The fourth and final season of The Umbrella Academy, released in August 2024 on Netflix, has garnered mixed reviews, with praise for its character dynamics tempered by criticism of its rushed pacing and narrative issues. The season is notably shorter, comprising only six episodes compared to the ten of earlier seasons, which has led to a sense of an incomplete and hurried wrap-up. This condensed format has left several plot points and character arcs underdeveloped, disappointing fans who feel the series deserved a more fitting farewell. While the final season showcases the cast’s chemistry, it falls short in delivering a conclusive and satisfying end to the beloved series.
The six-episode structure constrains the development of the season’s intriguing narrative, particularly the premise of the Hargreeves siblings returning to a timeline where they no longer possess their powers. This fresh and engaging concept suffers from rushed pacing, preventing it from being thoroughly explored. Key plotlines, such as Viktor’s (Elliot Page) kidnapping and the subsequent rescue mission, feel hurried, with the sudden return of the siblings’ powers lacking the necessary buildup to make it impactful. Unlike previous seasons that balanced humor, action, and emotional depth, this final installment sacrifices cohesive storytelling in its haste to resolve lingering plot threads, undermining the series’ core themes of family and connection.
Despite these challenges, the cast deliver strong performances, with the Hargreeves siblings providing emotional depth and memorable moments. However, the rapid pacing and condensed narrative hinder character development, leaving many arcs feeling rushed or incomplete. For instance, Viktor Hargreeves, once a central figure, is sidelined with an underexplored storyline, while Luther’s (Tom Hopper) unexpected transformation into a stripper reduces his character’s established complexity to shallow humor. Diego’s (David Castañeda) attempt to embrace domestic life with Lila (Ritu Arya) and their children is similarly underdeveloped, missing a thorough examination of his struggle to reconcile old habits with new responsibilities.
Allison’s (Emmy Raver-Lampman) storyline also suffers from the hurried pacing, as her efforts to rebuild her life with her daughter Claire (Millie Davis) in a new timeline are not fully explored, missing the potential tension and complexity of her strained family relationships. Klaus (Robert Sheehan), known for his chaotic energy, is shown leading a more subdued life, but his struggle to avoid old habits is not given adequate focus. Similarly, Five (Aidan Gallagher), celebrated for his intelligence and dry wit, experiences limited screen time, preventing a deeper exploration of his internal conflicts and desires for a normal life.
Season 4 does, however, provide emotional closure for some key character arcs, such as Diego’s quest for stability and Klaus’s struggle with sobriety. The exploration of the siblings’ lives without powers adds a new dimension to their personal journeys, but the impact is diminished by the season’s overall pacing issues. A longer season with more focused character development, deeper exploration of the new timeline, and a carefully crafted conclusion would have offered a richer, more satisfying ending to the series, allowing it to fully realize its narrative potential and leave a lasting impact on its audience.
New characters like Sy Grossman (David Cross) and the Keepers are introduced with intriguing potential, but their development is rushed, and they are not fully integrated into the broader narrative. Sy Grossman’s quest to find his daughter and his involvement with the Keepers add layers to the plot, yet these elements feel more like plot devices than fully realized characters. The Keepers, led by Jean (Megan Mullally) and Gene Thibodeau (Nick Offerman), present new conflicts as the antagonists of the season, but their ideological clash with the Hargreeves lacks deeper thematic exploration as well. Similarly, the reappearance of Abigail Hargreeves (Liisa Repo-Martell) and the introduction of Jennifer (Victoria Sawal) hint at rich narrative possibilities but also remain underdeveloped, contributing to the season’s fragmented feel.
On a positive note, the cinematography in Season 4 remains exceptional, utilizing dynamic camera movements, inventive shot compositions, and a striking color palette that reflects the narrative’s emotional tones. Wide-angle shots and overhead perspectives enhance the sense of scale, particularly in scenes involving the Keepers and the cityscape controlled by Sir Reginald (Colm Feore), amplifying the show’s surreal atmosphere. Lighting plays a crucial role, with darker tones highlighting internal conflicts, while vibrant, neon-lit environments underscore the characters’ struggles to adapt to a new world without their powers.
Visual metaphors, such as Luther’s transformation and the use of mirrors to symbolize fractured identities, are effectively employed. The direction maintains the series’ unique blend of dark humor, action, and emotional drama, with slow-motion sequences and montages enhancing the emotional impact and connecting subplots. Additionally, the eclectic soundtrack, mixing classic rock and contemporary hits, continues to elevate the storytelling, creating memorable, resonant scenes.
Audience reactions to the final season have been mixed. Longtime fans appreciated the familiar interactions between the siblings and the show’s signature blend of quirky humor and emotional moments. However, there was a general consensus that the season doesn’t deliver the satisfying conclusion the series deserved. The rushed pacing, underdeveloped storylines, and abrupt ending left many viewers feeling that the series had been cut short just when it needed more time to breathe. This resulted in gaps in character development and story resolution, making the finale feel more like an afterthought than a satisfying conclusion.
Overall, if you’ve enjoyed the series up to this point, the final season is still worth watching. Despite its narrative flaws, it offers visually stunning moments, the quirky charm of the characters, and the unique blend of humor and drama that the series is known for. However, if you’re looking for a deeply satisfying conclusion to the story, you might find the final season lacking. It’s worth watching for the visual experience and to see how the characters’ journeys end, but keep your expectations tempered regarding the overall narrative resolution.
The Umbrella Academy can be seen on Netflix now.
