I would have missed this show entirely if it weren't for Netflix's insistence that I watch it, and now I present one of the best sleeper shows: The Umbrella Academy.
All around the world, 43 children are born on the same time on the same day from women who weren't pregnant at the beginning of the day. Seven were adopted by the mysterious Sir Reginald Hargreeves. Each of these children, except for one (evidently), has different superpowers. Sir Hargreeves raises them and trains them, preparing for an upcoming evil so they can save the world.
But as time passes, the family falls apart and each child develops his or her own failings. One is already dead, and one has disappeared.
When Sir Reginald dies, the remaining children reluctantly come together to attend the funeral. As such, the first two episodes are a little depressing and slow -- while each character is introduced -- but then it quickly picks up speed.
They come to learn that the world will end in eight days and only they can stop it -- and nobody has any idea what it is or how it will happen. And yes -- this show does depend on time travel -- and yeah -- it's not a strict treatment of timelines by any measure -- but then it again, it's only a device, and so it's easy to sit back, relax, and enjoy the story.
On the most part it's well-written, good acting, fun music, lots of energy, and lots of messed-up people. Sometimes I think the writers work a little too hard in pushing the kids in the wrong directions, but hey -- we humans do make stupid decisions sometimes. At least the characters seem consistent.
It also has crazy assassins, a talking monkey, and lots of things blowing up. What is there not to like?
The one question that has yet to be answered -- what ever happened to the other 36 miracle children? This story has so much untapped potential.
So -- if you have Netflix, give it a try. There are two seasons out, and in another year or so season three will drop.
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