Stan from The Umbrella Academy

Introduction

Stan, played by Javon Walton, is a significant character introduced in the third season of the Netflix series The Umbrella Academy. Stan’s origins are intricately tied to the storyline of Diego and Lila, and his presence serves as a catalyst for several key events in the narrative. Initially presented as the son of Diego and Lila, Stan’s true identity is later revealed, adding a layer of complexity to his character and the relationships he forms with the other characters.

Stan’s backstory is relatively brief but impactful. He is introduced as a 12-year-old boy who is claimed to be the son of Diego and Lila, although it is later revealed that he is actually the son of a friend of Lila’s whom she was babysitting ^[2][4]. This ruse is part of Lila’s plan to test Diego’s readiness for parenthood, reflecting themes of family, responsibility, and the fears associated with becoming a parent.

Within the series, Stan’s role is pivotal in exploring the emotional and psychological depths of the characters, particularly Diego and Lila. His presence forces them to confront their own vulnerabilities and aspirations regarding family and parenthood. Stan’s character also connects to broader literary traditions of surrogate family and the challenges of unconventional family structures.

Role in the Series

Stan’s storyline in The Umbrella Academy is closely intertwined with the narrative arcs of Diego and Lila. He is first introduced when Lila leaves him with Diego, claiming he is their son. Diego, initially resistant to the idea of being a father, eventually warms up to Stan and becomes deeply invested in his well-being. This includes protecting Stan in various dangerous situations, such as a fight in a drugstore against The Sparrows, and aiding him in hiding a temporarily deceased Klaus’ body ^[5].

As the season progresses, Diego discovers the truth about Stan’s identity but chooses to remain in his life, particularly after learning that Lila is actually pregnant. This development strengthens the bond between Diego, Lila, and Stan, as they navigate the complexities of their impending family life amidst the apocalyptic events unfolding around them.

Stan’s journey is marked by his involvement in key events such as the trip to Hotel Oblivion, where Diego suffers injuries to save him, and the eventual rewriting of the universe, which results in the loss of their superpowers. Throughout these events, Stan’s character serves as a emotional anchor, highlighting the human side of the superpowered characters and their struggles with normalcy and family life.

Character Analysis

Stan’s personality is characterized by his innocence and resilience. Despite being thrust into a world of superheroes and apocalyptic threats, he adapts and shows a remarkable ability to cope with the extraordinary circumstances around him. His motivations are largely driven by a desire for stability and family, which makes him relatable to audiences who value these same things.

One of Stan’s strengths is his ability to bring out the protective and nurturing side of Diego, a character who has historically struggled with emotional vulnerability. This dynamic makes Stan a compelling character as he facilitates significant emotional growth in those around him.

However, Stan’s flaws are less pronounced due to his minor but impactful role. His character is more of a catalyst for the development of other characters rather than a fully fleshed-out individual with his own arc. This does not diminish his importance but rather highlights his role as a narrative device to explore deeper themes within the series.

Themes and Symbolism

Stan embodies several themes that are central to The Umbrella Academy. One of the most significant themes is the concept of family and what it means to be a parent. Stan’s presence forces Diego and Lila to confront their fears and aspirations about parenthood, reflecting broader societal anxieties about family and responsibility.

Stan also symbolizes innocence and vulnerability, serving as a reminder of the human cost of the superpowered conflicts that dominate the series. His character underscores the importance of human connections and the need for emotional support and stability, even in the face of extraordinary challenges.

The ruse surrounding Stan’s identity also touches on themes of deception and trust. Lila’s decision to pretend Stan is their son to test Diego’s readiness for parenthood raises questions about honesty and the complexities of relationships, adding depth to the narrative.

Cultural Impact

Stan’s character, though relatively new to the series, has already made a significant impact on fans. Javon Walton’s portrayal of Stan has been well-received, particularly by fans who appreciate the emotional depth he brings to the story. Stan’s introduction has also sparked discussions about family dynamics and the challenges of parenthood, resonating with audiences on a personal level.

In terms of cultural significance, Stan’s character contributes to the broader conversation about unconventional family structures and the importance of emotional support. His presence in the series reflects a contemporary societal shift towards more inclusive and diverse representations of family.

Critical Reception

Critics and audiences have generally praised the introduction of Stan, noting how his character enriches the emotional landscape of the series. The dynamic between Stan, Diego, and Lila has been particularly well-received, with many praising the way it humanizes the characters and adds a new layer of depth to the narrative.

However, some critics have noted that Stan’s character feels somewhat underdeveloped compared to other characters in the series. Despite this, his impact on the storyline and the emotional arcs of the main characters has been widely acknowledged.

Legacy

Stan’s enduring appeal lies in his ability to evoke strong emotional responses from both the characters within the series and the audience. His presence has inspired new character dynamics and has contributed to the series’ exploration of deeper themes such as family, responsibility, and human connection.

As a character archetype, Stan represents the innocent and vulnerable, highlighting the importance of these elements in storytelling. His role in The Umbrella Academy serves as a reminder that even minor characters can have a profound impact on the narrative and the characters around them.