Legends

:

Season 1
  • Network: TNT
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 13, 2014
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 83 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 83
  3. Negative: 8 out of 83
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Expand

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. MementoMori
    Sep 6, 2014
    8
    Albeit, this show holds many similarities to the Bourne series (among others) and seems as though it will continue on that meta. However, Sean Beans acting is without a doubt some of the best acting you will see on television and this show promises not to disappoint on that front! The introductory episodes do have a few plot holes and relatively flimsy supporting characters, but I stillAlbeit, this show holds many similarities to the Bourne series (among others) and seems as though it will continue on that meta. However, Sean Beans acting is without a doubt some of the best acting you will see on television and this show promises not to disappoint on that front! The introductory episodes do have a few plot holes and relatively flimsy supporting characters, but I still hold out that Legends will be another landmark in Sean Beans epic career. I was pleasantly surprised that each episode does not hold it's own story arch, generally a good sign for a show. Telling viewers that the writers are trying to bring us a more in depth story rather than force a climax at the end of every episode. As a bonus, with Brad Turner (Director of "24") and Sean Bean at the helm, Legends promises a fun ride. Whether or not it loses points for uniqueness, I hold high hopes for the remainder of the first season and will certainly enjoy watching Sean Bean no matter what direction the plot takes! We must remember that this show is being produced by TNT, a network relatively new to in depth story telling rather than episode to episode dramas. Also, nearly every show I watch on television has some derivative in past television or cinema, if they can take a generic meta and make a great show out of it who am I to fault them for it!… Expand
  2. elinaylapepa
    Sep 16, 2014
    10
    The Show in its two first episodes is maybe slow and has too many cliches, but it worth give it a chance because in the next episodes begins to be more interesting and leaves the open gate of too many possibilities, maybe you can see this possibilities the same for others shows or maybe it will take an unexpected turn.... i hope it be renewed, only to see Sean Bean acting the show worthsThe Show in its two first episodes is maybe slow and has too many cliches, but it worth give it a chance because in the next episodes begins to be more interesting and leaves the open gate of too many possibilities, maybe you can see this possibilities the same for others shows or maybe it will take an unexpected turn.... i hope it be renewed, only to see Sean Bean acting the show worths to be seen, he is brilliant in everything he does… Expand
  3. Ravens1294
    Oct 9, 2014
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sean Bean killed it in Legends. He's the best part of the show and he was the perfect man for the role. Martin Odum is a DCO agent that is questioned about who he really is and that leads to him finding out he is not the man he believes himself to be. The mystery is very interesting and it's nice to see how larger the mystery becomes. The show really didn't get good until the 5th episode. The show started to use the Verax story line and Odums involvement with them and it was really good. The show was better with the Verax story line and it was weaker with a case episode. They're not as interesting. The final 4 episodes were really good and the episodes 7 and 8 led to the 2 hour season finale. Well, the writing was good and bad at times, acting was solid, nothing new, but Sean Bean was amazing and very convincing though. The 2 hour season finale was a really good surprise and the last act was amazing. I do think the series will be cancelled because of the poor ratings. I do hope there is a second season though. They could do one more season because Bean was setup, DCO has been closed down, and Verax has gotten away with it. I would like to see the remaining story lines taken care of. It was a pretty good show in the end.… Expand
  4. BogKid
    Aug 14, 2014
    7
    Are the negative critics really trying to kill Ned St---, er Sean Bean?

    I'm not going into an intelligent analysis of this new show. Some doubt that I could. Yes, I spotted some of the dramatic flaws, some of the unbelievable plot turns designed simply to drive forward the action. Hey, "Legends" ain't "True Detective", but it ain't just junk either. It's pretty good escapist fakery    Are the negative critics really trying to kill Ned St---, er Sean Bean?

