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
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User Reviews

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  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. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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.

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.
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  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.
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  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
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