Season 3 of “The Umbrella Academy” Unfolds at a Slower Pace but Keeps You Captivated

The audience is introduced to a new team while the main characters reveal surprising new sides.

On June 22, Netflix released the third season of “The Umbrella Academy,” continuing the story based on the comic series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá. However, showrunner Steve Blackman has long taken creative liberties, using only the core elements of the original comics and significantly altering the storyline. This season uniquely blends plots from both the third and the yet-to-be-released fourth comic volumes.

By season three, the protagonists have already stopped two apocalypses, both of which they nearly caused themselves. It seems the creators struggled to find a fundamentally new direction for the main narrative.

Still, this season is far from a mere retelling. The creators amplify the emotional depth of the story, making it a compelling watch.

Season 3 Playfully Reinvents a Familiar Plot

After resolving past crises, the members of the Umbrella Academy—essentially the Hargreeves family—return to their own timeline only to find reality altered. In this alternate world, billionaire Reginald Hargreeves assembled seven children born under mysterious circumstances on the same day, but this time he named the group the Sparrow Academy. The lineup is different, except for Ben, who is alive in this reality.

The first encounter between the Umbrella and Sparrow members doesn’t go well, forcing them to retreat to the Obsidian Hotel to strategize. Meanwhile, their presence triggers a paradox threatening to unravel reality itself.

The season starts with an ironic tone, even though the alternate team was revealed early on. It initially seems like a recap of the main plot, but soon takes unexpected turns.

What’s more, the creators openly acknowledge the story’s derivative nature. It’s clear that many of the world’s problems stem from the main characters’ actions, and this season doesn’t shy away from it. The altered past has spawned a terrifying force devouring the universe, and once again, Number Five leads the investigation.

The characters face even tougher challenges, juggling the need to return to the past and navigating their interactions with the Sparrow Academy. It’s unclear whether they should fight or ally with them. Meanwhile, each Hargreeves sibling confronts personal struggles: Allison suffers more losses, Viktor (formerly Vanya) grapples with identity, and Diego’s storyline remains one of the season’s sharpest surprises.

Old acquaintances unexpectedly return, adding both emotional depth and complexity to the main plot.

Ultimately, the creators take familiar themes from earlier seasons but shift the focus in fresh ways, continually surprising viewers. The final episodes deliver twists that even comic fans won’t anticipate.

Exploring Love and Acceptance

Since its debut, “The Umbrella Academy” has balanced superhero action with family drama. The core narrative revolves around childhood trauma and how the siblings, reunited as adults, still carry old wounds.

Season three places this theme front and center. Perhaps that’s why the apocalyptic threat isn’t overly complicated. Every character gets their moment to shine, including Diego and Luther, who had limited emotional range in season two. Their new roles bring unexpected humor.

Number Five remains the show’s most charismatic figure, delivering witty lines and sharing a dynamic partnership with Lila. This season, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

Allison’s storyline feels somewhat stretched, her personal tragedy spanning the entire season but sometimes lacking impact.

Viktor remains the emotional core of the story. The show notably diverges from the comics here, reflecting actor Elliot Page’s real-life transition. The character’s evolution from Vanya to Viktor symbolizes broader themes of identity and acceptance.

This transformation highlights the season’s key message: the siblings’ reactions to Viktor provide a powerful example of representation and familial acceptance. While some characters struggle with how to respond, the priority is ensuring Viktor feels supported. Importantly, the family’s conflicts with Viktor extend beyond gender identity.

Unexpectedly, the show delves deeper into their adoptive father Reginald Hargreeves. Previously perceived as a cold, ambitious figure, he remains flawed but gains moments that evoke sympathy.

Together, these character arcs create one of the most heartfelt and human superhero series available, surpassing even “Doom Patrol” in emotional intensity. At its core, the story is about family bonds, with the Hargreeves siblings prioritizing their relationships above all else.

In many ways, the Hargreeves family resembles the Addams Family or the “Midwest Vampires”: constantly bickering, sometimes secretive, but always ready to accept each other’s flaws.

Slow-Paced Yet Witty Storytelling

From the start, “The Umbrella Academy” has been criticized for its slow pacing, a result of its focus on emotional depth over nonstop action. Season two slightly improved the tempo, but season three slows down even further.

Whether this is a strength or weakness depends on viewer preference. As a superhero show, it contains many filler episodes that don’t advance the main plot. Nearly half the season feels like an extended filler.

On the other hand, this pacing allows for unexpected twists and clever action sequences. Although the dance scene doesn’t match the iconic “I Think We’re Alone Now” from season one, the new superpowers, including a sentient cube, are creatively showcased. Klaus’s storyline, especially, will thrill fans of Robert Sheehan’s other projects. Diego and Number Five frequently engage in exciting fights.

The introduction of the Obsidian Hotel as a new setting adds character to the series. Fans of “Supernatural” will recognize Julian Richings, who plays Death, as one of the hotel staff.

Season three is the slowest-paced yet, but fans won’t be bored. The superbly written drama and relatable emotions make the dysfunctional family feel even more touching and authentic.

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