The Umbrella Academy Season 4 Review: A Bittersweet Farewell That Could Have Been So Much More

'Now come one, come all to this tragic affair...' The final season of The Umbrella Academy, a show based on the beloved graphic novel series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, has finally arrived on Netflix. For fans of the series, this chapter has a lot to live up to. With six episodes, it offers a whirlwind of familiar tropes and a bittersweet ending that's both satisfying and frustratingly flawed.

The show picks up six years after the Hargreeves siblings, having time-traveled to a new reality to avoid their alien father's fatal scheme, find themselves stripped of their superpowers. Life is suddenly mundane and surprisingly normal. Viktor (Elliot Page), now owns a bar in Canada, Diego (David Castañeda) is a delivery driver and a devoted father to his daughter with Lila (Ritu Arya), who has seemingly abandoned her assassin ways for domesticity. Luther (Tom Hopper) makes a living as a stripper, while the once immortal, now sober Klaus (Robert Sheehan) has morphed into a germaphobe, obsessed with hygiene. Even Five (Aiden Gallagher) has found a new career path - as an undercover CIA agent.

The normalcy, however, is short-lived. The siblings are drawn into a new world-ending event, brought about by a mysterious cult. In the midst of this chaos, they rediscover their powers, leading to a predictable yet entertaining return to superhero antics.

Despite the familiar formula, The Umbrella Academy season 4 isn't entirely devoid of its own unique flavor. The standout character dynamic of this season is the fractious relationship between Viktor and Sir Reginald 'Reggie' Hargreeves (Colm Feore). This version of their surrogate father, born from the new timeline, shows a regret for his previous self's actions, leading to a genuinely touching resolution for their fractured relationship.

One of the most compelling aspects of season 4 is its exploration of the interconnectedness of the Hargreeves family. The season delves into the relationships between various siblings, providing fresh insights into their dynamics. However, the truncated episode count hinders the development of these relationships, leaving some intriguing interactions unexplored.

The season also attempts to answer some of the series' long-standing mysteries, revisiting key events in the Hargreeves family history. It's this kind of resourceful storytelling that brings a fresh energy to the series, even as it deviates from the source material. The show's inherent charm, coupled with its signature elements - absurd humor, hard-hitting violence, and familial dysfunction - will undoubtedly resonate with a large segment of its audience.

Unfortunately, the show's pacing is uneven, with subplots that feel like rehashes from past seasons. For a final season consisting of just six episodes, it's disappointing to see filler material take precedence over more impactful narratives. The decision to condense ten episodes' worth of storylines into six ultimately hinders the development of new characters, like the antagonistic Jean and Gene Thibedeau (Nick Offerman and Meg Mullally).

While the season ends with a satisfying, albeit tear-jerking conclusion, the journey to get there is marked by uneven pacing and underdeveloped storylines. In an era where Netflix is known for its cancelations, The Umbrella Academy's success has granted it the privilege of ending on its own terms. However, its final chapter feels like a missed opportunity. The show, despite its charm, could have benefitted from a few more episodes dedicated to enriching its narratives and exploring its characters' arcs more fully.

Overall, The Umbrella Academy season 4 is a bittersweet farewell. It's a solid conclusion to a beloved series, but it doesn't quite live up to its potential. It's a tragedy-tinged finale that leaves audiences with a sense of nostalgia and a longing for what could have been.

The Last Hurrah

The Umbrella Academy's final season is a testament to the series' enduring appeal. Despite its flaws, it's a fitting send-off for the Hargreeves family and their zany world. The season offers a potent mix of nostalgia, humor, and emotional depth, leaving viewers with a bittersweet sense of closure. While the series finale could have been more satisfying, it's a fitting ending for a show that has entertained and captivated audiences for years.

For fans of the show, this season will be a bittersweet experience. There's much to appreciate, from the emotional resolution of certain character arcs to the return of beloved elements that have defined the series. Yet, there's also a sense of disappointment, a feeling that the show could have been more impactful, more satisfying in its final moments.

The Umbrella Academy season 4 is a complex and layered conclusion. It's a show that will leave fans with a mixture of emotions, but one thing is certain – it's a finale that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.