The Umbrella Academy Season 2: Episode 7 - Öga for Öga - The Umbrella Academy

The Umbrella Academy Season 2: Episode 7 – Öga for Öga

Introduction

The Umbrella Academy, based on the comic book series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, is a Netflix original series that has garnered significant attention for its unique blend of superhero drama, time travel, and family dynamics. The show, created by Steve Blackman, features a talented ensemble cast, including Ellen Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, and Aidan Gallagher, among others. Season 2, which premiered in July 2020, continues the intricate and often chaotic journey of the Hargreeves siblings as they navigate through different timelines and confront their personal demons.

Episode 7, titled "Öga for Öga" (Swedish for "an eye for an eye"), is a pivotal installment in the season, directed by Stephen Surjik and written by A.M. Peters. This episode stands out for its intense action sequences, emotional character moments, and the escalating stakes as the Hargreeves family fights against time to prevent an apocalypse.

Plot Summary

In "Öga for Öga," the narrative unfolds with multiple threads that converge as the episode progresses. The story begins in 1982 at the Old Lodger Inn in Wisconsin, where Five arrives with a mission to kill the board of directors of the Commission, a clandestine organization that manages time travel and events. This act is part of a deal Five made with The Handler, a ruthless and cunning figure within the Commission, in exchange for a way back to 2019 for his family ^[1][3].

Five executes his plan with precision, using a fire ax to eliminate the entire board, including AJ Carmichael. This violent act sets the tone for the rest of the episode, which is marked by urgency and desperation. The Handler, now in control of the Commission, informs her employees of the board’s demise and asserts her authority, striking fear into those around her ^[1][3].

Back in the 1960s, the Hargreeves siblings are scattered and dealing with their individual struggles. Five returns to his siblings with a critical mission: they have exactly 90 minutes to gather and use a briefcase portal to return to 2019. Failure to do so will result in them being stuck in the 1960s with the impending apocalypse ^[3].

Five assigns tasks to his siblings: he will go after Vanya, Diego will retrieve Klaus, and Luther will get Allison. However, these tasks are complicated by the various personal and external conflicts each sibling faces. Diego, for instance, is dealing with Lila, who has her own agenda and drugs him to take him away. This subplot adds an element of tension and betrayal, as Diego’s trust in Lila is tested ^[4].

Meanwhile, Klaus is struggling with Ben’s presence in his body. Ben, eager to experience life again, convinces Klaus to let him take control temporarily. This leads to a poignant moment where Ben enjoys simple pleasures like eating fruit and walking barefoot, and he also gets to spend time with Jill. However, this tranquility is short-lived as Klaus eventually manages to expel Ben from his body through a dramatic and physically taxing process ^[1][5].

Vanya, who has been living a quiet life with Carl and Harlan, is faced with a difficult decision when Carl reveals his intention to send Harlan away. This forces Vanya to confront her feelings of responsibility and belonging. Carl’s decision is a turning point for Vanya, who must choose between her life in the 1960s and her duty to her family ^[5].

As the time ticks down, the siblings face numerous obstacles. Allison and Ray are in a precarious situation, fighting off the Swedes who are determined to harm them. Luther’s mission to retrieve Allison is fraught with danger, and Diego’s encounter with Lila adds an unexpected layer of complexity to his task ^[3][5].

The episode culminates in a tense reunion in the alleyway, where the siblings must come together and use the briefcase portal before time runs out. The final moments are filled with urgency and emotional weight as the family fights to secure their future together.

Themes and Symbolism

"Öga for Öga" delves into several themes that are central to the series. One of the most prominent is the concept of family and the bonds that tie the Hargreeves siblings together. Despite their differences and personal struggles, the episode highlights their collective strength and the sacrifices they are willing to make for each other.

The theme of time and its consequences is also deeply explored. The time constraints and the repercussions of altering timelines create a sense of urgency and underscore the importance of every decision made by the characters. This theme is symbolized through the briefcase portal, which represents a narrow window of opportunity that must be seized to avoid catastrophic outcomes.

Another significant theme is the struggle for control and power. The Handler’s rise to power within the Commission and her ruthless methods serve as a backdrop to the siblings’ own battles for control over their lives and destinies. This is particularly evident in Klaus’s internal struggle with Ben, which symbolizes the ongoing conflict between different aspects of one’s personality.

Cultural Impact

"Öga for Öga" has had a notable impact on pop culture, particularly among fans of the series. The episode’s intense action sequences, coupled with its emotional depth, have made it a standout installment in the season. The musical moment featuring the Backstreet Boys, triggered by Ben’s wisdom to Keechie, has been especially well-received and often referenced in fan discussions ^[1].

The episode’s influence can also be seen in how it has contributed to the broader conversation about time travel narratives in television. The intricate plot and the consequences of time manipulation have set a high standard for similar shows and have been a subject of analysis in media studies.

Critical Reception

"Öga for Öga" received positive reviews from both critics and viewers upon its release. Critics praised the episode’s pacing, character development, and the way it balanced action with emotional moments. The performances of the cast, particularly Aidan Gallagher and Robert Sheehan, were highlighted as standout aspects of the episode.

Viewers appreciated the episode’s ability to keep them on the edge of their seats while also delivering meaningful character arcs. The episode’s climax, with the siblings racing against time to use the portal, was particularly praised for its tension and emotional impact.

However, some critics noted that the episode’s complexity and the multitude of plot threads could be overwhelming at times. Despite this, the overall consensus was that "Öga for Öga" was a compelling and well-crafted episode that advanced the season’s narrative effectively.

Legacy

"Öga for Öga" remains a significant episode in the context of The Umbrella Academy series. It marks a turning point in the season where the stakes are raised, and the characters are forced to confront their most pressing challenges. The episode’s themes of family, time, and control continue to resonate with audiences and have contributed to the series’ enduring popularity.

The episode’s influence can be seen in how it has shaped the narrative of subsequent episodes and seasons, setting the stage for further explorations of time travel and the consequences of altering timelines. As a pivotal installment in the series, "Öga for Öga" continues to be a point of reference for fans and critics alike, highlighting the show’s ability to blend action, drama, and emotional depth seamlessly.