Legion

Season 8, Episode 11, Aired
EDIT

Episode Summary

Three superheroes from the future travel to the past and join Clark in hopes that together they can defeat Brainiac, who has taken over Chloe's body.
9.1
out of 10
EPISODE RATING: Superb
676 votes
  • Your Rating: 10
    "Perfect"
  • Your Rating: 9.5
    "Superb"
  • Your Rating: 9
    "Superb"
  • Your Rating: 8.5
    "Great"
  • Your Rating: 8
    "Great"
  • Your Rating: 7.5
    "Good"
  • Your Rating: 7
    "Good"
  • Your Rating: 6.5
    "Fair"
  • Your Rating: 6
    "Fair"
  • Your Rating: 5.5
    "Mediocre"
  • Your Rating: 5
    "Mediocre"
  • Your Rating: 4.5
    "Poor"
  • Your Rating: 4
    "Poor"
  • Your Rating: 3.5
    "Bad"
  • Your Rating: 3
    "Bad"
  • Your Rating: 2.5
    "Terrible"
  • Your Rating: 2
    "Terrible"
  • Your Rating: 1.5
    "Abysmal"
  • Your Rating: 1
    "Abysmal"
Rate It

Watch Online

TNT
Subscription
Amazon
Buy
iTunes
Buy
VUDU
Buy/Rent

Cast & Crew

See All EDIT

Fan Episode Reviews (44)

See All

  • The Prodigal Heroes Arrive!

    9.5
    "Superb"
    By lenzinoH20, Jan 09, 2011 Report Abuse
    Legion-Three superheroes from the future travel to the past and join Clark in hopes that together they can defeat Brainiac, who has taken over Chloe's body.

    WOW, has it been a long hiatus or what! Those 8 weeks during the holidays seemed like forever after the tragic and shocking conclusion of "Bride". The first half of season dealt with the coming of the Doomsday with episodes seeming to get better with each episode. When I heard that episode 11 would feature to debut of the Legion of Superheroes, I couldn't help but think of the Superman: The Animated Series episode "New Kids In Town" when the Legion of Superheroes travel back in time to Smallville to help the teenaged Clark Kent when Brainiac tries to kill him. It was one of my favorite episodes of that series and ever since Smallville began I wondered if the writers would ever include the Legion, considering they're almost essential to the comic book mythos about Clark Kent's pre-Superman storyline. While I do have a little nitpick, I am very happy to say "Legion" was more than worth the wait. It's the Smallville episode that most fans have been dreaming of and it would be an honor if Geoff Johns (one of DC's comic book writers) would return to write more episodes as he seems to understand the characters of the Superman mythology more than the writers of the series!

    The episode starts with a very cool "Previously on Smallville" of the first half of the season. Then the opening teaser, which has to be the best opening teaser of series since "Exile"! Lana is walking through the now destroyed Kent barn just as Clark returns from looking for Chloe all over the world. Both of them remain strong before Lana goes to Isis Foundation. Suddenly, the Persuader appears in a bright purple light and destroys Martian Manhunter's crystal. Clark confronts the Persuader but is easily hurt by him because of his atomic axe. Before he can deliver a fatal blow, the Legion members appear to stop him. The actors casted as the 3 Legion members all fit their roles perfectly. Ryan Kennedy is convincing as the noble leader of the Legion Rokk Krinn aka Cosmic Boy, Alexz Johnson is wonderful as the alluring, wise telepath Imra Ardeen aka Saturn Girl and Calum Worthy has the right amount of enthusiasm and wit as Garth Ranzz aka Lightning Lad. Some fans are criticizing the actors' performances, but besides an awkward line or 2 (techno exorcism?) I though the actors did fine with the material. What I loved about the Legion was their interaction with Clark, the scene where each member describes Clark's importance to the world as well as how he inspires a generation of aliens to become heroes was a powerful scene which I think each of the actors portrayed just right. I also loved how Clark stood his ground against the Legion, not going by their principles but by his own. Tom Welling truly commanded the screen throughout this episode and he's development towards becoming Superman is growing stronger with each episode. Clark's speech about morality and what the Legion should stand was a classic Superman moment that I will always cherish from now on. One thing that many viewers should notice is this episode also show Clark's developing Superman's leadership skills. I loved it how Clark came up with a way to save Chloe and the world by having the Legion use their individual powers to exorcise Brainiac. Speaking of Brainiac, Allison Mack has been getting some flake for her performance as Brainiac. While she's no James Masters, I think she have a performance worthy of Brainiac. Not only is Allison Mack's performance full of menace, but the writing for Brainiac was a lot closer to the mythos of the past. From Brainiac having a powerful thirst for draining all knowledge (from the comics) to the classic Brainiac symbol (from the animated series), the threat of Brainiac seemed a bit more refreshing and a hell of a lot better than Season 7's use of the villain. The Doomsday arc continues to surpass my expectations. Sam Witwer was brilliant as always as Davis finds himself in the middle of all this. You continue to feel sorry for his character, especially how Brainiac tells him of the horrific things his destined to do. I even found Lana enjoyable this episode. Again, most fans were put off by Lana because it seemed the writers were worshiping the character. I found Saturn Girl's scenes with Lana well written as it's all a nod to Lana's importance in the comic books. Whatever I've and many have thought about Lana in the past, she has had played a big role in Clark's life and she has in some way, shape or form contributed to the man he will become as well as his parents, Lois, Chloe, etc. We have to deal with that, no matter how badly written she was in the past. I also loved the Clana scenes (big surprise again!) I like how Lana reminded Clark about his principles and believe he would make the right decision. Lana playing Clark's brain like many is saying, she was just being supportive. Also, you can't blame Clark for suggesting killing Chloe to save the world as well as the Legion. Superman has always put the fate of the world before his loved ones, that's what made his a great hero and it's nice to see that written here. I thought Tom Welling conveyed Clark's tough decisions in this episode so well. Then there's the final scene between Clark and Lana where they discuss destiny and their futures. I just love how Clana is better when they are acting as good friends and not a melodramatic couple, it feels way more natural for the actors and they're scenes together mean so much more.

