The Umbrella Academy Recap: Just a Small-Town Girl

As a longtime fan of The Umbrella Academy, I must say that this new season has me absolutely hooked! It’s fantastic to see our beloved heroes unraveling the mysteries of their powers and facing new challenges.


In “Jean and Gene”, I found myself pondering throughout much of it about why the title was “Jean and Gene”. Despite an electrifying debut in the season opener for the characters portrayed by Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman, this episode largely avoided showing their characteristic southwestern jackets or matching spectacles.

However, by the finale, it’s evident that the leaders of the Keepers had been meticulously overseeing matters, which was much more dynamic than the slow-paced opening episode suggested.

The Umbrella group wakes up with a hangover after Ben gave them marigold the previous night, and it takes our protagonists some time, having been engrossed in their mundane jobs, to recognize that their powers have come back. Luther, amidst his lively strip performance, and his applauding audience, only later discovers that his chiseled physique has morphed into a furry monkey’s body. Meanwhile, Diego, who had been criticized for late package deliveries the day prior, suddenly finds he can precisely hurl packages from the truck like a bullseye.

Certainly, not every individual yearns for the return of their former, extraordinary lives. For instance, Viktor, long considered an outcast by Umbrella, finds contentment in his present life as a prosperous bartender, contrasting with the superheroic existence dictated by Reginald Hargreeves since childhood. Allison appears to be uncertain about utilizing her Rumor power to gain Hollywood stardom, preferring to rely on her inherent talent instead. Klaus, now abstaining from alcohol, covertly discarded his sake glass – a choice that aligns with his newfound preference for this holistic lifestyle and freedom from the constant spectral presence in his life.

Regardless of their feelings about resuming their superhero duties, the Umbrellas are determined to uncover the truth behind Sy Grossman’s missing daughter. Upon discovering that he had vanished from the laundromat, they found a map pointing them to the mysterious town of New Grumpson, Maine. They then chose to embark on a journey there.

The first (and most entertaining) scene among the episode’s collection unfolds as an amusing depiction of a disastrous road trip. With everyone either feeling queasy or needing to relieve themselves, Diego insists on continuing due to their swift progress. A catchy “Baby Shark” tune plays repeatedly on the tape deck. Eventually, even cautious Viktor loses his temper, smashing the van’s windows with his restored powers.

When the Umbrellas finally reach New Grumpson, everyone is in need of a break. As usual, Luther can’t help but be cheerful and he becomes quite fond of the items at a nearby antique store. Diego, always competitive, shows off his refurbished abilities at an ax-throwing contest, while Ben, typically grumpy, succeeds in annoying just about everyone at the local café.

That group includes “Rosie” (Victoria Sawal), the waitress, manager, and owner of the place, who ultimately warms to Ben even if he doesn’t really deserve it. But if she does turn out to be a friendly face, she’s the only one in New Grumpson. Suddenly, and with no apparent provocation, an entire town’s worth of Christmas shoppers, carolers, and even a Santa dual-wielding machine guns suddenly turn on the Umbrellas, forcing them to rely on the superpowers they conveniently reacquired.

In its fourth season, The Umbrella Academy showcases impressive fight scenes, but what sets this season apart is an unexpected twist on their typical blend of action-comedy. This time around, the Umbrellas aren’t just reactivating their superpowers; they’ve acquired new ones as well. Luther now boasts a tough skin that acts as a human shield against multiple bullets. Diego can intercept bullets mid-air and shoot them back at his enemies in a way reminiscent of Magneto. Allison has the ability to manipulate people’s minds, compelling foes to turn on their allies before taking their own lives. Five’s new power is both mysterious and captivating: when he teleports, he materializes in an alien-like subway system that enables him to travel to alternate realities using a train.

It’s highly likely that our heroes will push the limits of their newly acquired abilities, but with a whole gang of killers chasing them, escaping town and reaching the safety of the van is crucial. Accompanying Ben is Jennifer, who unveils one of several cliffhanger revelations at episode’s end: Her real name isn’t Rosie, it’s Jennifer – the very Jennifer they had come to New Grumpson to locate. So, let’s welcome another member to the Umbrella Academy family.

As they flee, Klaus gets wounded by a bullet, compelling the team to administer him the marigold elixir he’s been shunning. On this series, it’s unusual for characters to remain powerless indefinitely. Luther discovers a hint suggesting why the entire town could be hostile towards the Umbrellas: a tag on the deceased pursuer’s garment revealing she was an employee of Hargreeves Enterprises.

In the swiftly concluding episodes of “The Umbrella Academy“, is it possible that Reginald Hargreeves could indeed become the formidable adversary he frequently warned about? Regardless, a pressing danger looms – the very peril that lends its title to “Jean and Gene”. With New Grumpson now behind them, the Umbrella group encounters a harrowing vehicle crash with Jean and Gene, who abduct Jennifer. It seems another daring rescue operation may be necessary.

Raindrops

In the tranquil moments before the imminent chaos, Viktor and Allison engage in a heartrending dialogue, hinting at their once unbreakable bond now irreparably shattered. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but given the events of last season when Allison took Harlan’s life, Viktor surprisingly remains composed. One can’t help but recall a similar incident involving Allison using her powers against Luther, an act that left fans outraged. However, in a move that seems intent on sidestepping controversy, The Umbrella Academy appears to be brushing last season’s controversial scene under the rug. (As a movie critic, I found myself grappling with these plot twists and the show’s handling of sensitive issues.)

“Given that everyone has been going through tough times for the past couple of years, what makes you think you’re exceptional?” (Assuming here that COVID is referred to as an event happening within the universe or context being discussed, which is denoted as the “Umbrella-verse” in the original statement.)

Luther frequently reads “Understanding Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide for Home Repairs,” which offers numerous suggestions for reviving an aging building like the Home for Wayward Boys that he’s taking care of.

It seems hard to believe that Diego didn’t recognize Five solely due to his “unsettling mustache”? (or alternatively, “It’s hard to imagine that Diego failed to recognize Five, only due to his ‘mysterious mustache’?”)

Showing great composure amidst a fierce battle, Diego clung to his victorious reindeer plush toys from the ax-throwing contest throughout the entire ordeal.

It seems unlikely that Lila’s Uncle Lenny and our arch-nemesis Leonard Peabody from the Umbrella Academy are connected, given their similar names and the significance of the latter in the series. However, it’s somewhat peculiar that the show is recycling a name with such importance within its storyline.

• Not a single Umbrella noticed the sake was inexplicably glowing gold before they downed the shot?

In regards to unappealing drinks, let’s cross our fingers that Netflix shares the authentic recipe for Klaus’s unique concoction of kale, kiwi, carrot, cabbage, and kombucha!

As a child who grew up in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula during the wintry months, I can tell you that there’s nothing quite like hearing “Jingle Bell Rock” and “The Carol of the Bells” during the Christmas season. However, I must admit, it does feel a bit out of place when listening to them in August while watching “The Umbrella Academy.” But hey, who am I to judge? If these tunes bring some holiday cheer to your summer days, then by all means, enjoy! After all, music has the power to transport us to different times and places, even if it’s just for a moment. So, go ahead and add those festive tracks to your playlist, and let the spirit of Christmas-in-August fill your heart with warmth!

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2024-08-08 18:54