    I'm not going into an intelligent analysis of this new show. Some doubt that I could. Yes, I spotted some of the dramatic flaws, some of the unbelievable plot turns designed simply to drive forward the action. Hey, "Legends" ain't "True Detective", but it ain't just junk either. It's pretty good escapist fakery -- and it stars Sean Bean. Darn it, I just like it.    … Expand
  5. RichardGonci
    Aug 24, 2014
    5
    This show shamelessly uses every device ever conceived by actual writers, throws them into a writing Cuisinart, and churns out a hilarious melange every week. I finally realized they use the top-secret "JB" principle: use primarily character quirks from lead characters from other shows and movies whose names conform to that principle: Hence: the utterly erratic behavior of Jack Bauer; theThis show shamelessly uses every device ever conceived by actual writers, throws them into a writing Cuisinart, and churns out a hilarious melange every week. I finally realized they use the top-secret "JB" principle: use primarily character quirks from lead characters from other shows and movies whose names conform to that principle: Hence: the utterly erratic behavior of Jack Bauer; the past identity confusion of Jason Bourne; and continental accent of James Bond. Throw in supporting characters whose loyalty may be suspect, estranged exes, adorable children who serve no useful function whatsoever, and you get a Mulligan Stew that would confound even Mulligan himself. BTW, it's virtually impossible to deliver a "spoiler" review on this show, as it is so disjointed and schizophrenic in its plot structure, that even the most dedicated viewer can barely keep up. It's like having Thanksgiving dinner with your extremely bi-polar great uncle... many stories, not all connected very well. That said, I watch it regularly for the raucous ride.… Expand
  6. jeremyp
    Aug 15, 2014
    4
    A most appalling piece of trash for Bean to dig himself into. The opening dialog is grade C pulp fiction. Then it gets steadily more embarrassing. The plot has holes you could drive a C5 through, and the cute trick is that he's supposed to be a dissociative. It's a cookie cutter format: a cute blond, an Indian nerd, an evil homegrown terrrrorrrist who's six steps beyond the tea party.A most appalling piece of trash for Bean to dig himself into. The opening dialog is grade C pulp fiction. Then it gets steadily more embarrassing. The plot has holes you could drive a C5 through, and the cute trick is that he's supposed to be a dissociative. It's a cookie cutter format: a cute blond, an Indian nerd, an evil homegrown terrrrorrrist who's six steps beyond the tea party. Sean find a decent series, please, you're a great actor.… Expand
  7. DanniBoi
    Aug 13, 2014
    7
    Well... It all start with Brad Turner, if you have been fallowing Turner's latest shows like "Prison Break" in 2009 and "24" since 2001. Then you know what I am talking about and if you are a fan of his work, then you will like this for sure. This shows is very similar in compering with "24" a typical drama action pack with a cover operative.There is nothing new here besides of theWell... It all start with Brad Turner, if you have been fallowing Turner's latest shows like "Prison Break" in 2009 and "24" since 2001. Then you know what I am talking about and if you are a fan of his work, then you will like this for sure. This shows is very similar in compering with "24" a typical drama action pack with a cover operative.There is nothing new here besides of the intriguing story of the main characters that is played by Sean Bean. I will say and being honest that the drama is okay, and that I was already connecting all the dot's from the beginning of who is the main actor and how this show will be developed his story in the upcoming shows. I already figure how will be the ending of this show. But that is another whole topic of his won... the point is that is a cool drama with only one intriguing aspect of this plot, that is the story of Martin Odum played by Sean Bean.… Expand
  8. BillJustBill
    Aug 16, 2014
    0
    If you're maybe 12 or 14, at least mentally, you may find it entertaining. Only made it though about half of the pilot. But for the rest of us, not so much. Everyone is a cliche. The situations are formulaic, the plot points have no plausibility. Fortunately the show probably won't be around for that much longer.
  9. WestLil0
    Sep 4, 2014
    0
    Not good! There is so much dialog that my mind wanders . Just cannot focus on a plot that is so light and predictable. And if the main actor could at least close his mouth it might help. Will watch until my regular shows start this season
  10. cylian3
    Aug 20, 2014
    0
    Looked like It had potential first, but then they started inserting clichés and incredibly obvious turnouts minute after minute followed by a massive "sigh" cliffhanger which really killed it for me. I know you need a plot-point but this is the 21th f*cking century and you directors have learned absolutely nothing about distinguishing yourself (avoiding the streamline garbage) fromLooked like It had potential first, but then they started inserting clichés and incredibly obvious turnouts minute after minute followed by a massive "sigh" cliffhanger which really killed it for me. I know you need a plot-point but this is the 21th f*cking century and you directors have learned absolutely nothing about distinguishing yourself (avoiding the streamline garbage) from hundreds of years filled with rich cinema?

