Legends (2014–2015) User Reviews (58)

TNT Series Legends Pilot Review

[GoodToBeAGeek · 8/10 · 13 August 2014]

Fan favorite Sean Bean is back on the small screen in the latest TNT series, Legends. The series, based on the novel by Robert Littell, follows a deep cover agent embedded in dangerous situations, working in the interest of national security.

Through the course of the episode, the audience follows Bean's character through his undercover work and discovers the struggles he faces in his home life. All of this pales in comparison to the greater story when Bean's character is confronted and told he is not who he thinks he is; the life he believes is his is just a legend - a fictional character history created for the purpose of undercover operations.

The concept is intriguing and the pilot episode is well balanced. Although, more action sequences would have been welcome. The supporting cast, which includes Ali Larter, Steve Harris and Tina Majorino, among others, is impressive. Bean's acting prowess is the real reason to tune it. One scene in particular has Bean shifting into a different character in front of the other characters and the transformation is a highlight of the episode.

If the rest of the series follows the formula of the pilot episode, audiences can expect a new threat every week, as well as an opportunity for Bean's acting skills to shine as he transforms into a new character every week.

Worth watching

[justinfielding · 8/10 · 12 May 2016]

I'm not going to over analyse this. It's a decent show, second season is a very different format to the first but just as enjoyable perhaps more so as it's a bit less 'American'. It follows through on the backstory of Martin Odum.

Worth watching, it's not Breaking Bad but much better than some of the rubbish being produced these days.

Now I'm just having to add more words for the review to be accepted. What more do I need to say - isn't this a ridiculous policy. I'm not a wannabe TV critic I just wanted to let people know that this show is worth watching. Ten lines of text - seriously? Almost there now not much more to type...

Will This Interesting Drama Have Legs?

[atlasmb · 8/10 · 21 August 2014]

"Legends" is about acting. Not the work the actors do in playing their roles in this original show by TNT. The acting that the main character (Martin Odom portrayed by Sean Bean) does in the commission of his job. He works undercover for the FBI's Division of Covert Operations (DCO), a division that specializes in domestic or foreign terrorism. Martin's particular talent is his ability to convincingly assume a false identity (a legend) in undercover work. Viewers who enjoy watching his talent are the main audience for this show.

Martin's personality is suited to this work. When he becomes someone else, he immerses himself totally, to the point that the line between reality and fantasy is blurred. In the first episode, we see him become Lincoln Dittman, a stuttering malcontent who joins a domestic terrorist group because he is disillusioned with the American Dream.

The hazards he faces are physical and psychic. His personal life suffers because of the time demands of the job and because he struggles with reintegrating himself into his real life, where he has a young son, Aiden, and an ex-wife, Sonya (Amber Valletta).

The woman who overseers his operations is Crystal Quest (Ali Larter). She doesn't trust Martin's psychological stability, but her boss Nelson Gates (Steve Harris) values Martin's abilities. Crystal gets drawn into the operations sometimes. She is cool under pressure. Maggie Harris (Tina Majorino) is the computer expert in the office who solves all of the digital problems.

As Martin juggles the dark world of shadow operations and his personal life responsibilities, he follows a longer story arc: who is he? A mysterious man contacted him and alleged that "Martin Odom" is just another legend--just before he was stabbed to death on a subway platform, dying in Martin's arms. Who was the woman that wielded the blade? What can Martin learn from the book that the man gave him with his dying breaths?

It is too early to tell if "Legends" can remain interesting as Martin infiltrates one organization after another. But Sean Bean has a remarkable ability to play the damaged protagonist.

Update 9/4/14: After watching 4 episodes, I am upgrading my rating to 8. This drama is engaging. The acting is good.

The Sean Bean Show

[karim_arabu · 8/10 · 2 October 2014]

While the forum section will have you believe this is the 2nd coming of the Dexter finale, it's not.

While not the most original show, it has its good parts. Sure the characters aren't really that interesting. I mean most people I assume gave this a chance and caught their eye mostly because of Sean Bean. The tech geek is a direct copy of the one in Arrow, and that's pretty lazy, but it's passable as I really only care about Mr.Bean's character really.

The writers could have done a better job with the characters but they are all passable and Bean fills up the void left by them.

