the reality is hard to separate from fantasy. It is a confusing but engaging way of getting the audience's attention. I admit that at times, the series veers toward the ridiculous boundary of fantasy. The style is portrayed in an indie film style. Small and intimate. There is a slow start before unleashing a torrent of emotions and stunning visuals from episode 4 onward. For a TV series, the visual treatment is definitely amazing. It draws your eyes to the screen. There is just 1 thing I don't get is that the ratio aspect changes from time to time. At first, I thought it only changes during flashbacks. However it is applied to present scenes too. It is a little disorientating but it is a minor flaw.

The characters are not presented as a perfect role models. The main character is facing lots of problems. His character's development is one of most problematic development in a superhero genre. Yet it is effective as once it reaches the last episode, you can't help but cheer for him. The character is brought alive by some great acting. The rest of characters are decent.

Legion is off to a great start for the mutants.


Marvel's Iron Fist may receive negative flak for its undercooked plot and characters and tepid fight scenes. Some called it the worst Marvel's TV series. Before I watched the first episode, I was prepared to be disappointed. However after the first episode, I was pleasantly surprised that it might not be so bad after all.

Its plot is not something worth shouting out but it just do its job by introducing the world of Danny to us. There are critisms that Danny was whitewashed. I don't really have a problem with him although his accent and acting could be better. His martial arts skills may be stiff but he tried his best. The rest of the cast fare better.

The fight scenes are not many in the whole 13 episodes season. Although the fight scenes are barely passable, there are no memorable fights. Every fight scene is stiff and lacks tension. The editing does not help much to the already stiff fights.

The pacing is decent with enough twists in the villains development. It runs a bit too long (season 1 could shave off 2-3 episodes) but overall, it is not boring.

It is a passable TV series that serves a basic introduction of Iron Fist before the anticipated The Defenders hits the small screen in August.

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