Coming out of the superhero boom, “The Umbrella Academy” stood out as a unique and emotionally charged series. Adapted from Gerard Way’s comic and brought to life by showrunner Steve Blackman, the Netflix series managed to critique the X-Men while tackling themes of sex, drugs, and teenage angst. Now, as it reaches its fourth and final season, the show continues its beloved antics but leaves viewers yearning for a bit more closure.
A New Timeline, A New Challenge
In this final season, the Hargreeves family finds themselves in yet another timeline. This time, however, they are stripped of their powers. Some, like Victor (Elliot Page), Klaus (Robert Sheehan), Allison (Emmy Raver-Lampman), and Luther (Tom Hopper), find solace in this change. Others, like Ben (Justin H. Min) and Diego (David Castañeda), struggle with a sense of emptiness. The discovery of a cult by Five (Aidan Gallagher) and Lila (Ritu Arya) that promises “better” timelines forces the family to reunite and face yet another impending apocalypse.
The Found Family Dynamics
At its core, “The Umbrella Academy” has always been about the found family dynamic. Despite being forced together by circumstance, the characters have grown and loved on their own terms. Each character’s flaws are complemented by the strengths of the others, allowing them to find common ground and explore their relationships deeply. Season 4 continues this tradition, offering unique character pairings that have been long-awaited by fans.
Relationship Shifts and New Romances
This season drops the Allison and Luther romance, instead focusing on the tumultuous yet emotionally satisfying relationship between Diego and Lila. Their dynamic, fraught with dysfunction over the past seasons, reaches new heights. A surprising romance for Five adds another layer of complexity to the team’s dynamics. Klaus and Allison, despite their healthy relationship, continue to navigate their own set of dysfunctions. Meanwhile, the “Sparrow” Ben’s storyline is enriched by his interactions with Luther and a new character, delivering his most compelling arc since Season 2.
Standout Performances
Among the stellar cast, Ritu Arya and Aidan Gallagher stand out this season. Arya brings a blend of dramatic and comedic nuance to her role, making her performance impossible to ignore. She deserves serious consideration for major projects moving forward. Gallagher, on the other hand, fulfills the promise he has shown since the beginning, emerging as one of the series’ brightest stars.
Pseudo-Villains and Meta Commentary
This season introduces Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally as formidable antagonists. Their real-life chemistry and relationship dynamics seep into their characters, adding a meta layer to their performances. Fans familiar with their previous work will appreciate this shorthand, which enriches their story arc within the condensed six-episode structure.
Persistent Issues and a Rushed Finale
Despite its strengths, “The Umbrella Academy” grapples with two significant issues. First, Justin H. Min’s character, Ben, remains underutilized. Despite his increased screen time, his role within the group feels diminished, a baffling choice given his popularity among fans. The writers fail to fully flesh out his character’s sacrifices and ideas, leaving viewers frustrated.
Secondly, the final season suffers from a rushed conclusion. The decision to reduce the episode count from ten to six leaves many storylines feeling hurried and poorly executed. This issue is not unique to “The Umbrella Academy,” as other Netflix series like “GLOW” and “Bridgerton” have faced similar fates. The abrupt ending, while fitting for the characters, feels like a disservice to the show’s intricate storytelling.
Final Thoughts: Is Season 4 Worth Watching?
For longtime fans of “The Umbrella Academy,” the final season is a must-watch. It brings closure to the characters’ arcs, despite its rushed pace. New viewers can still find plenty to enjoy across all four seasons, with the show’s quirky, funny, and violent take on superhero tropes making it a standout series.
While the finale’s raw emotion and character moments offer a mostly satisfying conclusion, the shortened season undeniably impacts the series’ legacy. “The Umbrella Academy” could have cemented its status as a cult classic, but the rushed wrap-up leaves it just shy of that mark.
Overall, despite its flaws, “The Umbrella Academy” Season 4 delivers an emotionally fulfilling, if somewhat frustrating, farewell to our beloved dysfunctional family.
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