As The Umbrella Academy comes to an end with its beloved fourth season, viewers have a lot to remember. Based on Gerard Way’s comic series, the show has been praised for its blend of dark humor, family themes, and superhero elements. Now that the final episodes are available, it’s a great time to revisit some of the series’ best moments.
Here are the 10 best episodes of The Umbrella Academy:
A Light Supper: Season 2, Episode 6
In The Umbrella Academy season 2 episode A Light Supper, the siblings reunite with their father Reginald Hargreeves, with disastrous results. Meanwhile, Five makes a desperate deal with The Handler, who is trying to reclaim her position within The Commission.
Despite some criticism for its portrayal of Swedish culture, A Light Supper effectively highlights the dysfunction of the academy. The episode is both funny and heartbreaking, depicting the trauma the siblings suffered while growing up under their adoptive father and the deep emotional wounds they carry.
Back Where We Started: Season 2, Episode 1
The Umbrella Academy’s second season premiere Right Back Where We Started shows the siblings scattered across time in Dallas, Texas. Like in Season 1, they must stop another apocalypse, with only Number Five aware of the impending threat. The responsibility of uniting his siblings falls on Five, but they may struggle to unite.
While Season 1 piqued interest, the Season 2 premiere acts as a soft reboot, resetting the characters in the post-1960s era. It’s a blistering start, showing the Academy’s potential as a team if they can put aside their differences and work together.
743: Season 2, Episode 9
In episode 743, the final episode of The Umbrella Academy season 2, Allison, Diego, and Klaus attempt to stop Victor from accidentally starting World War III. Ultimately, it is Ben who reaches Victor, and sacrifices himself in the process. Meanwhile, Lila reveals a shocking truth about her parents’ murder, and Reginald reveals his true form.
This episode skillfully balances tying up loose ends while preparing for the finale. It provides Victor with much-needed emotional healing and paves the way for a major final battle. In particular, it features one of the show’s most entertaining battles: Five vs. Five.
The Day That Wasn’t: Season 1, Episode 6
In The Day That Wasn’t, the Hargreeves siblings prepare for the impending apocalypse while Five breaks into the Commission for answers. By the end of the episode, Five makes a dramatic escape and returns to his siblings, effectively reversing the day’s events.
While this may seem like the beginning of such bold episodes for The Umbrella Academy, The Day That Wasn’t exemplifies the show’s unique appeal. Despite the day’s events being erased, the episode provides valuable insight into the characters and demonstrates how even small changes can lead to significantly different outcomes.
The White Violin: Season 1, Episode 10
In The White Violin, the Academy confronts their fallen brother Victor in a desperate attempt to stop the apocalypse. Despite their efforts, the world still comes to an end. Five uses his powers to send the team back in time so they can correct their mistakes and avoid destruction.
Season 1 of The Umbrella Academy ended with a bold cliffhanger, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next season. The episode featured great acting, especially from Emmy Raver-Lampman as Allison, who was left speechless after Victor slit her throat.
Ooga for Ooga: Season 2, Episode 7
In “Oga for Oga”, Five takes drastic measures by killing the Commission’s board to ensure he and his family can return to their own time and allow the Handler to take over the organization. With only 90 minutes to assemble his scattered and often uncooperative family, this episode reflects the core dynamics of The Umbrella Academy.
There are several memorable moments, including a hilarious misunderstanding between Luther and Diego over a clue and Ben’s desperate plea to Klaus to let him take over his body. The lack of time adds to the chaos and underscores the Handler’s cunning as a villain.
Changes: Season 1, Episode 9
In the penultimate episode of The Umbrella Academy season 1, Changes, major revelations occur. Victor realizes that Leonard has tricked him and kills him. When Victor returns to the academy to apologize for nearly killing Alison, Luther locks him up, causing Victor to transform into the season’s main antagonist, The White Violin.
While Victor’s villainy may seem predictable, the way it plays out is interesting. Despite the characters’ disappointing choices, their actions are deeply rooted in their personalities and past experiences, giving the season a powerful and fitting climax.
Seven Steps: Season 2, Episode 8
In The Seventh Stage, after missing their time slot, Five takes drastic action by seeking out his past self, who has a briefcase that can return them to their own time. Meanwhile, Diego investigates the Commission, and Victor begins to piece together his past while being tortured by the government.
The episode is noted for its stellar acting, particularly that of Aiden Gallagher as Five, who begins to experience paranoid psychosis. Victor’s haunting scenes provide deep insight into his character as he contemplates his past and journey in The Umbrella Academy.
I Heard a Rumour: Season 1, Episode 8
In I Heard a Rumor, the season reveals important details about Victor’s powers and what caused him to lose his memory. The episode takes a dark turn when Victor, in a heartbreaking moment, slits Alison’s throat because she helped him forget his abilities. Meanwhile, the rest of the siblings struggle to find their missing family members.
This episode is one of The Umbrella Academy’s most intense emotional moments and dramatic cliffhangers. Despite some viewers anticipating the twist, the skillful execution by the writers and actors made its impact undeniable.
The End of Something: Season 2, Episode 10
In The End of Something, the Academy fights the Commission, and it is revealed that Leela is one of the other mysterious babies born on October 1, 1989. After defeating the Commission and returning to their own time, Hargreeves learns that they have altered the timeline again, now that Reginald and Ben are both alive.
The season 2 finale of The Umbrella Academy is notable for its emotional resolution, thrilling action, and surprising twist. It shows the siblings’ growth as a family, particularly through their support for Victor. The reveal of Lila’s power is a major twist, and the finale effectively sets the stage for the next season.
Also read: ‘It’s a real discovery’: The Umbrella Academy star Justin H Min on his character’s surreal death
