UPSIZE PH | Rain or Shine: Noteworthy Lessons from the Comics Turned TV Series, The Umbrella Academy

Mar 1

Mar 1 Rain or Shine: Noteworthy Lessons from the Comics Turned TV Series, The Umbrella Academy

To date, a lot of articles have probably been written about the said acclaimed Netflix series. Released just last February 15, 2019, it has stormed headlines a la Number Five’s (yes, that’s one of the characters) time traveling warp effects. It has drawn a lot of viewers due to the many themes one can gain from it. It’s not just a typical superhero story nor just a bunch of eye candies put together in order to have a power ensemble cast (though to be honest, we have to give it that. Hello, Klaus, did I mention I love you?)

Giphy

Oh no, Klaus. I haven’t even started.

From the brilliant mind of former My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way and one of my favorite Brazilian graphic novelists Gabriel Ba (twin brother of the equally talented Fabio Moon, himself and Ba responsible for greats like Daytripper), The Umbrella Academy does not disappoint. I will no longer dwell on the major premise; a simple Google search can tell you such things. Instead, here are some noteworthy lessons I personally claim as my takeaways from an excellently crafted series. Hopefully, other than the glowing reviews, the dashing trailers, and the high ratings, these lessons will seal the deal for you to finally get onboard.

Giphy

Look. They’re smiling at you.

BY THE WAY, IF YOU WHO HATE SPOILERS, FEEL FREE TO READ THESE LESSONS AFTER WATCHING THE SHOW.

Giphy

1. Those with a clear purpose and direction in mind will go such great lengths to carry out a task, and we must take notes from these characters. They are filled with wisdom and experience.

One of the most compelling, nail-biting narrative arcs in the series is how determined Number Five is in saving the world from the apocalypse. He uses every ounce of his strength and cunning to get the answers he wants, seemingly mindful of the possible repercussions. While some of his decisions can be questionable, it cannot be denied that such characters with a noble vision and an impassioned spirit are ones to behold for they teach us a lot of things: The calculating ways, the aversion to passivity and lack of planning.

Giphy

Especially to adults, such reality “slaps” are much needed. It took Number Five almost a lifetime to prepare for the inevitable, and we know that such wisdom could not have been gained if he were a “happy-go-lucky, go-with-the-flow, live-by-the-payday” guy. Trust me: Purpose and Direction and a resolute spirit are more important than the latest trends and “looking” cool. Good thing Number Five manages to look so dapper in spite of the literal years behind him, while being sought after by The Commission for his ridiculous talent and skills (while being notorious and infamous at the same time – seriously, what does this guy have that we don’t?)

Giphy

2. There are dangers in believing what others tell you especially what you can and cannot do.

All her life, Number 7 (Vanya), played by the exceptional Ellen Page, has always believed that she was not special, that she was ordinary. While most of the things that happened to her were the doing of a lot of people, I’d like to believe she had some say in it, too.

Giphy

While she chose to play the violin in order to be able to do something beautiful, I felt that she could have done more than that. So did her siblings. Both Vanya and her siblings allowed their life to be dictated upon by an authority figure when they could have done everything they could not to alienate each other from themselves.

Giphy

It is one thing to hear what others say; it is another thing to think about what one must do on one’s own. The season finale would hopefully help the siblings redeem themselves, collectively and individually.

Giphy

3. The importance of family is important in this one. It celebrates what is good and is also unapologetic in showing what’s toxic.

What I loved about the series is how it fleshed out the nuances of each Hargreeves sibling and let us know that in spite of whatever superpower they may have, at the heart of it all thy remain human, and their being human makes them vulnerable and in need of companionship. Look no further as Number Five relies on a dilapidated mannequin as his companion post-apocalypse, and how Number One kept on sending reports straight from the moon.

Giphy

The number of times we see Alison crying over the phone longing for her child, Klaus getting his heartache and his first real love when he happened to time travel back at war, Diego losing what could have been a great love, and the siblings losing Ben… these are real losses, real pains. At the end of the day, when their father figure died, they all went home, signifying the need for family at the end of all their struggles. What’s great about the series is that the finale leaves room for more things, and I am excited to see how more of family – especially healing after all the revelations of numerous secrets – will unfold.

Giphy

I finished watching the series in one go, and while there is a void I have yet to fill while waiting for the next season, I am filled with optimism that a lot of people have gained more lessons beyond the list. Go set your eyes on this feast, now.