The Umbrella Academy Season 2: Episode 9 – 743

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, developed by Steve Blackman, features a talented ensemble cast, including Ellen Page, Tom Hopper, and David Castañeda, among others. Season 2, which premiered in July 2020, continues the story of the Hargreeves siblings as they navigate through time and confront their past and present challenges.

Episode 9 of Season 2, titled "743," is a pivotal installment that wraps up several narrative arcs and sets the stage for the season’s climax. Directed by Kate Herron and written by Robert Askin, this episode is notable for its emotional depth, complex character interactions, and the resolution of several key plot points.

Plot Summary

The episode "743" begins where the previous one left off, with Diego, Klaus, and Allison attempting to reach Vanya, who is emanating immense power from a secluded room. Despite their best efforts, each of them fails to get through to her due to the overwhelming energy she is producing ^[1][2][4].

In a dramatic turn, Ben’s ghost steps forward to take on the task. Ben’s spectral form allows him to approach Vanya without being affected by her powers. He possesses Klaus’s body and ventures into Vanya’s mind, where he finds her in a state of deep emotional turmoil. Vanya, haunted by the trauma of her past and the recent event where Sissy hit her with a car, is on the brink of unleashing her full power and potentially destroying the world. Ben’s presence is a turning point; he comforts Vanya and helps her remember everything that happened before the accident, reassuring her that she is not a monster but a victim of their family’s mistreatment ^[2][4].

Meanwhile, Luther is caught in a bizarre and humorous conflict between two versions of Five, each suffering from paranoid psychosis due to their time travel paradox. The younger Five is more edgy and humorous, while the older Five is more selfish and stuck in his ways. This internal conflict leads to a physical altercation, with Luther caught in the middle and eventually kicking the older Five into 2019, damaging the briefcase that was crucial for their time travel plans ^[1][2].

At the Commission, The Handler is dealing with her own set of problems. Lila, who has discovered that Five was involved in her parents’ murder, is manipulated by The Handler into believing that Diego is against her. This revelation drives a wedge between Lila and Diego, complicating the already tense situation. The Handler’s true intentions and Lila’s loyalty are put to the test as Herb, a Commission employee, discovers a file labeled "743" which hints at deeper conspiracies within the organization ^[1][3][4].

Allison, driven by her love for her siblings, makes a heroic but ultimately futile attempt to absorb Vanya’s energy. The shockwave from this attempt sends her hurtling back in time, leaving her fate uncertain. This moment highlights the sacrifices the Hargreeves siblings are willing to make for each other and the world ^[4].

Reginald Hargreeves’s past is also further revealed in this episode, showing his sinister involvement in the Kennedy assassination. Diego confronts Reginald, uncovering a horrifying truth about his father’s true nature, adding another layer to the complex family dynamics of the Hargreeves ^[4].

As the episode progresses, the tension builds up towards a climactic resolution. Ben’s final moments are particularly poignant as he fades away after comforting Vanya, marking a heartfelt conclusion to his character’s arc. The episode ends with the Hargreeves siblings having prevented a global catastrophe, but not without significant personal costs and unresolved conflicts that will continue into the next episodes.

Themes and Symbolism

"743" delves into several profound themes that are central to the series. One of the most prominent is the theme of family and the lasting impact of parental neglect and abuse. The Hargreeves siblings’ struggles are deeply rooted in their dysfunctional family dynamics, and this episode highlights how these issues can both unite and divide them. Ben’s interaction with Vanya underscores the need for emotional support and understanding, which their family never provided ^[2][4].

Another significant theme is the concept of identity and self-perception. Vanya’s journey is a metaphor for finding one’s true self despite being labeled as a monster by others. Ben’s reassurance helps her see that her true nature is not defined by her powers or her family’s treatment of her ^[2].

The episode also explores the consequences of time travel and the paradoxes it creates. The conflict between the two Fives illustrates the psychological toll of living through different timelines and the challenges of maintaining a coherent identity ^[1][2].

Cultural Impact

"743" was widely discussed among fans and critics for its emotional depth and the resolution of several key plot points. The episode’s climax, particularly Ben’s final moments, resonated deeply with audiences, making it a memorable installment in the series. The episode’s influence can be seen in how it set the stage for the season’s finale and the subsequent seasons, keeping viewers engaged with the complex narrative and character arcs.

Critical Reception

Critics praised "743" for its emotional intensity and the way it handled complex character interactions. The episode was lauded for its well-crafted narrative, which balanced action, humor, and heartfelt moments. Viewers appreciated the resolution of several plot threads and the character development, especially the poignant scenes involving Ben and Vanya. However, some critics noted that the pacing could be improved in certain sections, but overall, the episode was well-received for its impactful storytelling and performances ^[1][2][3].

Legacy

"743" is a pivotal episode in The Umbrella Academy series, marking a significant turning point in the narrative and character development. It sets the stage for the season’s finale and has a lasting impact on the characters and their relationships. The emotional depth and thematic exploration in this episode have made it a standout in the series, influencing how future episodes and seasons would handle complex character arcs and narrative resolutions.