Legion Review: Chapter 24 (Season 3 Episode 5)
Farouk lets the wolf into the warren on Legion Season 3 Episode 5, “Chapter 24.”
Is it hubris that makes him do this, a confidence that he can take on David after so many tricks and detours over David’s life? Or is it that Farouk is growing tired of the current standstill? His confrontation with David makes it sound like Farouk needs David in his life in some way, but now that he’s banished to the time between time, it appears a poor choice.
The episode comes as a complete surprise. Legion is best known for taking its time, even in this final season; but here, the episode wipes out nearly the entire team on Syd’s side, wiping her memory clean in the process. Even Lenny’s suicide comes as sudden and series-altering. Everything is possible now.
But it’s a fantastic set-up to David and Switch traveling through time one more time. The board has been cleared as David puts all his hope into a final plan, one that has to work or else all of this senseless killing will make him the true villain.
He’s not realizing, though, that he still did these acts, despite the possible reversal of them. He’s still killed and maimed so many along the way. It’s the cruelty in his acts leading to fixing things that will leave the lasting impression of David’s deeds. He’s finally become the full, true villain.
Perhaps his darkest act yet is to wipe Syd’s memory clean in order to free himself of her switching powers. After being told multiple times of what he caused to her, David still diabolically manages to inflict more pain on her. And this time, it’s not simply to protect his standing with her: it’s to completely put her out of commission.
We finally get to see the full Legion, all of David’s personalities together. There is a glimpse of a few of them on Legion Season 3 Episode 1, “Chapter 20,” but here they are in full force. The way they overtake Syd is such a disturbing image, especially after her assault at the end of the second season. It becomes a living nightmare, so many Davids enveloping her and consuming her from view.
“Chapter 24” is a mastery of editing and cross-fading to create the illusion of David’s cult infecting the airship. Dan Stevens’ smiling visage fading in and out as his followers transition onto the ship is such a striking image, as is Clark and the soldiers floating off into the deep reaches of space. This is a show that knows how to make a lasting impression with its images.
Ending the episode with Elvis Costello’s “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding” is one of the more inspired choices of the season, as most of the cast sing individual pieces in their newfound dead or compromised states.
Legion Season 3 Episode 5, “Chapter 24,” strategically ends almost every thread so that what comes next is completely in the air. It’s a bold move that really makes the sky the limit. With David and Switch taking off back into time, and the time demons likely out for vengeance against David, the sky truly is the limit on what can possibly come next.
That’s the sign of a great drama, and with this episode and this season, Legion is making a strong case for being one of the true greats.
What did you think of this episode of Legion? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Legion airs Mondays at 10/9c on FX.
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Kevin Lever
Kevin Lever has been following television closely for most of his life, but in starting to cover it, he has grown a further appreciation. He strives to give the blockbusters their due, and give the lesser known shows a spotlight to find more fans.
2 comments
Well, I am not sure that we have seen the last of many characters. To take but one example, Lenny has been dead for most of the series yet we see her in most episodes. And whether or not we see her again, let’s at least give it up for Aubrey Plaza’a wonderful acting prowess. Costello only covered the mentioned song, which was originally written and recorded by Nick Lowe. It was an inspired choice. We are truly fortunate to be alive in a time where a series as brilliant as this can be seen.
Very true, everyone will likely come back in some way with how malleable the show tells its story. Plus with time now, anything is possible!
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