The Umbrella Academy (Seasons 1-2) Review
1. Diverse, complex characters provide a broad range of representation.
2. Acknowledges problematic and abusive relationships (romantic and otherwise) without glamorizing them.
3. Outstanding leading performances all around, particularly for Robert Sheehan (Klaus), Ellen Page (Vanya) and an extremely promising breakthrough performance for young Aidan Gallagher (Five).
4. Makes a great family show, enjoyable for kids and adults alike.
5. Deals with topics such as drug abuse, depression, family conflicts, grief, general mental health, and the importance of seeking help when it’s needed, in a mature way in which kids can also understand.
6. Sets a new standard for how music is used in film and tv, particularly in scenes of combat.
7. An exciting and thought provoking plot that gets better and better as the show goes on.
8. While the show has plenty of scenes showing healthy ways to deal with difficult topics, there are a few storylines that are widely considered to be controversial due to ongoing negative situations which are prolonged, and on occasion, glamorized.
9. Examples of this are Luther’s infatuation with his adoptive sister, Allison, that’s borderline obsessive. In season 2, Klaus becomes a cult leader. Though both situations improve, Vanya and Klaus are often shunned and excluded by the other siblings.
10. While the show has strong characters that are relatable at their cores, the show occasionally veers too much into fantasy while talking about serious issues. The first few episodes are difficult to get into because of this.
Full Review: What starts out as a seemingly shallow show drenched in fantasy, gradually becomes a thought provoking character study through a superhero lens. “The Umbrella Academy,” does not fit in with the traditional superhero genre. Though the Hargreeves siblings possess remarkable abilities, to call them heroes would be a stretch. But there’s something charming in the strengths and flaws of the characters, something real that will resonate with the audience.
“The Umbrella Academy,” follows seven estranged siblings with wildly different personalities and supernatural abilities, who reunite after the death of their father. They must learn to put aside their differences and work together after one of them claims that the world will end soon. The first season is certainly worth a watch, but the second season is what brings the show to a new status. The plot is intriguing enough, but between Klaus’s undying brotherly love for Vanya, Ben’s journey to appreciate life, and Vanya’s sweet romance, this show grows on the audience, and is bound to leave the viewer with something to cherish.
Despite the wildly fantastical plot, the heart of the Umbrella Academy lies in the wacky sibling dynamics and the core flaws in each character. Whatever direction the plot goes in in season 3, the Hargreeves siblings will carry it with grace, and take the audience on another eccentric yet charming ride.
Would Recommend to People Who:
- Want to see mental health and social issues addressed in a respectful way.
- Enjoy superhero movies, but would enjoy them more if they were less Hollywood than “Ironman,” or “Avengers: Endgame.”
- Think Marvel isn’t cinema, or whatever Scorsese said. You still might not think it’s cinema, but you’ll have better luck with this show over “Captain America: Civil War.”
- Like to get attached to characters without having their hearts totally crushed
Would Not Recommend to People Who:
- Like shows they don’t really have to pay attention to
- Hate the trend of comical superhero movies like “Shazam,” and “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
- Hate “Stranger Things.”
-Klaus deals with drug addiction, alcoholism, severe depression, and PTSD throughout. These subjects are focused on a lot, but portrayed in a respectful way.
-The cruelty Vanya faces from her father and siblings throughout the series could be distressing.
- In season 2, Vanya is drugged and tortured.
- Some violence and death. Five is particularly violent, and though Five is technically a grown man, he is trapped in the body of a young teenager. The scenes where he is violent could be upsetting to some people for this reason.
-Several abusive/manipulative relationships shown throughout (not glamorized).
-How Klaus ultimately ends up dealing with his troubles could be upsetting.
