The Umbrella Academy Review

If you’re like me, you share an enthusiasm for stories that blend the supernatural with a touch of dysfunction. Something is captivating about embracing the improbable and diving headfirst into fantastical worlds. "The Umbrella Academy” is a prime example of this delightful mix. 

Imagine 43 women spontaneously giving birth on October 1, 1989, at noon; their stomachs expanding like cosmic surprises. And the best part? They were not pregnant before! It’s a premise that defies logic, yet you suspend disbelief because it’s intriguing and entertaining. The show doesn’t bother with lengthy explanations; instead, it lets us marvel at the mystery. Why question the inexplicable when you can passively accept it and enjoy the ride? So, here’s to dysfunctional supernatural beings, unexplained phenomena, and the joy of embracing the wonderfully improbable! 

In walks an eccentric billionaire Sir Reginald Hargreeves (Colm Feore) who adopts 7 of the 43 children born that date. Instead of opting for regular names, he assigns numbers.  Grace (Jordan Claire Robins), their robot mother (yes, you read that right – robot!), steps in to provide names and nurturing. 

Luther (Number 1, portrayed by Tom Hopper)

Diego (Number 2, played by David Castaneda)

Allison (Number 3, embodied by Emmy Raver-Lampman)

Klaus (Number 4, brought to life by Robert Sheehan)

Ben (Number 6, portrayed by Justin H Min)

Vanya (Number 7, portrayed by Elliot Page)

Now, here’s where it gets intriguing. Reginald trains these gifted siblings to harness their powers, turning them into an unstoppable crime-fighting squad. But wait, what about the other 36 kids born on the same day and time? Do they also have powers?

Well, the show doesn’t dwell on that side of the story. It’s like they’re extras in a cosmic drama, waiting in the wings while our seven protagonists take center stage. And then there’s Vanya—the odd one out. She seems powerless, which is statistically improbable, considering the global baby boom of supernatural abilities. Suspicious, indeed! Oh, I know you noticed, that’s only six.  No, I did not forget Number 5 (portrayed by Aidan Gallagher)—the boy who never got a name also known as the boy. 

Let me break down season one which takes place present day. 

Luther—our part-ape, moon-dwelling sibling. He’s got a unique address, that’s for sure!

Allison—the famous actress. Her superpower? Commanding reality with a simple phrase.

Vanya—the violinist. She’s got secrets simmering beneath her musical notes.

Klaus—my spirit animal! A lovable junkie who chats with the dearly departed.

Five—vanished mysteriously, only to return from the future. Apocalypse bearer, time traveler extraordinaire.

Ben—deceased but still hanging around, thanks to Klaus. Ghostly sidekick vibes.

Diego—the bad-ass vigilante. Think Batman with a twist.

Now, the Hargreeves siblings are a fractured bunch. But when dear old Dad kicks the bucket, they reunite. And guess who crashes the funeral? Number 5, fresh from the future, with a dire prophecy: apocalypse incoming! Five’s got secrets—returning in a teenage form that defies time. And those pesky time-traveling agents? They’re hot on his heels, trying to keep the timeline tidy. In the end, the siblings discover Five’s secrets. As for Number 7 (Vanya), well, her secrets run deep. But no spoilers here—watch and discover the mind-bending twists yourself! 

“The Umbrella Academy” keeps us on our toes with its time-traveling, dysfunctional family shenanigans. In Season Two, our Hargreeves siblings find themselves scattered across 1960s Dallas, Texas. Five, ever the time-traveling maestro, lands just minutes before a nuclear doomsday—talk about bad timing! And Season Three? Brace yourself! The siblings inadvertently create a new timeline, only to end up in an alternate 2019. But wait, there’s more: they discover another batch of Hargreeves-adopted kids. We'll have to wait a little bit for the premiere on August 8th. 

The anticipation for season four the series finale is real! Will their powers evolve? Mutate? Morph into something more grand? And Klaus—my personal favorite—how will he surprise us this time? I highly recommend this series if you’re into non-traditional sci-fi. 

I give this series 5 out of 5 acorns.