The Umbrella Academy season 4 review: Gripping tale is forced to race to the finish line

The Umbrella Academy season 4 review: Gripping tale is forced to race to the finish line
3.0 out of 5 star rating

As a long-time fan of superhero shows and someone who has been following The Umbrella Academy since its debut, I have to admit that season 4 left me feeling a bit like a broken umbrella trying to stand against the wind – disappointingly shattered.


Five short years ago, I found myself drawn into the captivating world of the Hargreeves siblings on Netflix’s peculiar and enchanting show, The Umbrella Academy. Now, it seems like just yesterday when they first graced our screens, yet here we are bidding them farewell in what feels like a fleeting moment – and this bittersweet conclusion is where the poignant disappointment at the core of season 4 lies.

Six years have passed since the unexpected conclusion of season 3, during which Allison (Emmy Raver-Lampman) executed Reginald’s (Colm Feore) plan and rearranged reality at Hotel Oblivion. Now they lead separate lives, having lost their powers. A family gathering brings them together again, but not everyone is thrilled about the reunion.

In no time at all, the siblings will need to join forces to, as you might have anticipated, prevent an apocalypse. As they uncover a clandestine organization headed by the enigmatic Gene and Jean Thibedeau (portrayed by Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally, fresh faces in this series), their adventure begins.

However, with another world-ending event at hand, they can’t help but question whether the root cause might be hidden within their own environment.

The Umbrella Academy season 4 review: Gripping tale is forced to race to the finish line

As I delve into Season 4, I find myself captivated right from the start. The absence of the siblings’ powers adds a fresh twist to the narrative, presenting us with an engaging premise – a secret society that seems to know an uncanny amount about The Umbrella Academy. In comes the talented duo, Offerman and Mullally, fitting effortlessly into this mysterious world.

The show presents numerous intriguing storylines, however, due to its limited number of episodes, the conclusion seems hurried or not fully developed.

The acting is top-notch and their bond continues to strengthen, creating a fascinating familial atmosphere. However, despite their strong performances, the limited screen time in the brief six-episode conclusion doesn’t fully utilize their potential.

The Umbrella Academy season 4 review: Gripping tale is forced to race to the finish line

Among the intriguing storylines this time is the connection between Lila (Ritu Arya) and Five (Aidan Gallagher). Their paths unexpectedly cross in a manner that audiences won’t anticipate.

In the series, I find myself captivated by the pairing of Arya and Gallagher, an unexpected combination that truly shines, especially in episode 5. This episode offers a prolonged glimpse into their lives, more so than any other characters – yet, as the season concludes, their narratives seem incomplete, leaving me yearning for more.

Robert Sheehan shines in the more somber narratives he’s been given, tugging at heartstrings while maintaining Klaus’s unique quirkiness. Meanwhile, Raver-Lampman doesn’t back down from the intricacies of Allison’s character as she reconnects with her daughter Claire, and David Castañeda faces a fresh, captivating tale in his character Diego’s storyline.

In this family power structure, Elliot Page’s character, Viktor, seems somewhat underappreciated, but he manages to maintain his significant influence on-screen. On the other hand, Tom Hopper embodies Luther, the top-tier protector who is always prepared to defend his kin (albeit grappling with the best ways to do so).

Despite numerous stellar performances this season, Justin H Min as Ben truly shines. He skillfully handles his character’s transformation, a challenge no doubt, but one he embraces wholeheartedly. With a well-crafted narrative providing him ample opportunity, Ben gets the spotlight he deserves. Lastly, a question that has puzzled the siblings and viewers since season 1 is finally addressed.

In Season 4, it seems like they’ve followed a pattern similar to a 10-episode season, although this isn’t necessarily bad, it doesn’t quite fit this specific series. Each episode, however, is visually stunning, packed with action, and full of surprises – making it worth your investment of time.

The core elements you’re accustomed to in The Umbrella Academy – family dynamics, humorous soundtrack, intense action sequences, unexpected plot twists, and the ominous backdrop of apocalypse – are all present across the six episodes. However, the overall narrative seems disjointed and unfinished, particularly as it progresses towards its conclusion.

As a longtime fan of The Umbrella Academy, I must say that the final episode felt like a bit of a letdown. Having followed these dysfunctional heroes through their trials and tribulations for several seasons, I was expecting a more satisfying conclusion. The beauty and emotion were still present, but it seemed as though the storylines were hurriedly wrapped up in such a short run. As someone who has invested countless hours into this series, I felt that certain plot points were left unresolved or incomplete. It’s disappointing to see a show with so much potential end on a note that feels rushed and lacking closure.

It’s uncertain as to the specific reasons behind the abbreviated length of The Umbrella Academy season 4, but it was an error nonetheless. Despite this, our farewell journey with the Hargreeves siblings remains an exhilarating ride. However, one can’t help but ponder about what might have transpired if things had been different.

As a cinema enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that you can now stream The Umbrella Academy season 4 on Netflix! If you don’t have a subscription yet, consider joining the Netflix family for just £4.99 a month. Plus, if you’re with Sky Glass or Virgin Media Stream, you can enjoy Netflix right there too! Happy streaming!

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2024-08-08 10:34