Warning: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD for The Umbrella Academy season 4!
Summary
The Umbrella Academyshowrunner Steve Blackman has explained why season 4 contained a divisive storyline between Lila and Five, defending why it happened. DuringThe Umbrella Academyseason 4, episode 5,Lila and Five end up stranded for multiple years in a waypoint between time, forced to grow closer to each other because of no one else being around. This results in an unexpected romance, despite the former being married to Five’s brother, Diego. The moment was a divisive decision, especially given this was the series' final season.
Speaking withRadio Timesabout the romance between Lila and Five, Blackman explained how it felt like somethingThe Umbrella Academyhad earned after a long time.The showrunner defended the decision as a natural progression for both characters, especially after being forced to survive together for the equivalent of seven years. Check out what Blackman had to say below:
“Well, you know, I sat with the writers and we said, ‘What would happen if you spent seven years with someone and we’re starting to give up ever coming home?’ I mean, some of it speaks to the domestic problems between Lila and Diego. And part of it has to do with that, as much as Five and Lila would hate to say it, they’re very similar. They’ve been fighting so hard all the seasons, but alone, they realized they have a lot in common. They’re very similar people. So, you know, I wonder what the fans will take of that moment. But I think it’s an earned moment. But remember, it’s not a few days, we’ve been together now trying to stay alive for seven years. And I thought it was a great moment.”
The Umbrella Academy’s 16 Hargreeves Siblings Ranked By Power
The Umbrella Academy’s Hargreeves siblings are all powerful in different ways, but which of them prove to be the most powerful by the end of the show?
Is Lila & Five’s Surprise Romance Justified In The Umbrella Academy Season 4?
The Romance Is A Shocking Turn For The Penultimate Episode
Blackman’s explanation about Lila and Five’s romance offers more context to their relationship developing, justified by the seven years they spent together. While their relationship blossoming was depicted over the span of just one episode,the characters themselves still had years of off-screen time to slowly grow closer to one another.While this passage of time meansThe Umbrella Academycharacterswent through their arc at an accelerated pace, it still somewhat makes sense based on this explanation.
Even though the passage of time can justify the new romantic subplot, it doesn’t feel as justified because of how quickly it happens through the lens of the audience.
However, what makes the romantic connection between the two so divisive is thatit happens over the course of a single episode, despite so much buildup between Lila and Diego in previous seasons.Even though the passage of time can justify the new romantic subplot, it doesn’t feel as justified because of how quickly it happens through the lens of the audience. It’s also made even more controversial because it happens in the show’s second-to-last episode. By theend ofThe Umbrella Academyseason 4, just one episode later, no longstanding repercussions are felt.
All episodes ofThe Umbrella Academyare now streaming on Netflix.
Subtle The Umbrella Academy Detail Gives Away A Major Season 4 Twist In The Opening Minutes
The Umbrella Academy season 4, episode 1’s opening minutes actually reveal the massive twist that plays out in the Netflix show’s series finale.
Unfortunately, sinceThe Umbrella Academyseason 5 isn’t happening- the series offering a very definitive ending for its characters - the romance between Lila and Five isn’t going to be expanded upon. Becausethe show leaves the relationship in such a divisive position, it’s unclear what could have happenedhad the show gone on for a bit longer. However, with the larger storylines resolved, it seems their romantic fling will now be lost to time, with any consequences between the siblings no longer possible after the end.
“Each season of The Umbrella Academy has rotated the few members of the family that were more focused on, with one notable exception. Aidan Gallagher’s Five is always right in the middle of the season’s biggest stories, and as someone who thinks the character is the show’s best, I was happy to see Five play a key role in season 4."-Felipe Rangel-Screen Rant’s The Umbrella Academy Season 4 Review
The Umbrella Academy
Cast
The Umbrella Academy is based on the comic book of the same name created by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá. The Hargreeves — collectively known as The Umbrella Academy — were born with superpowers, and their adoptive father utilized their abilities. However, as they grew older, the siblings grew apart as they dealt with their trauma. They are brought back together after their father dies and Five returns from the future with grave news: The world will end, and The Umbrella Academy has to stop it before it happens.
