The Umbrella Academy Season 3: Episode 7 – Auf Wiedersehen

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, has been praised for its complex characters, intricate plotlines, and the way it explores themes of identity, trauma, and the consequences of power.

Season 3, in particular, introduces the Sparrow Academy, a parallel version of the Umbrella Academy, and delves deeper into the characters’ personal struggles and the impending apocalypse. Episode 7, titled "Auf Wiedersehen," is a pivotal installment that brings together several narrative threads and intensifies the emotional and action-packed elements of the series.

Plot Summary

The episode "Auf Wiedersehen" opens with a haunting scene featuring Klaus Hargreeves, who finds himself trapped in the trunk of Reginald Hargreeves’ car. Reginald, in a moment of dark humor, informs Klaus that he was dead for 22 minutes and needs to improve his resurrection skills, a grim reminder of the experiments Klaus endured in his childhood ^[1][5].

Meanwhile, Viktor Hargreeves wakes up to discover that Harlan and Allison are missing, with only Harlan’s tape player and headphones left behind. This sets off a chain of events as Viktor and the rest of the Umbrella Academy try to locate Harlan and understand Allison’s actions. Allison’s decision to hand Harlan over to the Sparrows has severe repercussions, particularly on her relationship with Viktor and the rest of the family ^[1][4].

Luther, now aligned with the Sparrows and wearing their uniform, attempts to rally the Umbrella Academy for a family meeting to discuss their common goal of solving the Kugelblitz crisis. However, his efforts are met with skepticism, especially from Allison, who is consumed by her own pain and guilt. Sloane interrupts to announce that Ben has called a meeting for both the Umbrella and Sparrow Academies, which Allison agrees to attend with a mix of determination and desperation ^[1][3].

In the White Buffalo Suite, Diego is frantic about Stanley, who has been kugelblitzed. Lila and Five realize the gravity of the situation and focus on the mysterious door that Five believes leads to "Oblivion," a concept he has been trying to understand through his interactions with his old self and Pogo ^[1][3].

The meeting between the Umbrella and Sparrow Academies is tense, with Fei advocating for the elimination of the Umbrellas now that the Kugelblitz seems contained. However, Ben reveals he has made a deal with Reginald, which infuriates Fei and leads to a mutiny against Ben’s leadership. This internal conflict within the Sparrows complicates the already fragile alliance between the two academies ^[2][3].

As the meeting progresses, Viktor confronts Allison about Harlan’s disappearance, leading to a dramatic revelation: Allison admits to having killed Harlan, believing he was responsible for their mothers’ deaths. This confession sparks a violent argument between Viktor and Allison, revealing deep-seated personal issues and tensions within the family. The fight escalates to the point where Allison’s eyes glow yellow, and she inadvertently chokes Viktor using residual powers from Harlan ^[4].

The episode also delves into Klaus’s traumatic experiences with Reginald, who subjects him to repeated fatal electrocutions in an attempt to enhance his abilities. Despite the cruelty, Klaus discovers a way to accelerate his resurrection, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the torment ^[5].

The combined efforts of the Umbrella and Sparrow Academies lead to a temporary containment of the Kugelblitz, offering a brief moment of hope and relief. However, this is short-lived as the Kugelblitz breaks free, sucking in Fei and others in its path. Five manages to save the rest, but the episode ends on a note of devastation and uncertainty ^[3][5].

Themes and Symbolism

"Auf Wiedersehen" is rich in themes and symbolic elements that add depth to the narrative. One of the central themes is the exploration of trauma and its lasting impact on individuals and families. Klaus’s experiences with Reginald and Allison’s actions towards Harlan highlight the destructive nature of unresolved trauma and the cyclical pattern of violence and pain within families ^[1][5].

The episode also delves into the theme of identity and loyalty, particularly through Luther’s conflicted allegiance to both the Umbrella and Sparrow Academies. This internal conflict mirrors the broader struggle between the two academies, emphasizing the complexity of loyalty and the difficulty of making choices that align with one’s values and family ties ^[3][5].

The Kugelblitz serves as a symbolic representation of the chaos and unpredictability that the characters face. It embodies the destructive power of unchecked forces and the consequences of playing with powers beyond human control. The temporary containment and subsequent breakout of the Kugelblitz symbolize the fleeting nature of hope and the inevitability of facing one’s demons ^[3][5].

Cultural Impact

"Auf Wiedersehen" has had a significant impact on the show’s fan base and pop culture. The episode’s dramatic revelations and intense confrontations have been widely discussed on social media and fan forums. The character dynamics, particularly the conflict between Viktor and Allison, have been referenced in various fan art and fan fiction, showcasing the episode’s influence on the creative community.

The episode’s themes of trauma, identity, and family dynamics have also resonated with audiences, making it a topic of discussion in broader cultural contexts. The show’s ability to tackle complex issues in a compelling and emotionally charged way has contributed to its popularity and cultural relevance.

Critical Reception

Critics and viewers alike praised "Auf Wiedersehen" for its emotional intensity and the way it advanced the plot of the season. The episode was lauded for its character development, particularly the exploration of Klaus’s and Allison’s traumas. The acting performances, especially those of Robert Sheehan and Emmy Raver-Lampman, were highlighted as standout aspects of the episode.

However, some critics noted that the pacing could be improved and that certain plot threads felt rushed. Despite these minor criticisms, the episode was generally well-received for its dramatic impact and the way it set the stage for the season’s climax.

Legacy

"Auf Wiedersehen" is a pivotal episode in the third season of The Umbrella Academy, marking a significant turning point in the characters’ journeys and the overall narrative arc. The episode’s exploration of trauma, identity, and family dynamics has left a lasting impact on the series and its fans.

The episode’s influence can be seen in future episodes and seasons, where the characters continue to grapple with the consequences of their actions in "Auf Wiedersehen." The emotional intensity and dramatic revelations of this episode have set a high standard for subsequent storylines, ensuring that the series remains engaging and emotionally resonant.