The Rook

I am on Episode 6 now. The book is much, MUCH better, however, the show has a life of its own. Don't try to see the book in this show, just watch it. The show is not bad, but it's an average one. The book (both if them, The Rook and Stiletto) are really original. The author ("That Aussi Guy") has a wild imagination, it's a pity that the show is not based on the book in any coherent way.

It's not easy to create a supernatural setting that feels fresh. The Rook is the most successful approach since Sense 8. Most importantly, Gestalt is the most original and hypnotizing character idea since I cannot even remember (I guess you can argue "ever"). I am disappointed that they are not the main character, and this is my main complaint: I find Myfanwy one of the least interesting characters in the story. I still really enjoy the show, but it's tailored for a specific audience that enjoy alternative supernatural stories. If you enjoyed Mysfits, The Umbrella Academy, or Sense 8 - I cannot recommend it enough. The story unfolds slowly, but it is way more subtle than I expected from something based on the book classified by many as YA. Gestalt alone make me want to know what happened next.

Firstly you have to wonder about a TV series where all the characters call the lead by the incorrect way. Myfanwy is an old Welsh name pronounced me-van-wee, not as they say Miffany, surely someone should have pointed this out. As for the cast, well they are going through the motions, nothing more. From the first few minutes in you dislike the lead, wishy-washy, bland etc. To be honest if you want something different from the usual superhero, anti-superhero you're in the wrong place, it ain't Legion. Basically it's the same as all the other banal sci-fi teen stuff, not as bad as 'The 100', but daft. Six stone slight women beating the hell out of man three times their weight, woman loses her mind, but leaves clues that anyone could find etc. The script is laughable in places, you wonder what research was ever undertaken, crime scene, pathology wasn't included in the research that's for sure. If you like your sci-fi with pretty people, characterless, pointless sex scenes, swearing for the sake of it, poor acting and a plot more open than a mountain range then you'll enjoy. If you prefer TV series like 'The Expanse', 'Discovery', 'Legion', 'Westworld', then avoid.

After first episode, it looks like a very interesting supernatural spy thriller. Well done with decent acting, great visuals and sound. I hope the series will maintain this level of excellence. I did not read the book it is based on, so have no prior expectations.

I've just realized how difficult it would be to bring the book as a whole to the small screen. You can make an endangered show for the fans or craft a semblance of the material for public interest. I think they've done a good job of the latter. I just miss the culled characters and storylines. Can see the direction they're on and, hopefully, the constant exposition and 5 minutes spent wandering the apartment were the foundation for the increasing exciting pace of a great story.