    Just pathetic.    … Expand
  11. derstreber
    Sep 14, 2014
    4
    It started interesting in the pilot episode but when you watch further it will be more and more boring. A shame because Sean Bean plays awesome. Kind of reminds me on Cranston's Heisenberg. But I think the show is dead.
  12. kingzardoz
    Oct 9, 2014
    5
    Such a waste of talent. All these actors deserve more. This show is just a string of spy thriller cliches conjured up by a high school student in creative writing class. Once this show gets cancelled all the writers should find a new occupation. The best thing you can do as a viewer is never watch this show and pretend you never heard about it.
  13. Tss5078
    Aug 1, 2016
    8
    Based on the terrific novel by Robert Littell, and brought to television by the same team that gave us 24 and Homeland, two summers ago, TNT treated us to the show, Legends. The show featured spectacular action, edge of your seat drama, and some of the best writing on television, but it was gone after just twenty episodes. Some viewers had a problem with the casting of Sean Bean, as theBased on the terrific novel by Robert Littell, and brought to television by the same team that gave us 24 and Homeland, two summers ago, TNT treated us to the show, Legends. The show featured spectacular action, edge of your seat drama, and some of the best writing on television, but it was gone after just twenty episodes. Some viewers had a problem with the casting of Sean Bean, as the lead character, but the real issue was with a network that just couldn't leave well enough alone.

    Martin Odum (Sean Bean) is a man who is told that he doesn't exist. Odum the best CIA undercover agent in the game is approached on the street one day, told that there has been an accident, and ever since that day, he has bought his own cover or legend and now believes he is this man Martin Odum, but who is he really? It's a slippery slope for Odum, as he tries to continue doing his job, while at the same time trying to figure out who he is and why he's posing as a CIA agent.

    With this series, TNT wasn't only getting a show that was created by arguably one of America's best espionage writers, but they also got the team that single-handedly changed the face of television drama, with nine seasons of the innovative show, 24, and the continuing drama of Homeland. These people know what they're doing, but even after a successful first season, the network wanted more, and decided to drop the current storyline and replace almost the entire cast for season two. Fans were expecting to continue where they left off and instead, were trust into the middle of what amounted to a brand new show. A brand new show that was hardly advertised and was cancelled immediately after the end of season 2.

    Sean Bean stars and while he fits the character of Odum, as a forty-something British guy, fans of Bean know that he always plays the bad guy, most notable in the film, National Treasure. Seeing Bean as one of the good guys does take an adjustment, but a lot of time he's undercover as one of the bad guys, so it's really not as strange as his fans make it out to be.

    ...and what was the purpose for replacing the original cast? It's not as if they were all inexperienced newcomers. Ali Larter is beautiful and a network veteran of shows like Heroes, Steve Harris has seemingly been in everything, and Morris Chesnutt was a revelation on the re-launch of the show V a few years back.

    Legends had all the makings of a terrific show, with outstanding writers, directors, producers, and an experienced cast, but the network it was on wanted huge ratings from the show and when they didn't happen immediately, TNT threw in the towel. I enjoyed the undercover angles, the humor, the action, and of course the drama, of Legends, and Sean Bean in particular gives some of the best performances of his career, but it was all for not as the plug was pulled before things even got started. If you want to know the real truth behind Martin Odum, you're just going to have to suck it up and read the book.    … Expand
  14. SlyckNickChick
    Sep 6, 2014
    10
    Legends is brilliant. Sean Bean plays a believable undercover operative assuming the names of criminal legends (fictional based characters) for eg. British arms dealer. I have never been disappointed by any role that has been played by Sean Bean. I'm Looking forward to watching more episodes and hope the show continues to grow and receives good ratings. I
  15. mac5
    Sep 24, 2014
    3
    The majority of the cast are pretty annoying and am grateful that Sean Bean’s character, Martin Odum spent half the series away from them. The annoying childlike analyst, Maggie Harris who narrates her every action and Crystal McGuire who is probably the most immature and unprofessional team leader the FBI ever experienced, the intelligence chief who is easily manipulated and notThe majority of the cast are pretty annoying and am grateful that Sean Bean’s character, Martin Odum spent half the series away from them. The annoying childlike analyst, Maggie Harris who narrates her every action and Crystal McGuire who is probably the most immature and unprofessional team leader the FBI ever experienced, the intelligence chief who is easily manipulated and not forgetting the cardboard cut-out desk bound FBI officer who decides on his own volition to investigate the actions of an undercover officer. The writing is atrocious with an abundance of stereotypes, clichés, and discriminatory references.… Expand
  16. VidRob
    Dec 6, 2014
    10
    Good show. Like the fact that every episode there is something different with the underlying plot of who the main character is.

