MovieChat Forums > Legion (2017) Discussion > Syd Barrett lives on the small screen.

Syd Barrett lives on the small screen.

posted 8 years ago by beto (143)
10 replies | jump to latest

So I just realised Syd's last name is Barrett.

For those who haven't read this trivia:

"The character of Syd Barrett who is played by Rachel Keller is named after Syd Barrett of the rock band Pink Floyd, whose music was an important influence on the series for Noah Hawley. Barrett left Pink Floyd in 1968 due to mental illness issues.

The character Syd Barrett is frequently shown early in the pilot episode with light reflecting around her head. This is a possible homage to the Pink Floyd tracks "Shine on you crazy diamond" parts 1 and 2 which were about former lead singer Syd Barrett who was also considered mentally ill."

[–] DreamersxDisease (817) 8 years ago

Yeah, no subtle referencing there, right? haha....but was Syd sincerely institutionalized? For some reason I kind of just thought she was put in there as a plant for David, but maybe I'm just an overly suspicious viewer!

I know it's played like the Summerland gang (not to be confused with the Sugarhill Gang :p) didn't know of her before she was released, but it still nags at me a bit. What are the odds they'd be put in the same place, at the same time, and run into/fall in love with another? Perhaps I'm reading too much into it, but it's something that sits sort of in the back of my mind when thinking about it all.

[–] MinaVladimir (4081) 8 years ago

Part of me is convinced that she is one of Davids creations. But if she isn't, it really is a convenient coincidence that she appeared at the time she did. And the whole be my girlfriend/I love you thing happened a little too quickly.

But, yeah, when I heard her name I went "Hey, that was the guy from Pink Floyd". Is it a homage, or is it some sort of qlue?

[–] DreamersxDisease (817) 8 years ago

I'm pretty sure it's just an homage. It's been brought up many times and I think it's just a nod to the band, mental illness, and how Pink Floyd fits in with the trippiness of the show. I read something where Rachel Keller (actor that plays Syd) wasn't even told of this reference so, there ya go, couldn't have been terribly important, I don't think. Just a fun little nod.

As for the character...I'm continually going back and forth on if she's real. My main theory was/is that she is a creation made literal and physical. I think one of David's abilities, even though we haven't explicitly seen it is that he can manipulate and/or create reality, including people. So, Syd is both real and not at the same time. His personalities can literally detach from him and walk out into the world on their own....I know that may seem like a leap to some people or jumping to conclusions, but I will say we're maybe sort of seeing that happen with Goiter Goblin/Lenny?

She or they were peering over his shoulder at the end of last episode, and at first I thought that was just a manifestation of what was going on in his mind, but I've seen others talking about and thinking about it more and it almost seems like they want out from him, if they can't control him, to do their thing. I don't really know and this has dovetailed, so I'll end it here.

But yes, I agree, their relationship was Romeo & Juliet fast and convenient. It was like one day she just popped up and the next she was already getting out. Again, the time is so wonky on this show I don't know how long the events in the first episode were, but...it's all very strange to me.

[–] MinaVladimir (4081) 8 years ago

That's what I'm thinking. If he can create reality, he can create people too. And they want out. Basically what you said, is what I'm thinking as well.

And another thing. Now this might really be a big stretch! But. I remember the dog chasing a red tennis ball. Benny/Lenny was pushing around that red stove. Syd has that red coat. So maybe something's going on with that red. Or I'm just majorly overthinking this?

Anyway, we've officially derailed this thread :D

[–] DreamersxDisease (817) 8 years ago

I don't think you're that far off with the whole red thing. The color red definitely seems to be a motif, to me, in the show. The biggest use of it, I think, comes when David's powers are about to take off or the DYE is coming into play.

Anytime David's powers overwhelm him the color red seems to light up the scene.Perhaps as a sign of fear? Stress? And sheer force? And using color as coding is a pretty standard practice in filmmaking, so you're certainly not crazy for suggesting that!

And I think, with a show like Legion, we should expect derailment of conversation A LOT, lol

[–] DreamersxDisease (817) 8 years ago

This kind of made me want to create another thread about some of the design on the show, lol! Must. Resist. I'd hate for someone to come here and see my name next to every thread thinking I'm talking about it with myself and run the other way :P

Need to chill it, whoops.

[–] MinaVladimir (4081) 8 years ago

There's so much to look into, if you really wanted to, that I don't think we could have too many threads :)

I should be more proactive myself. Still can't shake those lurker habbits, though :D

[–] DreamersxDisease (817) 8 years ago

Well, Mina, you may have just convinced me! See just how much effort it took to twist my arm XP
I'm such desperate trash trying to talk about this show, lol!

And no worries about those lurker ways, I think a lot of people are just beginning to shake them off right along with ya. I think you've done a damn good job so far, and I certainly hope you keep participating!

[–] beto (143) 8 years ago

"I'm such desperate trash trying to talk about this show, lol!"

I get you. I've been there... not anymore though (Mr. Robot)

[–] DreamersxDisease (817) 8 years ago

Aw, that's too bad about Mr. Robot, but I get it.

I am glad, though, that I'm able to be a Legion trash talker, so to speak, around here! I'm very happy this board has grown :) Or else my Legion dumpster may have just overflowed!