The Umbrella Academy Season 4 Review: Its Over Now

The Umbrella Academy is shaking things up quite a bit, diverging even further from Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá's original comic storyline. The six-year time jump and the loss of the Hargreeves siblings' powers offered major changes that introduced fresh dynamics but also present significant risks for maintaining the show's unique charm.

The introduction of The Keepers, with Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally in prominent roles, adds a new layer of intrigue. Their belief in being in the wrong timeline and anticipation of a major "cleanse" gave way for the season to explore themes of existential crises and the search for meaning in a changed world.

For fans of the original comics, this creative departure might be a double-edged sword. On one hand, the show brought new and unexpected storylines that kept the narrative engaging and innovative. On the other, it risks losing the distinctive voice and appeal that came from Way and Bá's vision. The season felt indecisive due to the way the show juggled these elements.

The decision to disperse the characters into unconventional pairings and the neglect of past events can indeed make a final season feel disjointed and less coherent, especially when it comes to resolving long-running story arcs.

The reliance on the actors' talent and chemistry to hold the show together is a testament to their strong performances, but it also highlights a gap in the storytelling and narrative cohesion. When a series is coming to an end, fans often look for closure and a sense of resolution, and it seems like Season 4 may not have fully delivered on that front.

The shorter episode count might have also contributed to the feeling of an incomplete or rushed ending, limiting the space available for a thorough wrap-up of the series' complex plots and character developments.

In essence, while the cast's charm continues to shine through, the final season’s struggle to balance new storylines with a satisfying resolution might leave fans longing for what could have been if the season had been more aligned with the series' previous strengths. Instead of exploring previous connections among the Hargreeves, the season introduces entirely new character pairings that dominate the storyline, leaving some characters sidelined or isolated.

Season 4 struggles with continuity and coherence, especially in light of the significant events from the previous season. The show overlooks or underdevelops the impactful plot points and character arcs that were established. Reginald Hargreeves' turn against the siblings and his attempt to use their essence to resurrect Abigail was a major moment, and the lack of follow-up on this seems like a missed opportunity to explore the aftermath and the siblings' evolving relationships with their father.

Luther’s marriage to Sloane and her subsequent disappearance due to the universe reset was a significant emotional development. The new season’s disregard for this loss and its impact on Luther makes the storyline feel disjointed and less impactful. Allison’s decision to betray her family to retrieve her loved ones added a layer of complexity to her character. Ignoring or rewriting this betrayal weakens the narrative and the character’s development.

Ben’s struggle to find a family after his own was destroyed adds depth to his character. Not addressing this in the new season undermines his storyline’s emotional weight. Diego and Lila's decision to start a family is a significant step in their character arcs. A shift away from this commitment disrupts their growth and the show’s continuity.

By either neglecting or altering these pivotal moments, Season 4 feels disconnected from the previous developments that built its foundation. This approach weakens the story’s overall impact, as it forces new developments to stand on their own without the necessary context and character history that made the earlier seasons compelling. The result leaves us with a season that feels like it’s reinventing the wheel rather than building on a rich tapestry of existing narrative threads.

Season 4 of The Umbrella Academy demonstrates that the story tends to unravel when the focus moves away from the Hargreeves.