    I hope it be renewed, only to see Sean Bean acting the show worth to be seen, he is brilliant in everything he does
  17. jaybeeang
    Sep 20, 2014
    7
    Despite what other reviewers are saying, this show is actually not that bad if you're not out to try and kill another Sean Bean character.

    Yes, I am no expert on what makes TV shows good or bad or what holes plots have. What I do know, though, is what shows keep me excited for the next episode. And trust me, this one is one of those shows. It's also interesting whenever Sean Bean's    Despite what other reviewers are saying, this show is actually not that bad if you're not out to try and kill another Sean Bean character.

    Yes, I am no expert on what makes TV shows good or bad or what holes plots have. What I do know, though, is what shows keep me excited for the next episode. And trust me, this one is one of those shows. It's also interesting whenever Sean Bean's character starts describing another one of his legends. His passion for adopting these identities clearly goes beyond what is required to do his job. Towards the end of the character description, he even starts talking like them. Really makes you want to find out what made him like this.

    All I hope is they do the character's backstory justice. If they end up botching the reason behind his condition, this show is dead. But as of right now, I'm still glued.    … Expand
  18. Puellaesti
    Oct 2, 2014
    8
    I really like it even though I agree it's complicated, confusing and copies every cliche used in the genre. Perhaps it's the pivotal character actor's skill that maintains interest no matter where the plot turns, ...and it certainly does.
  19. SOA21
    Oct 20, 2014
    10
    Legends started off a little slow for me and I went through the first 2 to 4 episodes half lost. Once everything started coming together and the real story-line started to come out, I couldn't stop watching. If you are one of those people that stopped watching after the first couple of episodes or formed your opinions early, I recommend you watch the entire first season. Once you finishLegends started off a little slow for me and I went through the first 2 to 4 episodes half lost. Once everything started coming together and the real story-line started to come out, I couldn't stop watching. If you are one of those people that stopped watching after the first couple of episodes or formed your opinions early, I recommend you watch the entire first season. Once you finish the season finale, you will be asking when does season 2 start! I put Legends in the same category as The Blacklist, you never know what is around the corner. If you are one of those people that did not like the series after you watched the entire season, I can respect what you have to say, but if you are forming your opinions and can't take the time to watch the entire season, then please feel free to not comment on any other series! I love Game of Thrones, but even it was so-so over the first 5 to 7 episodes, now it is one of the best shows on television. Bottom line, watch the entire season and you will be hooked for more.… Expand
  20. dallas4214
    Oct 29, 2015
    10
    I truly enjoyed the first season and look forward to the second season next week. The show has a great perspective on multiple identity profiles that is missing in other spy shows. It also reveals the inevitable collapse of the the agent and his occupational strain on the family.
  21. YorkMan
    Dec 29, 2015
    6
    I had to average out the rating to '6' as the first season is worth an '8' and the second season scrapes a '4'.

    To be honest, the fact the show has now been cancelled isn't too surprising, but it's also a shame that the second season went so far away from what was established in the first, effectively retconning the whole premise laid out, and creating a completely new one that wasn't    I had to average out the rating to '6' as the first season is worth an '8' and the second season scrapes a '4'.

    To be honest, the fact the show has now been cancelled isn't too surprising, but it's also a shame that the second season went so far away from what was established in the first, effectively retconning the whole premise laid out, and creating a completely new one that wasn't anywhere near as good.

    In order to 'review', that distinction is important, and each season needs to be taken separately because they are so completely different in both style and tone.

