Season 2

http://www.netflix.com

With the start of fall, summer has officially ended. However, I'm here give you a review on Netflix's summer hit, The Umbrella Academy.

The second season of The Umbrella Academy was released on July 31, 2020 and was heavily anticipated by critics, viewers, and fans. But before I review the season, I’ll try and give you a quick overview of season one for those who have not watched or heard of the show.

The Umbrella Academy is about seven individuals who were born with special abilities and raised by their mysterious and authoritative father. First, there’s Luther (Tom Hopper) who is very strong and has the appearance of an ape from his torso up to his neck, Diego (David Castañeda) with his extraordinary knife throwing abilities, Allison (Emmy Raver-Lampan) with her power to control people by saying, “I heard a rumor….”, Klaus (Robert Sheehan) who can see and talk to the dead, Number Five (Aidan Gallagher) with his time control, Ben (Justin H. Min) who’s dead, and lastly Vanya (Ellen Page) who seems to have no abilities. However, their father passes away unexpectedly which causes the Hargreeves siblings, except Number Five, to reunite leading to a series of uncovered secrets.

Chaos ensues when Number Five finds a way to return to the present after being trapped in the future for several years. He tries to warn his family of the apocalypse that will happen in a few days, but he’s still not sure how it will happen. However through all of this The Commission, which oversees all of time travel, tries to hunt down Number Five. With all of recklessness ensuing, Vanya begins to realize that she might have abilities after all.

From that brief overview, it’s time to talk about season two. After trying to stop the apocalypse, Five saves his family by sending everyone to another point in time. Unfortunately he sent everyone back to the 1960s, but they all ended up in Dallas, Texas within a few years of each other. Now, Five has to reunite his family once again to stop another apocalypse.

This season is definitely crazier than the last. It included wild and hectic events that unfolded amongst the Hargreeves siblings. From cults to assassins, the show keeps you on toes with cliff hangers, dancing scenes, and more family drama. Season two was able to expand on Diego’s character development as well as learning about the life of Sir Reginald Hargreeves, their father. With the plot focusing on the lives of each Hargreeve’s sibling individually, the plot never seemed to drag on or seem stale/dry.

With the time set to 1963 in Dallas, Texas, this season tied in heavily with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Although the well-known assassination is a sore topic, Umbrella Academy was able keep a plot that didn’t disrespect or make viewers question whether or not the story should’ve tied JFK to an apocalypse. With Diego being so adamant on saving JFK as well as including scenes that expressed pure emotion on how the U.S. dealt with the assassination, the season was able to have a smooth and enjoyable plot.

Lila (left)

Handler (right)

www.tvinsider.com

We also see a new addition to the show with the character Lila (Ritu Arya) who is the Handler’s daughter and somewhat of a double agent between The Commission and the Hargreeves. Lila becomes a key character towards the end of the season because she partially sets up the plot for season three. With the season also showing the behind the scenes of The Commission, we watch as the riotous season unfolds between the Handler, the Hargreeves, and the Hargreeves’ father.

Umbrella Academy’s second season is just as outrageously fun as season one. If you enjoy super hero-esk tv shows with constant sibling rivalries and banter, then this is a must watch. It’s fun for the whole family, and I would definitely recommend it to those who need a new show to binge.

If you want to know more on Umbrella Academy, you can check out reviews from Vanity Fair, Rotten Tomatoes, and IGN for more insight and behind the scenes photos and interviews here.