Introduction
Atlas Jericho "A.J." Carmichael is a unique and pivotal character in the Netflix series The Umbrella Academy, based on the comic book series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá. Carmichael is a hyper-intelligent Shubunkin goldfish who inhabits a tank atop a robotic, humanoid bodysuit, allowing him to interact and navigate the world in a manner similar to humans.
Originating from the comic book series, specifically in The Umbrella Academy: Dallas[3][4], Carmichael serves as the chief authority of the Temps Aeternalis, an organization responsible for overseeing time travel and its associated processes. This role places him at the heart of the series’ complex narrative involving time travel, assassinations, and the prevention of catastrophic events.
Carmichael’s significance extends beyond his administrative role; he embodies a blend of intelligence, cunning, and ruthlessness, making him a compelling figure within the series. His character also touches on broader literary traditions of intelligent, non-human characters and the exploration of moral ambiguities.
Role in the Series
In the Netflix adaptation of The Umbrella Academy, Carmichael is introduced as the head of the Temps Commission, the organization’s name slightly altered from the comics. He plays a crucial role in the training and missions of Number Five, one of the main characters with time-traveling abilities. Carmichael oversees Number Five’s induction into the organization and his training as an assassin, bonding his DNA with that of notorious assassins from history [3][4].
One of the key events involving Carmichael is his blackmailing of Number Five and The Rumor to prevent Five’s past self from stopping the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. This mission is critical because it ensures that Kennedy does not meet Sir Reginald Hargreeves, which would have led to a catastrophic chain of events involving nuclear missiles %[3].
Carmichael’s relationships with other characters are marked by his authoritative and manipulative nature. He maintains a strict control over the operations of the Temps Commission and is willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve his objectives. His interactions with Number Five are particularly significant, as they highlight the moral complexities and the consequences of Carmichael’s actions.
Character Analysis
Carmichael’s personality is defined by his intelligence, strategic thinking, and a lack of empathy. He is a master manipulator who uses his position and knowledge to control events and people around him. His motivations are centered around maintaining the timeline and ensuring the success of the Temps Commission’s missions, even if it means sacrificing individuals or altering historical events [3][4].
Despite his cold exterior, Carmichael’s character reveals a deep understanding of the complexities of time travel and the consequences of altering the timeline. His strengths lie in his ability to think several steps ahead and to adapt to changing circumstances. However, his flaws include his ruthlessness and lack of moral boundaries, which ultimately lead to his downfall.
Carmichael’s development throughout the series is marked by his increasing involvement in the central plot and his eventual confrontation with Number Five. This confrontation highlights the consequences of his actions and serves as a turning point in the narrative.
Themes and Symbolism
Carmichael embodies several themes that are central to The Umbrella Academy. One of the primary themes is the manipulation of time and the consequences of altering historical events. Carmichael’s actions and decisions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of meddling with the timeline and the unpredictable outcomes that can result [3].
Another theme is the exploration of moral ambiguities. Carmichael’s character challenges the traditional notions of right and wrong, presenting a scenario where the ends justify the means, even if those means are morally reprehensible. This theme is particularly relevant in the context of time travel, where the stakes are high and the consequences of actions can be far-reaching.
Symbolically, Carmichael represents the faceless, bureaucratic power that often drives the plot in science fiction and fantasy. His robotic bodysuit and goldfish form serve as a metaphor for the detachment and lack of humanity that can characterize such power structures.
Cultural Impact
Carmichael has had a significant impact on the cultural landscape of The Umbrella Academy fandom. His unique appearance and intelligent, yet ruthless, personality have made him a memorable character among fans. The character’s portrayal by Robin Atkin Downes in the Netflix series has also been well-received, adding depth to the character’s on-screen presence [3].
In adaptations and spin-offs, Carmichael’s role has been adapted to fit the narrative needs of the series. For example, in the Netflix series, his death is different from the comics, where he is killed by Number Five, whereas in the show, he is eaten by The Handler [5].
Carmichael’s influence on popular culture is evident in the way he has become a symbol of intelligent, non-human characters in science fiction. His character archetype has inspired discussions about artificial intelligence, time travel, and the ethics of scientific experimentation.
Critical Reception
Carmichael has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Some have praised his complexity and the depth he adds to the narrative, while others have criticized his ruthless nature and the moral ambiguities he represents.
Critics have noted that Carmichael’s character serves as a foil to the more empathetic characters in the series, highlighting the contrast between those who act out of compassion and those who act out of duty or self-interest. However, some viewers have found his actions too extreme, leading to controversy over his role in the series [5].
Despite these varying interpretations, Carmichael remains a compelling and memorable character, contributing significantly to the series’ narrative and thematic depth.
Legacy
Carmichael’s enduring appeal lies in his unique blend of intelligence, cunning, and ruthlessness. He has become an iconic character in the Umbrella Academy universe, symbolizing the complexities and dangers of time travel and the moral ambiguities that come with it.
In contemporary discussions, Carmichael’s character continues to inspire debates about the ethics of scientific experimentation and the consequences of altering historical events. His influence can be seen in other works of science fiction and fantasy that explore similar themes and character archetypes.