    Season 1 - Sean Bean is Martin Odum, a deep cover agent working for the US government. It's made clear his broad Northern England accent is a relic from his work, rather than his natural accent... This is because Odum struggles to understand who he is. His job, as a deep cover agent, is to make use of 'Legends', the fake identities/backgrounds dreamt up by the department, and immerse himself in the character he creates from the words he reads in the Legends file.
    Whilst other agents can maybe work two Legends into a career, before getting to the point of confusion, Odum seems to have an unnatural ability to slip in and out of dozens of characters at will. This makes him a devastating asset, as his undercover work can be made continuous, and he can work several 'cases' at the same time.
    Things begin to unravel when a stranger pulls him up, shoves a folder into his hands and just tells Odum he's not who he thinks he is. The folder is a massively redacted set of military mission statements dating back to the Gulf War in the mid 90's, but Odum is has no idea what it all means.
    When the stranger is killed, almost immediately after handing him the folder, Odum understands his own life is at risk.
    So, whilst continuing the 'day job', he begins his own investigation into his past, culminating in the discovery of a massive conspiracy involving high ranking politicians, corporate kingpins and those in the upper echelons of the US secret service.
    The series ends on a revelation that wasn't expected at all.

    Season 2 - The story moves to London where Odum is on the run after he's been accused of killing the head of the CIA (which he is convinced he didn't do, but in the narrative of the story it's never conclusively proven he didn't), and is just waiting for the right time to try and clear his name.
    Things get moving when a CIA friend (from season 1) turns up with information he's obtained from an old flame working for MI6. This information suggests Odum's past might be linked to MI6, and after reviewing the information Odum sets off to track down those who might have known him (the real him) whilst he was in England.
    It leads him to an ex-Chechnyan woman and her teenage daughter who he somehow recognises, but doesn't actually seem to know. She calls him Dimitri, and warns him off telling him to never come near her again.
    Concurrently, the episodes flashback into the past. Allowing the viewer to experience a storyline that entangles with the 'current' one. In 2001 Odum 'was' Dmitry, in Prague. Dmitry being a vicious Russian gangster who muscles his way into an ex-Chechnyan gun running group as a facilitator who can make things happen.
    Dmitry is being investigated by a CIA agent, and an up and coming local special services officer, and their story is also brought into the present day too, thus spinning multiple storylines through the 2 main timelines.
    On top of this there are scenes of a younger Odum at Boarding school in the mid 70's, and at university in the mid 80's, designed to flesh out his character more and allow a better understanding of his motivations.
    Ultimately, the storylines all conclude and the series ends with Odum accepting he just is who he is, but still not actually closer to filling in the gaps in his memory.

    Why is season 1 so good? Mainly because of Sean Bean's resolutely brilliant performance, taking on several different 'roles' as different Legends, whilst expertly dealing with the machinations of everyone (and everything) around him. The action is fantastic, and the writing is top drawer. The idea of someone looking to discover who they actually are isn't new or 'exciting' as a premise, but it's delivered in a new and 'exciting' way, which was incredibly effective.
    Season 2 is so poor because they threw out all the good parts of the first season (most likely because it was so well and intelligently written the 'average' Joe didn't feel spoonfed enough to feel it was worth their time to watch. Sean Bean is playing two roles this time, but because this 'season' is rewriting the whole premise and turning more into a Bourne Identity spy thriller, the context and juxtaposition of the two different 'people' was completely lost.
    By the end, when i discovered the show had been cancelled..... As I said at the beginning, it wasn't a shock. I just wish they'd stuck to the original idea of the show, and not messed it all up.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 27
  3. Negative: 2 out of 27
  1. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Nancy DeWolf Smith
    Aug 15, 2014
    70
    When it isn't outlandish, it has a more seriously entertaining side in the mystery of a hooded man who was mortally wounded while trying to tell Martin that even his identity as Martin is not real.
    Read full review
  2. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Matt Zoller Seitz
    Aug 13, 2014
    40
    Legends makes a grand show of setting up a tortuous, vaguely Don Draper–like interior journey for our lone-wolf hero--in the pilot, he's stalked by a shadowy figure who intimates that Martin doesn't know all there is to know about his true self--but the character is such a pile of overworked cop-show and spy-show elements (he's in too deep, he's a cranky and sarcastic maverick who resents authority, his work destroyed his marriage, etc.), that there's not much to him beyond the charisma that Bean naturally brings.
    Read full review
  3. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Aug 13, 2014
    50
    And yet, after watching the first two episodes, it's a shame that Legends (and TNT) weren't a bit more ambitious with the show. The pilot is splashy and action-packed, but overall the lack of complexity--and yes, I know I cited that as a plus earlier--makes it less satisfying.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »