For decades, the realm of conspiracy theorists has yearned for a cinematic revelation that would unravel the enigmatic moments on the grassy knoll during JFK's assassination. But thanks to the intricate tapestry woven by The Umbrella Academy, the veil has finally lifted, revealing the fabled footage's hiding place: nestled within Five's blazer pocket.
As The Umbrella Academy hurtles towards yet another apocalyptic precipice, it's the JFK narrative—and its seamless integration into the characters' intricate personal landscapes—that promises to set Season Two apart from the events that transfixed us in Season One. This genre, steeped in time travel and speculative fiction surrounding the JFK assassination, has a rich tapestry, and it's captivating to witness The Umbrella Academy's cast of characters collide with, and potentially alter, a historical tragedy that echoes deeply within the American psyche (albeit with Hulu's 11/22/63 having paved the way).
When Five finally sits down to unravel the mysteries of the "Frankel Footage" on that tape, he uncovers the identity of the long-rumored second shooter lurking on the grassy knoll: none other than Reginald Hargreeves, the enigmatic, monocle-wearing patriarch who gathered the children under his wing and forged the Umbrella Academy. This ingenious fusion of The Umbrella Academy's exploration of familial burdens and a real-life historical scar borne by all Americans promises to ignite a firestorm of emotions. It will be fascinating to observe how each of Reginald's offspring grapples with this revelation.
Whatever path they choose, it's destined to ignite a fiery existential crisis. As Five and Diego trail the younger Reginald Hargreeves to his office, they stumble upon a ghost from the past: Pogo, the talkative chimpanzee and surrogate father figure whose life Vanya tragically ended at the conclusion of Season One. For Five, a man not known for his sentimental leanings, this unexpected encounter with Pogo is a rare moment of tenderness—until Pogo, lacking the advanced genetic enhancements that once made him a vital member of the family, sinks his teeth into Five and scampers away, leaving a trail of intrigue and uncertainty in its wake.
Meanwhile, Diego confronts Reginald head-on, igniting a fierce brawl between them that culminates in Diego's triumphant emergence. However, as Diego hesitates, torn between mercy and duty, Reginald seizes the fleeting opening. With a sneer, he plunges a blade into Diego's chest, labeling him an amateur before abandoning him, bleeding and vulnerable, on the cold pavement, while he strides away into the mist, Pogo in tow.
The scene may seem grim, but my instincts whisper that it's too soon in this season's narrative arc for Umbrella Academy to bid farewell to a pivotal character. Surely, Diego will pull through, albeit with a fresh wound and a renewed tangle of daddy issues to untangle. This catastrophic encounter underscores yet another peril of time travel: Five and Diego drag with them a heavy load of experiences that their younger counterparts, Reginald and Pogo, are utterly unable to fathom, for the events that forged those burdens have yet to unfold.
This begs the intriguing question: Will this foreknowledge empower or enfeeble the Hargreeves siblings? Umbrella Academy has always delved into the intricate dance of relationships, how they mold and reshape individuals. And we witness a poignant example as Luther confronts Vanya at Sissy and Carl's humble abode, revolver in hand. Initially, Luther struggles to discern whether Vanya's amnesia is genuine or a ruse to evade accountability for her villainous deeds.
But instead of resorting to violence, Luther seizes the moment to offer an apology, acknowledging his part in pushing Vanya towards the abyss – for imprisoning her rather than guiding her through the tumultuous journey of understanding and controlling her formidable abilities. This unexpected turn serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of empathy and understanding amidst the chaos of time travel and familial complexities.
Vanya might not recall Luther's words verbatim, yet the essence of his sentiment resonates deeply within her. As the tapestry of the show unravels, unveiling the haunting demons from each character's past, many of which are intertwined with their adoptive father's legacy, it transpires that the key to progression might just lie in embracing the extraordinary gift of time travel—a means to confront him face to face, in all his forms. Who can fathom the outcome? Perhaps, in this odyssey, they'll not only conquer their personal demons but also safeguard the president and the very fabric of the world.