    Man, there were so many great scenes, dialogue and surprisingly special effects in this episode. Clark super speeding with the Legion flying behind him, Cosmic Boy mentioning Lois and Jimmy, Clark confronting Brainiac in the Fortress of Doom, Lightning Lad's hilarious Superman references to Clark, Brainiac unleashing his brain drain at the Daily Planet, the Legion battling Brainiac at the Daily Planet, Chloe's disturbing exorcism, Saturn Girl's Brainiac 5 reference, Clark signing his baseball to Lightning Lad with his heat vision, the Legion giving Clark his own Legion ring, and the Legion shouting "Long live the Legion" as they left teleport home with their Legion rings and the Doomsday breaking free of his prison were all stunning sequences! A mythology driven episode of epic proportions, "Legion" is the closest Smallville has ever gotten to the comics, making it one of the best episodes of the series, let alone of the already awesome 8th season. Geoff Johns didn't disappoint and brought his A-game for this episode. Not only was this a great representation of the Legion and an excellent continuation of the Doomsday storyline, but the episode contributed to overall purpose of the series: Clark's journey toward becoming Superman. While I am disappointed that Chloe got her memory back of Clark's secret since the writers made it to such a big deal in "Abyss", I believe that Clark isn't out of the woods and that Chloe will find out what he did to hermaybe from Lana, hmmm? Don't understand how so many fans could be disappointed with this episode as it doesn't get much better than this!moreless

    DO YOU AGREE?

    6 1

  • Smallville Rules... Lois and Clark FAN... Always

    10
    "Perfect"
    By smallville_R65, Aug 11, 2009 Report Abuse
    OK well this isnt really a review because i havent seen this episode yet.. which really stinks cause it sounds awesome, but they are so slow to come to Australia... Ok i saw the trailer for bride and wow clark and lois were going to kiss, just to say she looked really hot in that part... Then i heard someone probably ruins in, and im guessing one annoying dark hair girl lana, that is back... Lois and Clark were just starting to get together (my favourite episode COMMITTED, well a certain part of that epsiode, lol the pretend engagement of lois and clark - awesome), which is what almost every fan want, then clack and lana kiss in this episode... It horrible...

    No more lana... We want more Lois and Clark... Please...

    Lana is alright she can be in the show - which should never end. but she needs to know clarks heart belongs with lois...moreless

    DO YOU AGREE?

    2 0

  • My mouth is still watering from the last episode and this episode does nothing to help it stop. ;p ...BUT while Clark is still recovering from the attack he get an unexpected visitor from the ...... FUTURE!!! Long live the LEmoreless

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By iLoveAcronyms, May 13, 2009 Report Abuse
    My mouth is still watering from the last episode and this episode does nothing to help it stop. ;p

    Continuing from the last episode, Davis Bloom has kidnapped Chloe and brought her to the fortress. BUT while Clark is still recovering from the attack he get an unexpected visitor from the ...... FUTURE!!!

    Long live the LEGION.

    *spoiler*
    The LEGION has come from the future to save Clark's life, unbeknown to EVERYONE Brainiac has taken over the fortress and taken over Chloe once again.

    Now for those of you who don't know who the LEGION are, they are a group of heroes from the 31st Century. Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl, and Lightning Lad are here to HELP. HUGE admirers of who Clark will BECOME they know EVERYTHING about his past AND future. They bring up many issues that separate the show from the comics, such as, WHERE are his glasses? WHY can't he fly? WHO is Chloe Sullivan?

    The last question really intrigued me. Although Chloe is such a BIG part of Clark's life, there's no mention of her in his days as Superman, so I always wondered how the writers would work her into the story. At first I thought she would eventually be KILLED off and forgotten, but NOW I think that she's grown much TOO important to just be forgotten. I don't have the slightest clue what the writers are going to do, BUT I can't wait to see it.
    *spoiler*moreless

    DO YOU AGREE?

