The Umbrella Academy Season 2: Episode 2 - The Frankel Footage - The Umbrella Academy

The Umbrella Academy Season 2: Episode 2 – The Frankel Footage

Introduction

"The Umbrella Academy" is a Netflix series based on the comic book series of the same name written by Gerard Way and illustrated by Gabriel Bá. The show, created for television by Steve Blackman and developed by Jeremy Slater, premiered its second season on July 31, 2020. This season adapts the second story arc of the comics, "Dallas," and follows the Hargreeves siblings as they navigate through the 1960s in Dallas, Texas, while trying to prevent another apocalypse caused by their timeline interference.

The second season features a talented ensemble cast, including Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Aidan Gallagher, Justin H. Min, Ritu Arya, Yusuf Gatewood, Marin Ireland, Adam Godley, Kate Walsh, and Colm Feore. The production is notable for its blend of superhero elements, family drama, and time travel, making it a unique offering within its genre.

Plot Summary

Episode 2 of Season 2, titled "The Frankel Footage," delves deeper into the complex lives of the Hargreeves siblings as they continue to navigate their new realities in the 1960s. The episode opens with a dramatic revelation: The Handler, a key antagonist from the first season, is alive. Despite being taken to the incinerator, she miraculously revives, setting the stage for her continued involvement in the plot ^[2][5].

Meanwhile, Diego Hargreeves finds himself in a precarious situation when he encounters his father, Reginald Hargreeves. Their meeting escalates into a well-choreographed fight scene, highlighting the deep-seated animosity between them. The fight ends with Reginald stabbing Diego in the gut, a brutal reminder of the abusive relationship they share. This encounter is particularly significant as it shows how Reginald continues to manipulate and influence his children’s lives, even when they are physically distant from him ^[1][3].

Vanya Hargreeves, now living with Sissy and her son Harlan, is struggling to remember her past life as a member of the Umbrella Academy. Her daily routine is disrupted when Sissy receives a frantic call from her partner, Carl, and needs to pick him up. Vanya offers to help, allowing Sissy to spend time with Harlan. This gesture underscores Vanya’s growing connection with Sissy and her family, despite her own identity crisis ^[1][3].

The Swedes, a trio of assassins working for the Commission, receive a new assignment: to eliminate Vanya. This development marks them as the new agents tasked with dealing with the Umbrella Academy, following The Handler’s failure. The Swedes’ eccentricities are highlighted as they settle into a cat lady’s house, engaging in bizarre activities such as cooking in underwear and throwing knives at each other, showcasing their peculiar and seemingly pain-resistant nature ^[1][5].

As the episode progresses, the Hargreeves siblings continue to grapple with their individual struggles. Five, who has been trying to find a way to return to his original timeline, is drawn into a friendly interaction with Pogo, a chimpanzee who was once a loyal companion to Reginald Hargreeves. This encounter reveals Five’s deep-seated desire for normalcy and connection, which often leaves him vulnerable to manipulation ^[3].

Diego’s confrontation with his father is also a reflection of his childhood traumas. His eagerness to prove himself in physical combat against Reginald blinds him to the fact that his father is willing to use any means necessary to win. This dynamic highlights how the siblings’ past experiences continue to shape their present actions and decisions ^[3].

The episode also explores the broader narrative of the siblings’ presence in the 1960s and their impact on the timeline. As they navigate their new lives, they begin to move closer to reuniting, but not all of them are ready to leave their new lives behind. This internal conflict sets the stage for the larger story arc of the season, where the siblings must reconcile their past and present selves to prevent a catastrophic future ^[3][4].

Themes and Symbolism

"The Frankel Footage" delves into several key themes that are central to the series. One of the most prominent themes is the lasting impact of childhood trauma. The Hargreeves siblings’ interactions with their father and other characters are heavily influenced by their past experiences, demonstrating how trauma can shape an individual’s worldview and behavior. Reginald Hargreeves, in particular, serves as a specter in their lives, symbolizing the abusive and manipulative forces that have defined their childhoods ^[1][3].

Another significant theme is the struggle for identity and belonging. Vanya’s journey, as she tries to remember her past and find her place in the 1960s, is a powerful example of this. Her connection with Sissy and Harlan represents a desire for normalcy and family, which contrasts sharply with her life as a member of the Umbrella Academy ^[1][3].

The episode also explores the theme of adaptation and resilience. The Hargreeves siblings are forced to adapt to new environments and situations, often relying on their unique skills and strengths to survive. This adaptability is a testament to their resilience and their ability to navigate complex and challenging circumstances ^[3][4].

Cultural Impact

"The Frankel Footage" was well-received by audiences and critics alike, contributing to the overall positive reception of the second season. The episode’s blend of action, drama, and time travel elements resonated with viewers, who appreciated the deep character development and intricate plotlines. The return of The Handler was particularly praised, as it added a new layer of complexity to the story.

The episode’s influence on pop culture is evident in its unique storytelling and character dynamics. The show’s use of time travel and alternate timelines has inspired discussions and analyses across various media platforms, highlighting its impact on the broader television landscape.

Critical Reception

Critics praised "The Frankel Footage" for its engaging narrative, well-choreographed action sequences, and strong character performances. The episode was noted for its ability to balance multiple plot threads and character arcs, keeping the audience engaged and invested in the story.

Viewers also responded positively, appreciating the episode’s emotional depth and the way it explored the complexities of the Hargreeves siblings’ relationships. The return of The Handler was a highlight for many, as it added a new layer of tension and intrigue to the plot ^[2][5].

Legacy

"The Frankel Footage" is a significant episode in the second season of "The Umbrella Academy," marking a turning point in the narrative as the siblings begin to reunite and confront their past. The episode’s exploration of themes such as trauma, identity, and resilience has contributed to the series’ lasting impact on television.

The episode’s influence can be seen in its continued relevance and influence on future media. The show’s unique blend of superhero elements, family drama, and time travel has set a new standard for genre-bending storytelling, inspiring other creators to explore similar themes and narratives.