The story seems pretty good. I didn't really feel it is that far-fetched or insulting to people's intelligence ( like The Strain or The Following ).

In the end you'll have to see for yourself. I was immediately hooked after the pilot and I can't say the show has gotten worse or better. Every new episode we find out new things in this ongoing madness of the life of the protagonist. So I guess that could qualify as a "gotten better". First 1-2 episodes are more like "House M.D." style with the plot slowly being introduced to us and now it's mostly about that besides the fbi cases.

I would say atm, it's a solid 7.5-8. People giving it 6 and stuff like that clearly are over exaggerating since there are a lot of worse, way worse shows, with worse acting, worse plots, worse actors, worse production quality.

Solid Entertainment!

[SMcFirefly · 7 September 2014]

This show will probably be cancelled (hopefully not), because many good shows these days do not get renewed (I'm still not over Jericho).

As a huge fan of Sean Bean, his acting does not disappoint. IMO, from his performance in the pilot episode as Lincoln Dittmann, I feel like he deserves a Primetime Emmy nomination for Lead Actor for this show (especially after being snubbed for Game Of Thrones). 4 Episodes in and I cannot wait to see what Bean can pull off.

Aside from the lead, I am probably in the minority but the supporting cast is excellent. I love Ali Larter and I think she and Bean have tremendous chemistry. Steve Harris is really great, same with Morris Chestnut. I cannot wait to see these characters flesh out some more as the episodes air.

Here is hoping for a second season!

Sean Bean's death streak is broken, and what a break this is.

[manostheodosis · 10/10 · 13 September 2014]

Last year people were hyped about Blacklist. It was an FBI series with secrets, plot-twists etc etc. And it was a pretty good series too.

Then, in 2014 we get Legends. Oh boy does it make Blacklist look petty in comparison. Legends follows Sean Bean as an FBI agent who works in the Undercover Department, incarnating "Legends" (the fake identities agents make up for their missions). However, Martin (Sean Bean) starts to question his identity, as someone claims that he isn't who he thinks, and that Martin Odoum is just another Legend.

The story is intriguing on its own, and Sean Bean's acting is simply over the top. The way he is able to incarnate each and every Legend is absolutely amazing. Besides Sean Bean, the plot is really interesting and it gets better with each and every episode. Every week I'm hook in front of my TV set, dwelling further and further into the mystery.

A 2014 must watch, don't miss out on this one!

pretty good show starring Sean Bean

[blanche-2 · 7/10 · 15 October 2014]

"Legends" is the story of a man, Martin Odom (Sean Bean) who goes undercover for the FBI's Division of Covert Operations, a division that investigates terrorism. To go undercover, he takes on a "legend," which is a completely new character.

Martin is considered one of the best in the business, but his intensity and complete commitment to his legend has an effect on his personal life. He finds it difficult to come out of these legends, and it seems to have ruined his marriage. He's now divorced with a young boy.

Because he's considered psychologically unstable, his overseer, Crystal (Ali Larter) doesn't quite trust him, but the man above her (Steve Harris) has no problem sending him out on assignments.

As the first year of the series continues, we find out that Martin Odom may be a legend himself -- there is missing time in his life, after he was supposedly in a car accident. However, clues have surfaced that he was actually part of a covert mission in Afghanistan. So Martin starts trying to find out who he is and whether or not his ex-wife was involved in the cover-up of that part of his life.

Since the story has become more personal for Martin, the episodes have become more interesting. Sean Bean is a strong actor and excellent in the role. He provides a great anchor.

This is a dark show that sometimes can be a little confusing, but I found myself tuning in week after week. I like it.

What A Fantastic Idea

[terminator35173 · 8/10 · 3 September 2014]

I feel that the show's overall concept and idea is brilliant! With the use of Sean Bean's exquisite acting skills and his portrayal as Martin Odum, they made it off the floor with a blast. You are not provided with too much information from the beginning, but enough to keep you satisfied and engaged to where you are not too confused.

The idea is both suspenseful and thrilling, but definitely could be a little less serious. Some humor here and there would provide a lot more to the show's overall authenticity. The constant dark suspenseful mentality of the this action-packed TV show for the majority of the time can be a little too much for some viewers.

But if you're looking for a concept that is fresh, fun, and exciting, I highly recommend this.

Wooden and Predictable...Almost Boring, Except Sean Bean

[AudioFileZ · 6/10 · 9 October 2014]

Well, I don't know if this is, like, a verbatim re-telling of Littrell's novels or what...But, there isn't any inspiration in the early going here. An undercover FBI agent (Lincoln something who is Martin Odum who is Sean Bean) who has infiltrated a grass-roots militia. First big scene is Sean Bean's character coming up against some of his fellow militia mates who seem to think he's maybe not what he purports. A little fake cocked pistol to the head...CLICK! Wow, never seen this before. Then another unnamed government agency repels in from the night sky to bust the militia for weapons also busting Martin Odum's 6-month infiltration of the militia. This is getting downright predictable with all the clichés' intact so no surprise we get everyone dislikes everyone and every agency works against every other agency.

Of course Martin doesn't need to really get along with anyone. He's the star of the show and if he's not a lone-wolf loose cannon he might be too plain vanilla. Who names their big undercover "Coolio" MARTIN ODUM. Is he part of the Odum sausage (Tennessee Pride) royalty? The pork tie-in would be cool, you know a James Bond like dude who loves sausage and bacon somehow working it in to every show.

More predictability...Like fellow FBI agent Crystal McGuire = no love lost for Martin Odum as in: "what's he doing here", this lady makes it worse cause she is not exactly Meryl Streep, ex-wife = "you can't just show up" (wow, never heard this either). Of course Martin and Crystal are former lovers, but you knew that when you first saw her character (too good looking) - even though the writers want to be sure.

I don't like this "pilot episode" set-up for a new spy vs. spy show - emphasis on new with truth in advertising as in "nothing new". I've watched exactly 50% of the first episode and I'd like to quit except I heard one great line: "has it ever occurred to you that Crystal is a cool striper's name?". Kinda funny since Ali Larter can't act but her belly-button/negligee' sort of worked in the referenced scene.

Here's my plan to avoid total tunnel-vision on my part. I'm going to quit writing now and give this a pass on a rating because I really like Sean Bean and want this to work. I'll revisit this after ever how many episodes it takes to find it's footing (i.e. become more watchable, even good). If I never revisit this review...well, that speaks for itself.

Gives full breadth to Sean Bean's range

[jacksokol · 10/10 · 10 October 2014]

Sean Bean is a powerful actor, and he truly creates a believable character tortured by a past he can't remember. The only other show that had a surrealistic construct like this, I can remember was The Prisoner with Patrick McGoohan, which is a classic of the spy genre. I feel that Legends has the potential to be another classic well-remembered series. There are differences, however they share a central theme which is the loss of identity in modern society.

However, the spy genre is under-appreciated by critics and shows rarely last long. The show is a great vehicle for Bean's talents, as every week he creates a new legend, an undercover alias. I hope we get to find out more about how his story unfolds.

two sixes

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 17 December 2015]

Martin Odum (Sean Bean) is a skilled undercover agent working for the FBI. He has had many "Legends" but unbeknown to him, his life with his ex (Amber Valletta) and son may be another Legend. The squad has Tony Rice (Morris Chestnut), Crystal McGuire (Ali Larter), techie Maggie Harris (Tina Majorino) and led by Nelson Gates (Steve Harris). The first season is part procedural and part serial of him trying to uncover his past. It's a bit muddled. It's a bit confused. I thought it eventually worked out the procedural and maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Then the show is completely retooled for season 2 with mostly a new cast. Martin goes to London to uncover his lost past. Kate Crawford is part of his past and her daughter is falling into radical Islamic hands. He is hunted by the FBI. The show has constant flashbacks to various parts of his life especially around 2001 in The Czech Republic as Russian mobster Dmitry Petrovich. It's daring to completely change the show or maybe it was a Hail Mary. I appreciate the attempt. It's both good and bad.

I like the edgy, more real story. I like the daughter's journey and Martin's search. I like some of Martin's flashbacks. I like him as a little kid in the boarding school and I love him as a Mormon. On the minus side, I hated the Prague flashbacks. I couldn't care less about them and the fact it devour so much time is tiresome. The first season is a 6 and the second is a little better but still a 6.

Amazing Sean Bean!

