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The Umbrella Academy, the Netflix adaptation of Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá’s comic of the same name, is the weird and wonderful story of a family of superheroes. Featuring a capable cast and an intense plotline, it quickly establishes itself as a fun drama. The plot focuses on the dysfunctional Hargreeves family: seven adoptive siblings all brought together by eccentric billionaire Sir Reginald Hargreeves (Colm Feore), who constitute the Umbrella Academy of the title. 

The first episode, ‘We Only See Each Other at Weddings and Funerals’, features the bulk of the introductory exposition. This origin-story beginning establishes the turbulent family dynamic that leaves the main characters estranged as adults. Luther, the repressed golden child of the family, is played by the talented Tom Hopper (Game of Thrones, Merlin). Diego (David Castañeda), known as Number Two, is something of a vigilante, and the show makes it glaringly obvious that he has spent his life trying to step out of his brother Luther’s shadow. Allison (Emmy Raver-Lampman) is a celebrity struggling with her divorce. Irish actor Robert Sheehan brings mischief to the role of Klaus, Number Four. The character is reminiscent of Sheehan’s previous role as Nathan in Misfits and as both he offers sharp comic relief. Vanya (Ellen Page), Number Seven, is introduced as the outcast of the family.

Number Five is introduced later in the first episode as an irascible time traveller, who has lived to old age but is now trapped in the body of a teenage boy. Aidan Gallagher performs fabulously in the role – it’s easily one of the strongest performances of the show. After a few episodes, the viewer is whole-heartedly convinced by this character, Gallagher striking the perfect balance between a youthful appearance and the snarky voice of an old man.

The superpowers of each of the siblings are central to the plot and their significance is explored as the series progresses. Though this is interesting, the backstory as to how each of the siblings developed their powers is touched on only briefly, with more time being given to certain characters. The show tries it hands at mild plot twists and red herrings, but they only serve to clutter the plot. The story is interesting, but struggles to find direction until midway through the series, when some of the minor subplots that occupy the first few episodes take a backseat so the main one can come into play. The series finds its feet when Number Five’s warning of the impending apocalypse takes centre stage and the show begins to take itself more seriously. 

Initially, it’s very hard to assign a certain time period or place to The Umbrella Academy, but this ambiguity works in favour of the show’s peculiar style. It strikes a strange tone at the start as it tries to maintain a balance between a funny, quirky superhero show, and a serious drama with dark themes.The series is written by Jeremy Slater, who wrote the notable Netflix flop Death Note. It was refreshing to see finer material from this writer; and this improvement is shown in Umbrella Academy’s extensive critical acclaim. 

A great supporting cast features Cameron Britton and Mary J. Blige, who bring excellent chemistry to the screen as the assassins Hazel and Cha-Cha. However, some of the relationships in the show feel a bit forced and cliché, such as the on/off romance between Diego and Detective Patch (Ashley Madekwe). The show also fumbles to establish a proper antagonist, with The Handler (Kate Walsh) feeling a bit like a villain without a cause at times. 

The soundtrack of the series is a highlight, the show’s use of music is clever and helps contribute to some of its determining moments. One of the more violent fight scenes is accompanied by They Might Be Giants’ ‘Istanbul (Not Constantinople)’, which adds some terrifically macabre humour. A split-screen dance scene set to Tiffany’s ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ is another example of how music helps give the show a smart, fun edge. 

Overall, The Umbrella Academy brings a unique charm to Netflix as one of its first deviations from the usual Marvel superhero fare; it serves as a promising segue into a new category of comic book adaptations. While it is slow to establish itself and can seem a little half-baked at times, it ultimately delivers an amusing, fresh and edgy take on apocalyptic drama aimed at a younger demographic. With a dazzling cast and stunning soundtrack, this is a promising debut season.