On Thursday, The Umbrella Academy premiered its final season, showcasing a timeline where the Hargreeve siblings finally succeed in their mission. For fans of the show over the past five years, it marks a bittersweet conclusion for the beloved yet dysfunctional family.
As one of Netflix’s key genre offerings, Steve Blackman’s adaptation of Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá’s graphic novel distinguished itself within the superhero genre. This was largely due to its diverse cast of quirky characters, including Elliot Page as Viktor, Justin Min as Ben, Tom Hopper as Luther, Emmy Raver-Lampman as Allison, Robert Sheehan as Klaus, David Castañeda as Diego, Aidan Gallagher as Number Five, Ritu Arya as Lila Pitts, and Colm Feore as Sir Reginald.
The show’s success is rooted in its comprehensive world-building across four seasons, enhanced by a talented team of writers, directors, and production staff that collectively elevated its comedy, action, and visual presentation. Blackman expressed hope that fans will find satisfaction in the final six episodes and the legacy of the series.
In a discussion about the series finale, Blackman revealed his collaborative process with the original comic creators, Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, throughout the show’s run. They were supportive of his vision for the conclusion, which involved significant narrative elements tied to character development.
The decision to limit the final season to six episodes was made by Netflix, which Blackman embraced, noting it compelled him to focus on key storytelling aspects. While he wished to explore certain character arcs further, the challenge allowed for a more refined narrative direction.
Each season has seen the inclusion of familiar faces in guest roles, with the final season featuring appearances from David Cross, Megan Mullally, and Nick Offerman. The castings came together unexpectedly, as the actors expressed enthusiasm for the show and a desire to collaborate.
The series has consistently featured callbacks to previous seasons, aimed at tying up loose ends. Blackman wanted to honor the loyalty of fans by addressing significant questions while leaving some open to interpretation.
Music has played a crucial role in the show’s identity, and Blackman was particularly excited to feature Cher’s “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves” in the final season. He faced challenges in securing other musical tracks, illustrating the complexities of licensing popular songs.
The inclusion of time travel continued in the final season with the introduction of an underground train system, inspired by the confusing Tokyo subway. The show utilized this concept to create entertaining and absurd scenarios.
As the season opens with the Hargreeves living without their powers, the decision-making process for character development involved a collaborative effort among the writers, focusing on how their pasts influenced their present lives.
The evolution of the characters’ abilities, particularly when they took a substance called Marigold, was approached with creativity. Blackman emphasized the need to maintain fresh ideas to reflect character growth.
Blackman had envisioned the series’ ending almost from the beginning, contemplating the philosophical implications of the characters ceasing to exist as superheroes. He felt this was a powerful narrative choice that highlighted the theme of sacrifice.
In the finale, the characters save their families while facing their own fates, which Blackman believed was crucial for their development. He also reflected on the image of the family coming together after various challenges, showcasing the depth of their relationships.
Reginald Hargreeves had a complex character arc across the series, and the final season explored his motivations, presenting him as multi-dimensional rather than simply a villain.
Romantic relationships in the series often ended ambiguously, reflecting the complexities of life and time travel. Blackman acknowledged a desire for more organic romance but maintained a commitment to portraying genuine human emotions.
The final scenes included appearances from familiar characters throughout the series, and Blackman noted attempts to bring back various actors, highlighting the show’s legacy.
Regarding potential spinoffs, Blackman expressed interest in exploring stories featuring secondary characters and emphasized the ongoing possibilities within the show’s universe.
The last days on set were emotional for the cast and crew, as they reflected on their journey together. Blackman felt fortunate to have worked closely with the actors, many of whom experienced significant personal and professional growth during filming.
Lastly, the series aimed for diversity in casting, diverging from the source material to create a more inclusive narrative. Blackman felt proud of the show’s impact on representation within the genre and emphasized the importance of collaboration and respect among the team throughout its production.
The Umbrella Academy is now available for streaming in its entirety on Netflix.