The Umbrella Academy Season 1: Episode 6 – The Day That Wasn’t

Introduction

"The Umbrella Academy" is a Netflix original series based on the comic book series of the same name by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá. The show, created by Steve Blackman, premiered on February 15, 2019, and quickly gained a significant following for its unique blend of superhero drama, mystery, and family dynamics. Episode 6, titled "The Day That Wasn’t," is a pivotal installment in the first season, directed by Stephen Surjik and written by Sneha Koorse.

The series follows the Hargreeves siblings, a group of adopted children with superpowers, as they reunite to solve the mystery of their father’s death and prevent an impending apocalypse. The show features a talented ensemble cast, including Ellen Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Aidan Gallagher, and Justin H. Min.

Plot Summary

Episode 6, "The Day That Wasn’t," opens with a dramatic and intense sequence as Klaus Hargreeves finds himself transported to the A Shau Valley in Vietnam during the Vietnam War in 1968. Here, Klaus is thrust into the midst of a battle, forced to don a uniform and take up a gun. Despite the chaos, Klaus manages to find moments of levity and connection, particularly with a fellow soldier named Dave, with whom he shares a romantic encounter set to the backdrop of "Soul Kitchen" by The Doors.

Back in the present, Klaus returns from his time-traveling adventure, visibly changed by his experiences. His return coincides with a family meeting called by Luther, where the siblings discuss their plan to prevent the impending apocalypse. However, this meeting excludes Vanya, who feels once again marginalized and ignored by her family. This exclusion triggers a deep-seated anger in Vanya, which begins to manifest in her surroundings, causing storms and physical disturbances.

Meanwhile, Five begins his new job at The Commission, an organization that manages and regulates time travel. His employment is part of a deal to ensure his siblings’ safety, but Five has his own agenda, hinting at a larger plan to manipulate The Commission for his own purposes.

Vanya’s relationship with Leonard deepens, and she starts to realize her true potential as she comes off her medication. Leonard’s influence is significant, as he encourages Vanya to embrace her powers, which have been suppressed her entire life. This development creates tension among the siblings, who are increasingly concerned about Vanya’s growing abilities and Leonard’s intentions.

The episode also delves into the backstory of Klaus’s time in Vietnam, where he fell in love with Dave. This narrative thread highlights Klaus’s emotional vulnerability and his struggle with addiction and personal loss. Upon his return, Klaus attempts to flush his drugs, symbolizing a desire to change and confront his demons.

As the family meeting progresses, Luther reveals that in a previous timeline, the siblings had attempted to prevent the apocalypse but ended up dying in the process. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to their current situation, emphasizing the gravity of their mission and the consequences of failure.

Vanya’s exclusion from the meeting and her subsequent outburst lead to a dramatic confrontation. When she discovers her siblings discussing the apocalypse without her, she feels betrayed and storms out. Leonard follows her, and as Vanya’s anger intensifies, it begins to affect the environment around her, causing light posts to bend and storms to brew.

The episode culminates with significant character developments and plot advancements. Allison decides to return to California to be with her daughter if the apocalypse is indeed inevitable. Hazel, a former agent of The Commission, arrives at the Umbrella Academy to help stop the apocalypse but learns that his efforts may be too late. He reveals that Cha-Cha is the killer of Patch and leaves his guns to help exonerate Diego. However, his attempt to leave is interrupted by the Handler, who complicates his plans.

Vanya’s powers continue to grow, and she eventually kills Leonard in a fit of rage after discovering his manipulative intentions through Reginald’s diary. This event marks a turning point for Vanya, as she begins to understand and harness her abilities. The episode ends with Vanya being locked in an isolation chamber by Luther, who fears her powers, leading to a heart-wrenching and intense conclusion as Vanya gives in to her dark powers and breaks out.

Themes and Symbolism

"The Day That Wasn’t" explores several profound themes that are central to the series. One of the primary themes is the concept of family and the emotional scars that come with it. The Hargreeves siblings are constantly grappling with their past and their feelings of exclusion and neglect. Vanya’s storyline, in particular, highlights the theme of identity and self-discovery, as she begins to understand and accept her true nature.

The episode also delves into the theme of trauma and its lasting impact. Klaus’s experiences in Vietnam and his subsequent struggles with addiction serve as a powerful example of how traumatic events can shape an individual. The apocalypse looming over the characters adds an element of existential crisis, forcing them to confront their mortality and the meaning of their lives.

Symbolism plays a significant role in this episode, particularly through Vanya’s powers. Her ability to affect the environment symbolizes the emotional turmoil she has endured and the power she has been suppressing. The storms and physical disturbances she causes reflect her inner anger and frustration.

Cultural Impact

"The Day That Wasn’t" was well-received by audiences and critics alike, contributing to the overall popularity of "The Umbrella Academy." The episode’s unique blend of action, drama, and supernatural elements resonated with viewers, making it a standout installment in the series.

The episode’s influence on pop culture is evident in its portrayal of complex characters and its exploration of themes such as identity, trauma, and family dynamics. These elements have been referenced and discussed in various media outlets and fan communities, solidifying the episode’s place in contemporary pop culture.

Critical Reception

Critics praised "The Day That Wasn’t" for its character development, particularly the deep dive into Klaus’s backstory and Vanya’s emerging powers. The episode’s pacing and plot twists were also commended, as they added complexity to the narrative and kept viewers engaged.

However, some critics noted that the episode’s focus on multiple storylines could be overwhelming at times, making it challenging to follow every character’s arc. Despite this, the overall reception was positive, with many praising the episode’s emotional depth and its contribution to the series’ overarching narrative.

Legacy

"The Day That Wasn’t" has left a lasting impact on the series and its audience. The episode’s exploration of themes such as trauma, identity, and family dynamics has set a precedent for future episodes, allowing for deeper character development and more complex storylines.

The episode’s influence can also be seen in its impact on the broader television landscape. It has contributed to the trend of complex, character-driven storytelling in superhero and sci-fi series, encouraging creators to delve deeper into the emotional and psychological aspects of their characters.