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Beyond being an outstanding story, written in ways that dizzy my brain but still keep it engaged, it was actually a surprise to me that Gerard Way, from My Chemical Romance (band I grew up listening to), was behind it. But it soon clicked. He does write like that and I love it. It is not exactly my style, mind you, but one I can admire without possessing.
I wish it’d keep going. I can’t get enough of it. The world grew on me. The characters too. But it already gave us 3 seasons and a last, fourth one. So I’m at least satisfied enough and able to let it go.
SPOILER ALERT! Keep reading at your own risk. There are spoilers ahead...
Among what I loved about its finale is, first of all, that it IS The Umbrella Academy. Just getting to see more of it was in itself something. Their typical personal and familial dysfunctions, the chaos between the characters and in the world(s), the fights and the use of peculiar abilities, along with all that’s messed up that they try to sort. That is them, that is it. But in this last season, I also particularly loved how they could have a bit of a normal life and then some more sentimentalism and romance.What I did NOT love, not gonna lie, is by far the ending. I think a lot more would have been forgiven if it didn’t have that ending. It compels me to read more between the lines for some hidden meaning because, taken at face value, I cannot believe that that’s how it was wrapped up. I’m hanging on, for dear life, to the idea of it being ironic (and a bit sarcastic). But who knows what’s up? I’m also disappointed that there were only 6 episodes - there should have been 10 as usual + 2 more for consolation! And, yep, how compressed it was left much to be desired. But that’s just me, just craving more.
Nonetheless, it stirred up controversy. If that was the intention, you got it. It didn’t make it to a 8+ overall rating for how upsetting it was, but it did give us plenty to talk (and rant) about. I’ve been coming across take after take since merely a day after it came out. Most against, a few in favor.
The first 4 episodes of the season 4 landed smoothly enough. They were still pretty much what you would expect from The Umbrella Academy. It was on episode 5 that it seemed to go off script. Followed by episode 6, delivering the blandest ending imaginable. (For real, it’s so bland I can’t help but wonder about it…)
Personally, I had no issue with all the sentimentality and romance of episode 5 (you know me). People would argue that the relationship was forced and that neither of them, Five nor Lila, would be or do any of that. But it still makes sense to me, given that they were lost and struggling for 7 whole years. Enough for anyone to be tired and start giving up. Also, believe me when I say that some of the most uptight and tough people can have and reveal an unbelievably soft side when they at last feel safe enough to drop their guard and be vulnerable. However, another issue was that many were already strongly shipping Lila with Diego as the ultimate OTP - and Five came across as just getting in between that.
The ending, though. I was hoping people were just being crybabies or dense as bricks. And that, unlike them, I would enjoy the ending. Well, I did not. At least not how it appears to be. I could turn it around and look at it in ways that have or emphasize other meanings. Filling gaps and seeking hidden messages. But that might be a stretch and doesn’t change the fact that the Hargreeves were sacrificed to restore the timeline. And I’m not a very “the end justifies the means” and “anything for the greater good” type of person. I’ve got favorites, okay?
There’s a theory, though, that’s compelling enough. It says that the Five of this timeline was switched for a Five from another timeline. And THAT’s why this one was… more inclined to give up. Well, Five from another timeline, I don’t know how, but I hope you get your spirits up because trading yourself and other weirdos for the comfort of the normies is, IMO, not the way to go. Let them and yourself be an inconvenience.
All that said, I do get and agree with a few things. And was glad to see them plastered on the screen. May not be the intent, but they did resemble a couple of phenomenons that I’m familiar with. Rushing to each and every disaster CAN indeed just create more disasters (collateral damage, new problems found or unleashed, etc.). And constantly attacking an enemy that you cannot kill DOES make them stronger (building immunity, absorbing your tactics and strategies, etc.). So, be wise. Not everything requires your reaction. Even - and especially - when you’re being taunted for it.
I don’t know how much Netflix and those running the show changed or adjusted the story to meet their criteria, whatever that is. Netflix has let me down me quite a few times by prematurely canceling or ending great shows and by deviating from the source material with little to no rhyme or reason. But I’ll give it to them that, in one way or another, they bring these stories to life as quite a treat for our senses. The actors, the ambiance, the sound and visual effects, and altogether the cinematography. I’m not so much of a story snob to discard that candy. So I’m not saying it shouldn’t have happened.
Nevertheless, I oughta emphasize the line that hit me the most: "absolutely nothing out of the ordinary occurred..." This is an interesting line to end the story with because, depending on what ‘side’ you’re on, it is incredibly ideal or incredibly insufferable. So for me, to whom that would be insufferable, it can be read as “Is that what you wanted, f***ers? Go enjoy your absurdly boring and mediocre life.” But to someone for whom that’s ideal, it can be read as, “Ha! At last, the real problem has been eradicated.” Yet, it is shown as wholesome enough, with previously deceased characters alive and well. So I’m not sure what they were trying to do and I don’t approve of the execution. But I’m glad that line was there to illustrate the duality of it all.
What else can I say? I’m sad it’s over. But you know what that means? Headcanons and fanfics if you will. Rewatches of the entire series, too. Maybe even getting into the comics. I’ll be coping with made-up alternate endings and extended episodes because no way I’m cementing The Umbrella Academy with an “It doesn’t matter, they should have never existed.” It’s almost as if they had to conclude it with a “But remember, kids, don’t try this at home.” Cowardly move.
For all this complaining, do I recommend it? Yup! But if you’re neurodivergent and/or gifted, I’d suggest not watching the last episode and imagining your own.
Now listen to My Chemical Romance’s The End, as it seems oddly relevant.
