The Umbrella Academy Season 1: Episode 7 – The Day That Was

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 has since garnered a significant following for its unique blend of superhero drama, mystery, and family dynamics. Episode 7, "The Day That Was," is a pivotal installment in the first season, directed by Stephen Surjik and written by Sneha Koorse.

The series follows the story of the Hargreeves siblings, a group of adopted children with superhuman abilities, as they reunite to solve the mystery of their father’s death and prevent an impending apocalypse. The production of "The Umbrella Academy" involves a talented cast, including Ellen Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, and Robert Sheehan, among others. The show’s production history is marked by its meticulous attention to detail in both visual effects and character development, setting it apart within the superhero genre.

Plot Summary

"The Day That Was" begins with a unique narrative twist, where the Hargreeves siblings experience a time loop, reliving the same day repeatedly. This phenomenon is triggered by Five’s actions in the previous episode, where he stole a time travel briefcase and jumped back in time, causing the siblings to lose a whole day.

The episode opens on October 1, 1989, with a woman giving birth to a boy named Harold Jenkins. This scene sets the stage for the backstory of Harold, who would later become a central character in the episode. As the day progresses, the Hargreeves siblings wake up to find themselves reliving the same day over and over. Five informs them about the impending apocalypse and the need for them to work together to prevent it.

Luther, still reeling from his mission gone wrong seven years ago, is struggling with his identity and purpose. He and Allison share a moment of intimacy, but their relationship is complicated by the family’s dysfunctional dynamics. Meanwhile, Klaus is trying to sober up with Diego’s help, reflecting on his time in Vietnam and his ongoing struggle with addiction.

Vanya, who has always felt like an outsider among her siblings due to her lack of superhuman abilities, is growing closer to Leonard, a mysterious figure who is helping her discover her hidden talents. However, this relationship is fraught with danger, as Leonard’s true intentions are slowly revealed. In a pivotal scene, Vanya’s powers are activated when she is approached and harassed by three drunk men who beat up Leonard, leading to a violent confrontation that showcases her latent abilities ^[1][3].

The central plot of the episode revolves around the siblings’ efforts to uncover the truth about their father’s death and the mysterious figure known as Harold Jenkins. Through various iterations of the day, they piece together clues that lead them to the truth about Harold’s identity and his connection to their family.

Harold Jenkins, it is revealed, was born on the same day as the Hargreeves children and has always felt a deep connection to them. However, his life took a dark turn when he was rejected by Reginald Hargreeves, who told him he had no superhuman powers. This rejection, combined with his abusive upbringing, led Harold to commit a violent act against his father and spend 12 years in jail. After his release, he adopted the identity of Leonard and began manipulating Vanya to fulfill his own vendetta against the Hargreeves family ^[3][4].

As the day repeats, the siblings face numerous challenges, including encounters with Cha-Cha and Hazel, two assassins working for The Commission. These characters add an element of danger and urgency to the narrative, highlighting the high stakes of the siblings’ mission.

Throughout the episode, the settings and narrative arcs are intricately woven. The Hargreeves mansion, a symbol of their dysfunctional family life, serves as a central location where many key events unfold. The woods, where Vanya and Leonard test her powers, represent a place of discovery and danger.

The character developments in this episode are significant. Vanya’s journey from feeling powerless to discovering her true abilities is a highlight, as is Luther’s struggle to find his place within the family. Klaus’s reflections on his past and his efforts to sober up add depth to his character, while Allison’s relationship with Luther complicates her own identity.

The central conflict of the episode is the siblings’ fight against time to prevent the apocalypse and uncover the truth about their father’s death. This conflict is layered with personal struggles and family dynamics, making the narrative rich and engaging.

Themes and Symbolism

"The Day That Was" explores several key themes that are central to the series. One of the primary themes is the concept of family and identity. The Hargreeves siblings are forced to confront their past and their relationships with each other, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics.

The theme of power and rejection is also prominent. Harold Jenkins’s story serves as a stark contrast to the Hargreeves children, illustrating the consequences of feeling powerless and rejected. Vanya’s journey, on the other hand, shows the empowerment that comes with discovering one’s true abilities.

Time and its manipulation are symbolic elements that run throughout the episode. The time loop serves as a metaphor for the characters’ inability to move forward until they confront their past and work together.

The character of Harold Jenkins is symbolic of the outsider who seeks validation and acceptance. His transformation into Leonard and his manipulation of Vanya highlight the dangers of unchecked ambition and the desire for power.

Cultural Impact

"The Day That Was" has had a significant impact on pop culture, particularly within the context of superhero series. The episode’s unique time loop narrative has been referenced and praised for its originality and execution.

The character of Harold Jenkins, and his transformation into Leonard, has become a memorable figure in the series, symbolizing the complexities of villainy and the consequences of rejection.

Critical Reception

Critics and viewers alike praised "The Day That Was" for its engaging narrative and character developments. The episode was noted for its emotional depth, particularly in the portrayal of Vanya’s journey and the backstory of Harold Jenkins.

However, some critics felt that the time loop concept, while innovative, was somewhat predictable and overused. Despite this, the episode received widespread acclaim for its performances, direction, and overall storytelling.

Legacy

"The Day That Was" remains a pivotal episode in "The Umbrella Academy" series, setting the stage for the events that unfold in subsequent episodes. Its unique narrative structure and character developments have made it a standout installment.

The episode’s exploration of themes such as family, power, and identity continues to resonate with audiences, making it a significant contribution to the series’ overall legacy. The character of Harold Jenkins, in particular, has left a lasting impact on the narrative, highlighting the complexities of villainy and the consequences of rejection.