Binge Watching: The Umbrella Academy
New web series seem to be coming every week. This week I'd like to talk about The Umbrella Academy. Yes, I know it's been a month since this show released, but I've only found out about it now so here goes.
The Umbrella Academy is a Netflix original and is based on the comic series of the same name by Gerard Way. This show is about superheroes and no not the Marvel or DC type. And thank god for that. I was expecting something really predictable going into this show, I mean we all have seen sooo many superhero movies and shows by now. But what makes this show stand out are the characters of this show, all outstandingly well written! The amalgamation of all these characters is what makes this show worth-watching in my opinion.I want to keep this article spoiler-free so I'm not going to talk about the plot but I will tell you what I thought about the characters. Check out the trailer below to see what's in store.
So the show starts with 43 babies being born by women who were not at all pregnant until a few moments before going into labor. I know strange right? Well it's a show about superheroes so expect weird and strange events to follow. Anyways, 7 of these remarkable babies are adopted by this eccentric and intelligent billionaire who then discovers that these kids have superpowers (well all except one). And from there comes the idea of the Umbrella Academy, a place where these unique kids were taken to control and utilize their superpowers, turning them into mask-wearing superteens!
Cut to the present, where all the kids have gone their separate ways and are united due to their father's untimely death. Now let's talk a bit about the characters. Firstly talking about the superheroes, there are 7 kids but one doesn't have any superpowers (we'll get to that later). There's number 1 aka Luther, the supposed leader of the pack, whose sole purpose seems to be to make his father proud even after his death. You end up feeling utterly confused at how you feel about this character because you sense he wants to do the right thing, but then he also comes off as a huge guy with an ego! Also, he has superstrength. Now coming to number 2, Diego. He can manipulate the way he throws things (mostly knives) to utmost accuracy. He's really more of a brooding jerk who you just roll your eyes to every time he opens his mouth. I won't say anything about his costume, nothing at all. Number 3, Allison, the beautiful celebrity who's saddened by her divorce and custody battle of her child. I feel a lot more could have been shown with regards to her character. The only thing you wish for her is that she get back to her daughter. As for what her superpower is, let's keep that a secret until you go watch the show yourself.
Number 4, Klaus! My favorite character! This drug addict can talk to the dead, but only if he's sober! He's the most sarcastic, witty and fun to watch on this show! You're instantly attracted to his darkness and humor and are rooting for him especially after the first half of the season. Next up is Number 5. This character doesn't have another name and is the most messed up out of the lot (his best friend is a mannequin). Probably because he time traveled when he was a kid and then mysteriously comes back to the present but unfortunately as an old man trapped in a kid's body. Kudos to actor Aidan Gallagher for pulling this off! His interactions from other characters from the future is absolutely entertaining and you can't wait to see what trick he's going to play next. Definitely the most intelligent superhero and the most frustrated one as well. Coming to number 6, Ben, there's not much known about this character except that he died when he was a kid and now only Klaus can converse with him. He has an important part to play so I'm not going to tell you his power. It'll be so much fun to see when you're watching the show.
Last but not the least, number 7 aka Vanya. Probably the best written character of the show, you instantly feel sorry for her. She was always left out as a kid as she didn't have superpowers and you can see that loneliness and feeling of being ordinary take a toll on her happiness even as an adult. She's used to fading in the background. Her journey is breathtaking and she definitely has the best plot! There's definitely a lot happening in this show. There's a robotic mother, time-traveling assassins named Hazel and Cha-cha, a gorilla housekeeper, a doughnut lady, a mysterious handler wearing 50's inspired clothes, a violin, a weird dance sequence and a tragic love story.
Honestly, the only reason I ended up watching this show was because I had nothing else going on. Having said that, I ended up watching the whole show in a single day. It may not seem like a big deal, but I couldn't binge-watch You and yes, I tried to. The show will probably feel uncomfortable in the beginning. You don't even know what's happening till the third episode, but the curiosity to know what's going on is what ends up motivating you to continue to watch. The show's got drama, action, angst and explosions. Everything tied all together in one. I'd definitely recommend you to watch this show. It's been a while since Netflix has offered a show worth binge-watching. Enjoy the first season! Hopefully we'll get a second season too (and yes you would definitely want a second season after watching how this show ends)!!!
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