Entertainment
Netflix’s 4-Part Sci-Fi Series Feels Like It Was Made To Be Binged
Netflix offers many options, but one that’s hard to turn off is The Umbrella Academy, adapted from the comic book series of the same name by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá. With superhero titles becoming increasingly popular on streaming, there’s no shortage of shows to choose from, but there aren’t any like The Umbrella Academy, which combines zany humor, complex family dynamics, and exaggerated action. In addition to focusing on a group of superpowered siblings, the series explores sci-fi topics such as time travel and alternate timelines, building a complex and fascinating story.
What Is ‘The Umbrella Academy’ About?
There’s never a dull moment on The Umbrella Academy. From the very first sequence that explores the mysterious and simultaneous birth of 43 children to mothers who weren’t pregnant, the story takes some unexpected turns. After the event, seven of those children are adopted by the eccentric billionaire, Reginald Hargreeves (Colm Feore), who trains them to become superheroes. Luther (Tom Hopper), Diego (David Castañeda), Allison (Emmy Raver-Lampman), Ben (Justin H. Min), Five (Aidan Gallagher), and Klaus (Robert Sheehan) all have unique abilities thanks to their nontraditional origins; however, the seventh child, Viktor (Elliot Page), is isolated from the rest. Though flashbacks are common, The Umbrella Academy follows these estranged siblings as adults when Hargreeves’ death forces them all back together, dredging up their resentments and lingering trauma.
The surviving Hargreeves children’s lives are complicated by Five returning after being missing for 17 years, despite being no older than the day he left. Claiming to have time-traveled to the future and insisting that an apocalypse is looming, Five asks for his siblings’ help in saving the world. With brutal time-traveling assassins from the secret organization known as the Commission after him, no knowledge of what happens to end the world, and a firm deadline, Five’s mission is near impossible. However, it also forces the siblings to uncover the truth about their past and come together despite their differences. Each season brings the characters a new challenge as they travel through time and even alternate timelines to try to stop the apocalypse before it happens.
Wild Sci-Fi Adventure and Humor Set ‘The Umbrella Academy’ Apart
In a world full of superhero shows, The Umbrella Academy stands out for its unapologetically wild humor. Between a 13-year-old boy who has the memories of an old man, a man whose body is part gorilla, and a lovestruck time-traveling assassin, nothing is too out there for this show. Though the series has incredibly violent moments, it never loses sight of the comedy. With its high stakes, The Umbrella Academy isn’t light-hearted by any means, but it is hilarious.
The Umbrella Academy also never slows down. Between the looming apocalypse, the Hargreeves family’s never-ending drama, and their powerful enemies at the Commission, the series is full of intriguing storylines. However, the siblings’ unexpected reunion provides an emotional center that’s equally significant to the story, especially as each member of the Umbrella Academy evolves and develops their powers over time. All of these events are enhanced by highly amusing needle-drops thrown into the mix, with songs ranging from “I Think We’re Alone Now” to “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” to catch the audience’s attention. Thanks to its excellent combination of superhero tropes and sci-fi elements, The Umbrella Academy is a show that was practically made to be binged over its four seasons.
- Release Date
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2019 – 2024-00-00
- Directors
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Jeremy Webb
- Franchise(s)
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The Umbrella Academy
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