[mariel-heald · 10/10 · 25 September 2014]

I thought this show was really well written and cast with great plots. I have seen two episodes now and was very impressed. The show really keeps you on the edge of your seat with thrills and twists. Sean Bean gives an excellent performance with his stutter and his accents. You would never believe he was a Yorkshire man, he shines in this show. I have seen him in many roles from Game of Thrones, Sharpe, Lord of the Rings and many more and this is definitely his best most talented acting performance. He should get more gritty roles like this one. It was nice to see some of the Big Love cast in Legends too who are very talented. I really hope they do a second season as this is a great series.

Falls into a crumpled heap at the last hurdle...

[stuart_davies · 6/10 · 12 October 2014]

The first nine episodes are stuff of legend...*snigger* The cast does a great job of selling the viability of the plot and the suspense is well managed and keeps the fun going. Then I watched to the end of episode 10 in dismay as the scriptwriters switched their brains off and penned the most feeble of endings to a plot that so for had been intriguing and plausible. Jason Shaw's phone call is traced to an abandoned hotel and it turns out to be a trap... really!? Martin wakes up alone in a building now empty of enemies who he knows have just digitally copied his face and voice into a computer. He goes to the roof and sees a sniper rifle lent provocatively against an outer wall with other kit strewn around it. He immediately picks it up and puts his finger prints all over it... really!!? Martin is Cameron!!!? Deputy Director Spiller works with the enemy!!!!? The obviousness of these plot artefacts is about the only thing I didn't see coming! It's a damn shame that poor writing lets such a great piece of work go to waste!!

Typical and conventional, re-tread of what we've seen before

[jds10011 · 5/10 · 3 September 2014]

Sean Bean is very good, and could have been SO much better if he had writers, directors and fellow actors who were up to his level. I was interested and hopeful for something other than ordinary, but it quickly became completely standard and predictable.

For some sad reason, the producers have chosen to just take the easy road, following the typical conventional model for a TV show of this genre. Scenes, dialogue, characters, story elements, gimmicks, etc., etc., etc. are just re-treads from a score of other shows of this ilk.

The producers and writers have obviously also chosen to not learn much about police/FBI work and culture. The FBI characters are about as shallow as Saturday morning cartoons. All the usual standard characters are here: the semi-rogue insider (Morris Chesnut) who could be a threat to the lead character; a female mid-management/ FBI agent team leader (Ali Larter) who seems to have no insight, no emotional maturity, no leadership qualities, and no apparent FBI training. Her boss (Steve Harris), is, well, the same character that Steve Harris plays in every other TV show he's been in.

And, of course, Ali Larter has to play a stripper in one episode - gosh, who could have predicted?!? There is nothing that resembles anything like professional FBI/ investigative behavior. Again: as with the good ol' fashioned standards for network TV from the 50s through today (apparently), we see a mostly inept team of stock characters (including this shows version of the quirky lovable female tech geek with goofy hair) always missing the obvious, committing shockingly stupid mistakes, mouthing pseudo-glib little comments about ...whatever... and bumbling their way from one near disaster to the next.

Too bad. I had never seen Sean Bean very much, and didn't really grasp England's popular fascination with him. But, he is acting circles around the rest of these B- and C-level actors, hamstrung by the choices made by the producers and director(s), and the sophomoric writing.

The story could have had genuinely interesting nuance and shading, doubt and mystery. It could have been compelling. They got the right lead actor, probably by accident. Their opening artwork is derivative of True Detective. Production values are on par with prime-time broadcast network shows.

But, other than Bean (and possibly a couple of frustrated character roles), this show is fatally weighed down by lousy off-screen and on- screen talent (Sean Bean excepted). It will likely see one season, and, if no fundamental and substantial changes are made, Legends will find its way to the growing scarp heap of re-tread crap.

Season 1 not so great but Season 2 was fantastic

[cmurf-49533 · 8/10 · 31 December 2015]

I have seen a lot of reviews on here. I agree with most people Season 1 was just OK. Sean Bean was fantastic but the acting for the rest of the cast was horrific.

