The Umbrella Academy: Exploring the Intricate Web of Relationships in Netflix’s Hit Series
The Umbrella Academy has consistently captivated audiences with its unique blend of superhero antics, time-travel escapades, and deeply emotional character arcs. As the series heads into its final season on Netflix, fans are treated to a whirlwind of developments that challenge their perceptions of the characters they’ve grown to love. Among the most talked-about elements of the latest season are the unexpected romantic entanglements that add layers of complexity to the already intricate narrative. The penultimate episode, in particular, dives deep into the evolving relationship between Five and Lila, offering viewers a glimpse into how long it truly takes to fall in love under extraordinary circumstances.
In a surprising twist, Five and Lila find themselves spending six years, five months, and two days wandering the subway tunnels. Their quest to prevent another apocalypse and fix the official timeline is put on hold as they focus on their growing mutual attraction. This prolonged period of close proximity and shared danger naturally fosters a bond between them, culminating in a romantic relationship that neither saw coming. The show effectively uses a montage to condense their six-year journey into four minutes, highlighting key moments that signify their deepening connection. This creative choice underscores the intensity of their relationship while also leaving viewers yearning for more detailed exploration of their adventures together.
Throughout the season, the show has subtly hinted at the flirtation between Five and Lila. Their chemistry is palpable, and given their dire situation, it makes sense that they would develop feelings for each other. The cinematography and acting by Aidan Gallagher and Ritu Arya bring this love story to life, making it one of the standout elements of the season. However, some fans and critics have expressed disappointment that the relationship wasn’t given more time to develop organically on screen. The truncated episode order of the final season may have worked against the show, limiting the depth and impact of this subplot.
The decision to focus on Five and Lila’s relationship also sheds light on the broader dynamics within the Hargreeves family. Diego, played by David Castañeda, finds himself caught in a love triangle as Lila’s feelings for Five come to the forefront. Diego’s marital troubles with Lila are exacerbated by her growing attachment to his younger brother. This tension adds another layer of complexity to Diego’s character, as he grapples with feelings of betrayal and confusion. Filming these emotionally charged scenes was challenging for Castañeda, who even joked about being angry when he first learned about the plot twist involving his character.
The actors’ performances are further enriched by their understanding of their characters’ motivations. Aidan Gallagher, who portrays Five, sees Lila as the ‘color’ in his life that gives him purpose. This perspective adds depth to Five’s character, who often struggles with his fragmented worldview and sense of direction. On the other hand, Ritu Arya, who plays Lila, understands why her character would fall in love with Five but also sees the importance of her connection with Diego. This duality in Lila’s affections creates a rich tapestry of emotions that the actors skillfully navigate, making their performances all the more compelling.
The show’s exploration of Five and Lila’s relationship is not without its flaws. Some viewers feel that the storyline could have been more impactful if given more time to breathe. The six-episode final season leaves little room for the nuanced development of such a significant subplot. Additionally, the decision not to fully explore Five’s choice to keep the way out of the subway tunnels a secret from Lila adds an element of ambiguity that could have been more thoroughly addressed. These narrative choices, while intriguing, sometimes leave viewers with more questions than answers.
Despite these criticisms, the show does an admirable job of setting up a massive finale where all the characters must use their powers to confront the impending end of the world. Klaus’ subplot, involving a pet cemetery, may seem disconnected from the main narrative, but it serves to highlight the quirky and unpredictable nature of the series. Meanwhile, Ben and Jennifer are driving around in a fugue state, avoiding the inevitable apocalypse. The Keepers, a group intent on bringing about the end of the world, are pleased with the way things are unfolding, adding an additional layer of tension to the story.
One of the most shocking twists of the season involves the revelation that a character believed to be Sy Grossman is actually Abigail Hargreeves in disguise. This unexpected development raises questions about her true motives and whether Reginald Hargreeves is aware of her deception. The show’s ability to keep viewers on their toes with such twists is one of its greatest strengths, ensuring that the finale will be filled with even more surprises and dramatic moments.
The actors’ reflections on their characters’ journeys provide valuable insights into the creative process behind The Umbrella Academy. David Castañeda, in particular, had mixed feelings about Diego’s romantic entanglements. He initially tried to convince the showrunner that Diego should win over Five, but not all of the cast agreed with his viewpoint. Justin H. Min, who plays Ben, believes that Lila is important to Five’s character development. This diversity of opinions among the cast members highlights the complexity of the show’s narrative and the depth of the characters they portray.
Both Ritu Arya and Aidan Gallagher have expressed disappointment that the storyline involving Lila and Five’s time-traveling adventures was trimmed down. In an interview with TechRadar, they shared their desire to explore this subplot in greater detail. Episode 5, titled ‘Six Years, Five Months, and Two Days’, showcases the pair’s efforts to prevent another apocalypse and fix the timeline. Initially, they are able to use a time-traveling subway without issues, but they eventually become trapped in a labyrinth of train-based universes. Their numerous attempts to find a way out lead to various adventures and obstacles, which could have provided rich material for an entire episode.
The writing team had many ideas for Lila and Five’s time-traveling escapades, but the shortened season meant that many of these ideas had to be cut. Both Gallagher and Arya were told about other elements of their journey that couldn’t be included, such as epic adventures in Tokyo. It’s unclear if any of these scenes were filmed before being cut, but the actors’ disappointment is palpable. The potential setback of the shortened season is evident, as the show could have benefited from a more extended exploration of these exciting storylines.
As the series approaches its conclusion, fans are left to ponder the fate of their favorite characters. Lila’s ultimate choice between Five and Diego remains uncertain, as the group faces the monumental task of saving the world. The actors themselves have their own theories about who Lila would have chosen in a different scenario. This open-endedness adds to the anticipation for the finale, as viewers eagerly await the resolution of these complex relationships. The Umbrella Academy has always excelled at blending action, humor, and heartfelt moments, and the final season promises to deliver all of these elements in spades.
The Umbrella Academy’s success can be attributed to its ability to balance fantastical elements with deeply human stories. The relationships between the characters, whether romantic or familial, are at the heart of the series. The show’s willingness to take risks with unexpected plot twists and character developments keeps viewers engaged and invested in the outcome. As the final season unfolds, fans can expect more surprises, emotional moments, and thrilling action sequences. The Umbrella Academy has left an indelible mark on the landscape of superhero television, and its legacy will undoubtedly endure long after the final episode airs.