Axel from The Umbrella Academy

Introduction

Axel, played by Canadian actor Kris Holden-Ried, is a significant character in the Netflix series The Umbrella Academy, particularly in its second season. He is one of the Swedish assassin triplets, along with Oscar and Otto, who serve as formidable antagonists. Axel’s character is rooted in a complex backstory that shapes his actions and motivations throughout the series.

Axel’s origins are tied to his role as one of the Swedish brothers who replace the Commission assassins Hazel and Cha-Cha from the first season. These characters are known for their ruthless efficiency and expressionless demeanor, which contrasts with the more nuanced characters of Hazel and Cha-Cha^[5].

In the broader context of the series, Axel represents a continuation of the theme of morally ambiguous characters who are driven by their duties rather than personal emotions. This aligns with broader literary traditions of anti-heroes and complex villains, adding depth to the narrative.

Role in the Series

Axel’s storyline is deeply intertwined with the Sparrow Academy, a rival group of superpowered siblings. Initially, Axel was the Number One of the Sparrow Academy but was demoted to Number Two after a mission gone wrong, known as the "Jennifer incident," which also resulted in the death of Ben in the original timeline. This incident left a profound impact on Axel, who secretly regrets his demotion and harbors feelings for Jennifer, as evidenced by his secret drawings of her^[3].

Axel’s journey involves his initial hesitation to team up with the Umbrella Academy, but he eventually warms up to the idea after making a deal with Reginald Hargreeves to regain his Number One spot following Marcus’ disappearance. Throughout the season, Axel is portrayed as closed off and deeply committed to the mission of the Sparrows, often at the expense of personal relationships. He is particularly critical of Sloane’s decision to marry Luther and accept her fate in the apocalypse, highlighting his dedication to the Sparrows’ mission^[3].

Axel’s relationships with other characters are marked by his professionalism and lack of emotional attachment. However, his interactions with Reginald Hargreeves and the Umbrella Academy siblings reveal a deeper complexity to his character, showing glimpses of his emotional vulnerability.

Character Analysis

Axel’s personality is defined by his stoicism and unwavering commitment to his duties. He is a ruthless killer who sees his role as a necessary part of the larger mission. This stoicism, however, masks a deeper emotional pain and regret, particularly regarding his demotion and the loss of Jennifer^[3].

His motivations are driven by a desire to regain his former status and to fulfill the expectations of the Sparrow Academy. This drive often puts him at odds with the more emotionally expressive characters of the Umbrella Academy, creating tension and conflict.

One of Axel’s significant strengths is his tactical prowess and efficiency as an assassin. However, his flaws include his inability to form meaningful connections with others and his rigid adherence to his mission, which can make him appear one-dimensional at times.

Despite these flaws, Axel’s character development throughout the series adds layers to his persona. His whispered confession to Sloane, "Because I have nothing else," reveals a profound sense of emptiness and loneliness, making him a more relatable and human character^[3].

Themes and Symbolism

Axel embodies several key themes in The Umbrella Academy. One of the most prominent is the theme of identity and purpose. Axel’s struggle with his demotion and his desire to regain his former status highlights the importance of self-worth and the search for one’s place in the world.

Another theme is the cost of duty and loyalty. Axel’s unwavering commitment to the Sparrow Academy comes at the expense of personal relationships and emotional well-being, symbolizing the sacrifices that individuals make for the sake of their missions or organizations.

Axel also represents the theme of regret and longing. His secret drawings of Jennifer and his regret over the "Jennifer incident" symbolize the emotional scars that characters carry and the what-ifs that haunt them^[3].

Cultural Impact

Axel, as part of the Swedish assassin trio, has had a significant cultural impact on the series. The introduction of these characters brought a new dynamic to the show, replacing the more charismatic but equally deadly Hazel and Cha-Cha. Fans have appreciated the contrast between the old and new antagonists, with Axel and his brothers offering a fresh but equally compelling threat to the Umbrella Academy^[5].

In terms of adaptations or spin-offs, Axel’s character has not been explored beyond the Netflix series. However, his influence can be seen in how the show’s creators approach new characters and antagonists, often blending ruthlessness with underlying emotional complexity.

Critical Reception

Critics and audiences have received Axel with mixed reviews. Some have praised his character for adding a new layer of tension and conflict to the series, while others have found him less nuanced compared to other characters like Hazel and Cha-Cha^[5].

Axel’s character has also sparked discussions about the portrayal of villains in television. His stoic demeanor and lack of emotional expression have been both praised for their realism and criticized for making him less relatable. However, his underlying emotional depth has been appreciated by fans who see beyond his surface-level persona^[3].

Legacy

Axel’s enduring appeal lies in his complexity and the themes he represents. His character serves as a reminder of the sacrifices individuals make for their duties and the emotional scars that can result from such commitments.

In contemporary discussions, Axel’s character can be seen as part of a broader trend in media to create more nuanced and complex villains. His influence can be observed in how other shows and films approach character development, particularly in the realm of anti-heroes and morally ambiguous characters.

Axel has also inspired other character archetypes in the realm of superhero and action genres, where characters are often driven by a mix of duty, loyalty, and personal regret.