Episode 5 of Umbrella Academy's gripping third season commences with a striking image: Klaus awakens in a monochrome world, a stark contrast to the fleeting hues of yellow that grace his vision, a subtle yet profound touch. This surreal purgatory finds Klaus wandering aimlessly until he stumbles upon an enigmatic doorway nestled on the desolate shore. Upon opening it, he's confronted with a haunting vision—a younger Klaus, subjected to relentless experimentation by the ever-manipulative Reginald.
Klaus' unique abilities unfold in a poignant montage, reliving the painful tapestry of his "deaths," culminating in the harrowing harpoon gun incident that left viewers breathless in the previous episode.
Meanwhile, the tension between Viktor and Harlan boils over, their disagreement about the past erupting into a display of raw, devastating power. They collide, each sent flying across the room in a flurry of emotions and regret. Viktor's anger stems from Harlan's tragic misstep, the accidental ensnarement of 27 innocent women whose screams still echo in his mind. Harlan, consumed by guilt, has secluded himself, forsaking his abilities, until the fateful hallway incident forced him into the spotlight once more.
Determined to confront his past, Harlan decides to emerge from his self-imposed exile and confess his deeds before the Sparrow Academy. Viktor, skeptical of this plan, strides off to confront the situation alone, unaware of the impending chaos.
Just as Viktor's resolve hardens, Lila and Five burst through time's veil, their sudden arrival shaking the very foundations of the hallway lobby. Amidst this turmoil, Allison and Diego enter, battered but unbowed, their injuries testament to their fierce retaliation against the bar's assailants from the previous episode's climax.
Diego's gaze falls upon Stan, a startled figure amidst a sea of chemicals, his intention to dissolve Klaus' lifeless form all too clear. Little does he know, Klaus' spirit is wandering in purgatory, his body a mere husk. Yet, as Diego prepares to move Klaus' body, a miraculous awakening occurs. Klaus' consciousness returns, sparked by a heartfelt conversation with his mother in the afterlife, her words of wisdom igniting a newfound determination within him.
Elsewhere, the team endeavors to devise a strategy to confront the looming threat of the Kugelblitz, strengthened by the recent resurrection and return of Klaus, Diego, and Stan. Amidst their urgent efforts to avert the universe's imminent demise, deep within the Sparrow's basement, the remaining Sparrows attempt to harness Grace's mystical eye to peer into the heart of the Kugelblitz. However, their endeavor triggers yet another catastrophic blast, incapacitating half the occupants of Hotel Obsidian.
Speaking of losses, Allison's emotional state spirals ever downwards. Bereft of her daughter and adrift in a sea of despair, unable to quell the fury that consumed her during her violent outburst in a bar, Luther reaches out to her in an attempt to connect. Allison confesses her profound sense of isolation and the seemingly relentless deterioration of their timelines. "I cannot keep enduring these losses, it's unjust," she laments. Luther offers solace, yet when Allison leans in for a kiss, he recoils, revealing his desire to be with Sloane instead. This rejection prompts Allison to unleash her Rumor abilities, weaving a web of deceit to bind Luther to her side. However, the melancholic music that accompanies this scene seems misplaced, as Allison's actions mirror those of Wanda Maximoff in her darkest moments.
But Allison's resolve falters when Luther's resistance becomes too forceful, prompting her to employ her Rumor powers once more, this time to secure her release. She flees, leaving Luther stunned in her wake. In the corridor, she stumbles upon Viktor sneaking Harlan away, and without hesitation, she takes charge, knowing the family's wrath will be upon Viktor once their deception is uncovered.
Meanwhile, at the bar, Klaus and Five engage in a somber conversation about death, sharing their insights. Klaus' keen eye recognizes the tattoo Five retrieved from his future self, revealing it to be a symbol of the Mothers of Agony, a notorious biker gang. As Five enters the bar, he discovers a room marked "Members Only," and within, he is astonished to find... Pogo!