Decided to give Season 2 a shot. I couldn't stop watching. It was 100 times better than Season 1. I find it funny all these people on here complaining about the time jumps and that there is words on the bottom of the screen. What do you people have minds of 5 year olds? Stop what you are doing and watch the show. It's not hard to follow as long as you aren't an idiot. The acting is great. Story line was pretty solid too. I think the problem they had was Season 1 was so bad that Season 2 never had a chance. If they started the show with Season 2 instead they might have had a hit. I like how Season 2 ended. It gave closure in case it did get canceled. I was worried they wouldn't tie everything up but they did. I highly recommend this show unless you are like these other 2 year olds that wrote these reviews and can't follow a basic story line.

Wow! Great show!

[boxerorbag36 · 10/10 · 9 October 2014]

Just finished marathon viewing of 1st season. If you enjoy shows like Murder in the 1st, Red Road, Tyrant, etc., you'll love this one. It's developed through a story arc, not crime of the week like so many others. I admit it started out slow, but the pace really picked up by the 4th episode and I was hooked. Very intriguing and captivating. The cast and writers did an excellent job. Left you with a cliffhanger, waiting for next season, to find out just who Martin Odum really is. I definitely recommend watching this series and truly hope it will be back next year. Amazing job, everyone connected with bringing it on air.

Catchy FBI drama series with a lot of good action and a fair dose of mystery.

[laurens-swart · 7/10 · 19 September 2014]

Very nice new TV series starring Sean Bean (who doesn't die in the first episode, like he does in all other series and movies) and Ali Larter (Heroes).

It has some Spooks (MI5) elements in it, such as the team composition: a team leader (Larter), a techy (Majorino), the head of the department (Harris) and a "rogue" agent who does whatever he likes (Bean); and it also has some 24 elements in it. It is however, unlike Spooks (and more like 24) not very realistic, especially when it comes to the medical stuff. For example when someone flatlines, you can't say his "pulse is dropping", and "he is still in defib" doesn't even exist at all (someone is in V-fib/ventricular fibrillation, and you have to de-fibrillate him to get him out of it).

Overall the series is very entertaining, and not too "cliffhangery". I'd seriously recommend this series to people who enjoyed watching Spooks and 24.

This is surprisingly good entertainment

[jonnithomas · 8/10 · 23 September 2014]

I wasn't expecting too much from this as it has Sean Bean in it. He usually plays one character in a rather wooden way that appeals to the Mills and Boon group of girlies with heaving bosoms and hearts aflutter.

However, this isn't that stereotype. The Sean Bean character has a past and it's played surprisingly well by him. The supporting characters are solid and the program is worth watching.

If you like FBI/crime/thriller type programs then you will enjoy this. It isn't too incredible and has enough drama to keep you interested with enough action to keep you watching.

I have watched the first five episodes and intend following the series. Hopefully it gets further series.

A bit of a confusing snooze-fest, with promise

[injvstice · 6/10 · 16 November 2015]

To start off, I'm a fan of Homeland, with which this show tries to connect itself. It's not there yet.

The cast is okay (Sean Bean is of course, great). Although I like Ali Larter, I thought in first season she had a very uncomfortable, formulaic role. Her acting came through plastic, but I think that's because her role was pretty plastic to begin with. She was definitely nowhere close to pulling off a Homeland-level character definition. I hope she's back, but if she's not, the show doesn't really suffer.

The story itself feels a little dragged out. It has the feel of one of those shows where they had a good idea, but they are making the story up as they go along, with no end game in sight. The flashbacks in Season 2 are annoying, and in general, repeated flashbacks are an artistic kludge, used to take up space in the main story. Most good shows do not make liberal use of flashbacks. Most bad ones do.

I like the show's mood. We have way too many cheerful shows full of smart-ass, annoying quips (what the heck is that Librarians commercial, can they find more annoying squeaking clean people?). However the writers and directory must understand that dark doesn't mean gray and rainy, it grates on your nerves week after week, and it dulls your brain. Pulling off a dark show against sunny. colorful backgrounds, that's more interesting. As it stands, the show's scenery appeals mostly to people looking to be put to sleep. Couple that with Sean Bean's raspy whispered tone, and you have a snooze-fest. I have a hard time watching it without being distracted into doing something else.

Well, at least Ali Larter brightened the screen a little when she came on...

It's getting better and better

[nadeesha-premadasa-882-536694 · 10/10 · 30 December 2015]

I think this is one of the most underrated show in the history of TV series. As for people who have not watched this TV series, This show is a must watch show. Unpredictability is one of the main characteristic. If anyone love surprises, this one does surprise a lot of people, so people watch it. This is one of the best TV series.

