The superhero genre has been at the peak of popularity for some time now, and some may argue it’s been overplayed. But however you may feel, The Umbrella Academy is a fresh squeeze of originality, producing a thrill much like when Superman was first brought to the big screen. The series being worthwhile, memorable and done superbly.
No character is misplaced in this electrifying show (based on the graphic novels of the same name by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá) each being likeable, necessary and integral to the story. Although there are of course some firm favourites; Hazel, Klaus and Number Five who are happy in their misery, and sulk so adorably that you want them in every scene. Each character’s backstories being so alive and mysterious that you want to delve in and learn everything you can, which is saying a lot when every single one is a rich vein of gold waiting to be tapped.
But what exactly makes The Umbrella Academy a fan-loving-favourite is A) they’re fallible – in fact most of them are screwups. B) they’ve got the been there done that t-shirt of being superheroes, and it’s soooo yesterday’s news. C) for a team/family of super’s they really don’t like each other. D) their powers aren’t exactly fitting with the traditional mould e.g. for one of them, monsters from another dimension warp their way through their body to wreak havoc! And yet it’s these crackheads, liars, ex-hitmen-travelling-errmm-time-gods, that are at the heart of stopping Earth’s destruction. But somehow I don’t think so.
So let’s start at the beginning; in 1989 forty-three women became instantaneously pregnant and just as quickly (in a day) were giving birth. This is only a little odd in the context of the whole show. Shortly after these miraculous arrivals, a strange and reclusive multi-multimillionaire went around trying to buy them. He succeeded only in getting seven. However, they’re not all gifted in the same way, or maybe at all? Despite any hiccups, the intention of Sir Reginald Hargreaves was to turn these children into crime-fighting heroes, but not through love or a care for humanity. Instead, it was a rigorous training scheme of drill, after drill, with kind-less acts and no sense of love – wait why was that part of the training? Suffice to say that when The Umbrella Academy introduces you to these now grown children, you soon come to see why they’re messed up by their childhood, and each in uniquely different ways. The show successfully flicking back and forth between past and present, and with such a gripping context that you’ll want to stay and ask questions.
And just how cool is Pogo? A parental-figure to the “super’s” who carries a suit well, imparts words of wisdom and oh, is a chimpanzee! But he’s far more real than the robotic mum who gives a hollow sort of love, and a strict father who only seems to know coldness and criticism. Unsurprisingly, in being pushed to the brink of their power and expectations, the group destructively implodes. Each going in their own direction; astronaut, actress, violinist, until – their father is found dead.
Reuniting for his funeral – and probably to make sure he’s definitely gone – they’re unexpectedly sent a shock from the past, and an even bigger one about the future: the world’s going to end and very soon. Suddenly there are villains, time-keeping assassins, age-old-secrets, love trysts, mannequins with a disturbing future, moon adventures, beefed-up bodies that might not be up to swimming pool safety standards (think hair, lots of hair), and secret rendezvous to discuss…bird watching?
The family history might not be all that long interred, before its needing to be dug up and resolved. Along with a growing collective that’s forming against The Umbrella Academy and the question that often arises; will they save the day? Or recklessly destroy it as they at last give a damn?
Beyond powers and a shove in having to save the world, there’s a sense of loneliness. This incredibly funny show coming a with a slice of poignancy about a messed-up family and the repercussions of childhood. They may constantly push each other away, but in the end they need each other’s support.
In reviewing the seasons, The Umbrella Academy falls into the common theme of the first being the best, with the second not quite meeting the same standard with its loveable dark and witty humour being barely there in comparison, while it lacks a really villainous villain – other than society. But that’s also its saving grace with season two unfolding to include America’s recent past – providing a social critique to both then and now, and perhaps a warning of its future directions. Season three however returns to its dark comedic speciality. It’s also unpredictable, gives a share of the screen to everyone, and provides plenty of twists and turns to keep you engrossed and eagerly awaiting season four.
A wacky show, with repeating missions to stopping Earth’s imminent destruction, but enjoyably there’s no rush here as The Umbrella Academy slouches reluctantly into action. Their attention-level being that of a two-year-old as they’re easily distracted by more selfish paths – however such addictions are soon catching as you’ll happily follow behind them. The only pressure being not to blink and miss a second.
Creator: Steve Blackman
Other notable works:
- Altered Carbon 2018-2020
- Legion 2017-2019
- Outsiders 2016-2017
- Fargo 2014 –
Creator: Jeremy Slater
Other notable works:
- Moon Knight 2022
- The Exorcist 2016-2018
Based on graphic novels The Umbrella Academy by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá.
