Why 'The Umbrella Academy' Was Only Almost Perfect

First things first, I loved it! However, let's be honest... The Umbrella Academy wasn't quite perfect. If you want to know exactly what I mean then scroll on down... but reader beware, there are spoilers past the "Warning" line.

What's 'The Umbrella Academy' all about?

The Umbrella Academy is a Netflix Original TV show based on a comic book by Dark Horse Comics. The show is doing really well all over the internet. It has 8.4/10 on IMDb and it has 73% on Rotten Tomatoes. (Please notes these ratings are as of February 2019).

The is really hard to label with just one genre. If I had to just call in one genre than I would call it Superheroes. With that said, The Umbrella Academy is a drama, action, comedy, sci-fi, fantasy, adventure, crime and a dark comedy wrapped up all into one amazing superhero-based TV show.

You were warned ...

From this point, on proceed with caution.

The Three Things that Kept 'The Umbrella Academy' from Being Perfect:

1. Ellen Page
2. The Commission
3. That Black and White Montage of Old Number Five

So, why exactly was Ellen Page a bad casting decision?

Sure, in one or two of the episodes she seems like a good fit... but as things escalate quickly Page just can't keep up.

• Watching Ellen Page try to dance was well... you saw it, right? I want to tell my self she was just 'In Character'... but wouldn't someone who studied the violin for so many years have at least some rhythm?
• Also, every-time Vanya was playing the violin... I couldn't help but notice that her face was conveniently hidden.

If you're reading this Ellen, please don't take it personally. I really like you in Tallulah.

Why did the writers of the show feel the need to put so much of The Commission in the show?

The commission isn't a big deal in the comics. In fact, I think the show made up a lot of new content in order to make the show's script possible. However, it didn't work. It was a weird and unnecessary twist to an already complicated storyline.

I think the main problem with throwing the commission into the first season is that there was way too much information for the viewer to take in. The show could have easily waited until Season Two to explain more about Number 5's disappearance. His character doesn't even like to talk about himself...

That Horrible Black and White Montage of Old Number Five

The clip shows old number fiver slowing moving side from to side on the screen and occasionally shooting. Behind him are various clips of real historical footage. When I saw it the first time, my jaw dropped... I actually thought about not even watching the rest. I can't help but feel that the show would have been better off just showing a close up on young Number Five's face while he told his story about being an assassin.

It just doesn't make any sense, they have a gorgeously animated monkey butler, an amazing brief scene where Number 1 was on the moon and the rest of the show had amazing camera work. So why get lazy for this one part?

The special effects are amazing everywhere else in the show... then there was this? Why?

Still a damn good show though!

Now that my little rant is over, despite these three big complaints I have, The Umbrella Academy was still an amazing show that I just can't seem to stop talking about. I love the characters, I love the music and I really hope there is a season two coming.

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