I do not wish to spoil anything. If anyone has seen Bourne identity, Bourne supremacy and Bourne ultimatum, you will like this show. This show has full of action which would keep us entertain. Moreover, people find confusing at the beginning like most of the TV series but as you continue watching the idea gets more clear and clear. So don't stop watching.

Not true facts about Saudi Arabia

[Hayo16 · 10 October 2014]

I love this show so much but with episode 7-8 i was not happy about what they said about Saudi people. There are so many wrong facts either about Saudi Women or princes . Hope they won't continue picture Saudi people in such a bad way. We got our own right while Magi said we not allowed to leave our houses without a male i was laughing on this weird thought.Who give them the idea that by attacking the prince they attack God or guardians of Mecca that is completely wrong .Hope they respect our religion and show the truth about kindness & greatness of Islam . I appreciate if they just talk about individuals in general and not like it is true facts . Finally I'm anxious to know who really is Martin Odim .

Sean Bean fan but cannot endure the show for the long haul

[djg32514 · 6/10 · 30 December 2015]

I am a Sean Bean fan but this series is really a waste of his talent. The plot is infuriating and all the time line jumps wore me out. The characters are superficial, shallow and cliché. I watched season 1 hoping it would get better then season 2 started and I tried to watch but found myself fast forwarding through it. Not my cup of tea at all. Almost painful to watch. I hope Sean Bean finds a role which more fully utilizes his talent because Legends definitely doesn't. Honestly I got more enjoyment out of the book. Not sure if the show writers were lazy or just lacking in talent. TNT has done some shows really well but not this one.

how??????

[farailifa · 10/10 · 26 May 2016]

i really wonder what criteria is used when canceling shows .without batting any eye i can tell you several things that should not e on TV right now Olivia pope how can that over acting go un canceled how to get away with murder equally bad or those are the standards set and required by shondaland. big bang theory has not been funny for several seasons now you are in my spot can only be funny for so long Quantico i need a thesaurus compass Google maps just to keep up with the horrid plots the one about a girl in a bag in new york not a movie but Daniel Craig must be canceled already it must certainly be a us thing coz i just don't get it

First series just ended here, with the wrong stuff going out there.

[fuertemurphy · 7/10 · 4 July 2016]

The first season just ended here on Sky TV, a Fox company. I loved this right up to the last episode of the first series. Up to then it was good popcorn TV with some good theme-work running through it. Admittedly some of the stories were very far fetched, but they were entertaining enough to keep the interest going.

The last episode of the set-up, ended with the 'There were weapons of mass destruction.' We all know this was a lie, a fabrication to allow 'W' to invade Iraq without a backup plan. To give it credence, even in a TV action series, was wrong. To this day two thirds of Americans believe 'W' wasn't lying. This fiction will become a statement of fact for the tinfoil brigade in the future.

From a story of legends comes mediocrity...

[After_The_Watershed · 5/10 · 14 September 2014]

Centring on the work of a specialist division of the FBI that builds cover identities to get its personnel close to terrorists, drug dealers and other unsavoury sorts, Legends attempts to give us an insight into the psychological effects of the work that they do, whilst keeping things entertaining with some action. It is a plot with potential that the scriptwriters fall short of being able to make anything of, as the story and characters lack depth and viewers are at times left to suspend disbelief unnecessarily, when the writers use less than subtle queues to draw attention to the important parts of a scene.

For the most part, the talent do an OK job with the two dimensional characters that they have been asked to portray, with Sean Bean taking the lead and bringing a bucket full of his trade mark Yorkshire grit to Martin Odum, the deep cover operative that is his to embody. Unfortunately, I have at no point in the series felt either one way or the other for Martin or any of the characters and, at the end of episode five I am apathetic to how the series is going to pan out, though will continue to watch in the hope that the big secret that is being alluded to in each episode will turn out to be something that makes me emote a little more than the 'meh' that I am currently feeling.

If you thought that Strike Back was a great show (nearest comparison for quality that I can make) and you are into a bit of mindless action to pass the time, then by all means while away a few hours with Legends but, if you are looking for a well-crafted story and an intelligent script that leaves you to do a bit of thinking for yourself, I don't think you need waste your time here.