Wild and audacious mutant conflicts in ‘Legion’

Dan Stevens (left) and Aubrey Plaza

“Legion,” a new series that purports to be related to the “X-Men” universe, isn’t instantly recognizable to comic book fans who tune in—it’s a strange, psych-ward dreamscape at first, with mentally ill characters dressed in retro-sporty “Royal Tenenbaums” costumes.

As X-Men fans know, Legion in the comic book world is the codename of Professor Charles Xavier’s son, David Haller, who sports a gravity-defying “troll” hairstyle, and is a young mutant with multiple personalities and corresponding powers.

But in the eighth episode of the first season of “Legion” (Thursdays, Fox, 8 p.m.),
the relatively regular-looking David (Dan Stevens) has no inkling of his connection to a telepathic father, and has a history of drug use. He unwittingly attracts both noble and shady factions, combatants who witness his power, but are unaware of his true potential.

The X-Men’s film universe has often deviated from the source material, so it has become commonplace for certain fans to wish for, or demand, a more faithful adaptation of published stories.

Created by “Fargo” showrunner Noah Hawley, “Legion” just goes wild with its own adventurous scenarios, even when it sometimes tends to stretch out key moments needlessly.

It’s not for the impatient—there are parts that truly meander and show off its big-budget aesthetics, so we see ultratrippy effects and edgy music-video camerawork that complement the coalescing, kooky realities of the mysterious main mutant.

But while it may not be the Legion that people expect or remember, David Haller is just as intriguing in this live action realm, primarily because of Stevens.

The X-Men connection isn’t immediately presented, too, but there are hints to certain figures from the lore. Even when the show may be nearly unrecognizable to the long-initiated, they will still be rewarded, ultimately.

Regardless, there are surprises galore—from a quirky group of mutant fighters to an eclectic ensemble of actors. Aubrey Plaza is impeccably fiendish as David’s “friend,” the druggie Lenny, who fits snugly in the weirdness.

How can the series get even better? Patrick Stewart, in a talk show, recently expressed interest in appearing as his old film character, Professor X, so that’s something that could further enrich the series’ narrative next season.

There’s a lot to look forward to in “Legion,” nonetheless—the audacious experimentation easily makes it a worthy, visually rich spinoff.