The Umbrella Academy is brimming with eccentricities, from its unconventional premise to even a chimpanzee butler, showcasing a universe where almost anything goes without straining credulity. Yet, amidst this fantastical backdrop, the show curiously dwells on a tired '90s action cliché: a duo of witty, eccentric, and sadistic assassins clad in matching black suits. While Mary J. Blige and Cameron Britton deliver their all in these roles, the Tarantino-lite approach feels stale in 2019's context, and if there's a fresh spin, The Umbrella Academy hasn't quite stumbled upon it yet.
"Man on the Moon" finds itself mired in the antics of Hazel and Cha-Cha as they embark on a twisted quest to break Klaus's resolve. There's a darkly humorous undercurrent as they torture, choke, and waterboard Klaus, who seems to revel in this perverse pleasure. But beneath the surface, the real agony stems from Klaus's addictions, and sobriety unleashes a torrent of demons from his past.
The episode becomes a race against the clock, as Klaus battles to escape the clutches of his own sobriety before it consumes him whole. In a stroke of ingenuity, he harnesses his superpowers to interrogate the ghosts haunting him—victims of Hazel and Cha-Cha's previous hits—and use their testimonies to sow discord and confusion among his captors.
Yet, another, more ominous timer ticks unseen in the motel room. Detective Patch, hot on the trail of clues, draws perilously close to Hazel and Cha-Cha's lair. The writing on the wall is clear: Patch's fate is sealed, and indeed, it culminates in tragedy. But this interruption provides Klaus with a fleeting opportunity to slip away, snatching the secret briefcase hidden in the vents as he makes his escape.
Thus, the episode weaves a tapestry of dark humor, psychological turmoil, and superhuman ingenuity, all while hinting at the fragility of life and the relentless pursuit of justice in a world where the rules are constantly being bent.
Klaus, the resilient cockroach, lives to see another dawn, but at what solemn expense? Diego's heart will undoubtedly ache the deepest for Patch's passing, as the two of them have borne the brunt of loss lately, both Patch and her mother leaving indelible voids. Yet, Patch's demise and Diego's subsequent, albeit unsettling, discovery of her lifeless form fail to resonate with the gravity they ought to. Their bond, though meaningful, never quite ascended to the pinnacle of The Umbrella Academy's emotional tapestry. Moreover, the narrative arc of a vigilante driven by the avenging spirit of a lost love feels somewhat trodden, even amidst the show's artful dodging of superhero cliches.
However, there lurks a subtle twist that could potentially unravel a web of intriguing new challenges. Diego's reckless handling of Patch's body, sans any semblance of caution to avoid leaving fingerprints, paints a target on his back. Her fellow officers, already aware of his vigilante tendencies and his past with Patch, might soon turn on him, hunting him down with relentless pursuit.
And Diego is not the sole Hargreeves offspring facing unforeseen peril. As Klaus endures his torment, Vanya embarks on a quaint yet clumsy romance with Leonard, whose true colors were but a shade of deceit from the start. The veil has finally been lifted, revealing him as a villainous presence, his true intentions no longer shrouded in mystery. The warning signs were subtle yet ominous—from his suspicious visit to Vanya's apartment, ostensibly bearing flowers, to his aggressive demeanor when confronted by Allison. But the episode's crescendo leaves no room for doubt: Leonard's nefarious act of disposing of Vanya's medication sends a chilling message.
So, what lies beneath Leonard's facade? Is he merely exploiting Vanya as a means to access her powerful siblings, or does he harbor specific designs on her? How much does he know about Vanya's tumultuous past, immortalized in her tell-all tome? Does he act autonomously or as a pawn in someone else's sinister scheme? And ultimately, what is his ultimate goal?
The superhero genre thrives on a bedrock of audacious fan theories, and it's high time I contribute mine. After four engrossing episodes, here's my speculative take on The Umbrella Academy's trajectory: Vanya's lifelong reliance on medication stems from her uncontrollable superpowers, which the drugs have suppressed. Hargreeves concealed her abilities from her, fearing the devastation she could unleash if she embraced them. But as the medication wanes, perhaps in six days' time, Vanya will awaken to a raw, untamed strength capable of shaking the very foundations of the world.
