Netflix series are inherently crafted to entice binge-watching sessions, and 'The Umbrella Academy' is no exception. Approaching it as a cohesive, ten-hour narrative rather than a mere collection of episodes makes perfect sense for those embarking on a weekend-long marathon. However, for those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the Netflix binge format inadvertently yields episodes like "Run, Boy, Run," which arrives at a pivotal juncture, only to stumble rather than soar.
On the bright side, the episode shines brightest through the lens of Five's quest. His relentless pursuit to unravel the looming apocalypse's mysteries is a mesmerizing blend of sci-fi intrigue, noir allure, and comedic wit—a hybrid that echoes the essence of 'Minority Report' and 'Inherent Vice.' At the helm of this narrative, Aidan Gallagher, a mere 15, astoundingly embodies the complexities of a 58-year-old, possibly delusional soul trapped in a youthful form, effortlessly navigating the humor and poignancy of Five's character.
The stakes are sky-high and crystal clear in Five's narrative arc: the fate of the world hangs in the balance, and he must harness all the ingenuity and assistance he can muster to avert disaster. Enter his brother, Klaus, a drug-addled ally who storms into an office, causing a ruckus to aid Five in tracking down the owner of a mechanical eye—a quest fraught with time-traveling paradoxes.
As the episode progresses, it delves deeper into the rich tapestry of the 'Umbrella Academy' universe, introducing Hazel and Cha-Cha: two ruthless, humorously gruff assassins clad in suits and armed to the teeth. Their mission: to eliminate Five, following the failure of their previous henchmen. In their relentless pursuit, they inadvertently cross the line, brutalizing and ending the life of an innocent trucker, mistakenly targeted as Five's father.
As the episode draws to a close, Hazel and Cha-Cha finally confront Five, who has found solace with Dolores—a mannequin who served as his sole companion in a desolate future, a twist designed to question the very fabric of Five's sanity. Despite their relentless barrage of bullets, Five emerges unscathed, leaving Hazel and Cha-Cha undeterred and undoubtedly poised for a rematch. This episode, though flawed, offers a glimpse into the depth and intricacies of 'The Umbrella Academy,' promising even greater adventures ahead.
Five isn't the lone Hargreeves offspring grappling with the recent crime wave; Diego too finds himself embroiled, as he keeps tabs on police detective Eudora Patch, his former flame, who delves into the gruesome diner massacre. With zeal in his heart, Diego attempts to sway Patch towards vigilantism, echoing his own path, only to be reprimanded by her for taking shortcuts in her pursuit of justice. This narrative arc feels familiar, a rehash of tales we've witnessed before.
Yet, the most disheartening aspect lies in Umbrella Academy's swift retreat from the promising partnership forged between Five and Vanya at the premiere's close. Their alliance, once promising and steadfast, begins to unravel as Vanya casts doubts on Five's dire apocalyptic prophecy. Her skepticism irks Five to the point of exasperation, leaving him to roll his eyes and disengage. Vanya's subsequent journey becomes a meandering solo act, devoid of purposeful strides. Her most noteworthy encounter? A violin lesson with Leonard, a charming yet potentially sinister new adult student, whose presence begs the question: what nefarious role does he play in this intricate tale?
If Umbrella Academy's sophomore episode teaches us anything, it's this: when your narrative revolves around a family of eccentric superheroes, immerse yourself in their intricacies and eccentricities. We've barely scratched the surface of these eccentric characters, and their complex dynamics offer a rich tapestry waiting to be unravelled. Let's delve deeper into their world before venturing into the peripheries of ex-lovers, enigmatic students, or beloved inanimate companions.