    3 0

  • Time travellers and Goth brides

    7.5
    "Good"
    By AegisAtreyu, Mar 22, 2009 Report Abuse
    Braniac with the help of the infected fortress has now completely infected Chloe and its revealed that he does in fact bat heavily for Zods side. In fact with Chloe as his vessel he seems more evil than ever (the pale makeup and black eye shadow helps as well mind). It may have got old after a few episodes but I would have liked to see more of Chloe Olsen as this dark queen type. Shame.

    On the other side of things is the story with Clark trying to figure away out of killing Chloe to free her. He's helped by the Legion who is a mixture of alien superheroes from the future. This is another way to get the Superman references in and even include a joke about DC. Where as two are quite decent characters I found the speedy ginger one just a little annoying. It will be interesting to see them again at some point, no doubt about that. Overall the story was good but seemed to lack something. However, it sets up future events with Braniac now gone and Chloe remembering everything. Most importantly though is that Davis emerges from his Chrysalis, Doomsday has been properly passed the mantle to become big bad Doomsday.moreless

    DO YOU AGREE?

    0 1

  • Three super-powered beings from the future come to help Clark

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By jrsgalaxy, Feb 13, 2009 Report Abuse
    This episode is definitely one of the best episodes from the eight season if not from the entire series. It features the Legion who are superheroes from the future and wildly popular with fans namely because the worship Superman. A good enough reason for me.Apparently someone broke into the Time Museum and stole a ring to time travel back to the Clarks present and destroy the one thing that could destroy Brainiac. He does so the Legion show thinking they only have to take this villian back with them and prevent him from killing clark. But they find that he destroyed the crystal and decide now that they hav to stay and make sure Brainiac is destroyed. With Clarks help. you have Garth aka Lightning Lad , Saturn Girl and Cosmic Boy. They try and help Clark and prevent Garth from revealing any info on the future as not to corrupt the Timeline. Couple that with the powe rings and you have a great episode. It furthered Clarks development and maybe planted a seed to further his powers as well.moreless

    DO YOU AGREE?

    3 0
 

Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

See All

  • Trivia

    • Help by adding trivia to this episode. Add trivia

  • Notes

    ADD NOTES
    • Legion of Super-Heroes The Legion first appeared in Adventures Comics #247 (April 1958) and were created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino. The three founding members, Lightning Boy (later Lightning Lad), Cosmic Boy, and Saturn Girl traveled from the 30th century to visit Superboy in the 20th century and offered him membership since he was their historical inspiration. Intended as a one-shot, they became so popular that they guest starred again and later got their "own" comic in Adventure Comics (sub-titled "Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes"). Supergirl was also inducted as a member, and both her and Superboy traveled to the future to participate in Legion adventures. They went through several different back-up features until finally getting their own comic in January 1980. The Legion requires that each member have at least one certifiable "super power" unique from any other member's. Some members have "powers" shared by those of other members of their home planets, while others have acquired their power through accidents or experimentation. Edit
    • Injoke: Garth / Lightning Lad's dismay at Clark's "No glasses? No flights? No tights?" is a reference to the Smallville series creators' policy for the show of "No tights, no flights." Edit
    • Injoke: The symbol of the three green orbs connected by a V shaped lightning was also the symbol used to represent Brainiac in Superman: The Animated Series. Edit

  • Quotes

    ADD QUOTES
    • Lightning Lad: Hey, Kal, where's your cape? Clark: Cape? Edit
    • Lightning Lad: (seeing Clark's jacket) No way! I saw this in the Levitz Museum behind visoglass. Cosmic Boy: Put that back! Lightning Lad: Well get the magnet out of your ass, Rokk. Edit
    • Clark: What do you know about aliens? Lightning Lad: Kal, I may have the smoldering good looks of a human, but I'm actually from a hunk of mud called Winath. Edit

  • Allusions

Show Forums

See All
Last Activity
Replies

Watch Smallville Full Episodes

See All

Related Shows

Season 8 Episodes

See All
Ep 22
Doomsday
Ep 21
Injustice
Ep 20
Beast
Ep 19
Stiletto
Ep 18
Eternal
Ep 17
Hex
Ep 16
Turbulence
Ep 15
Infamous
Ep 14
Requiem
Ep 13
Power
Ep 12
Bulletproof
Ep 11
Legion
Ep 10
Bride
Ep 9
Abyss
Ep 8
Bloodline
Ep 7
Identity
Ep 6
Prey
Ep 5
Committed
Ep 4
Instinct
Ep 3
Toxic
Ep 2
Plastique
Ep 1
Odyssey

Contributors

Become a contributor
More
Less

TV Listings

Full Listings
BROWSE | Shows | Videos | News | Listings | Forums | People | Photos | TV.com Blog

CBS Entertainment | About TV.com | About CBS Interactive | Jobs | Advertise

© 2012 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Ad Choice | Terms of Use