Season four of Umbrella Academy was just released, and it was quite the disappointment. While the plot was entertaining, its ending was a waste. Through the first three seasons, the Hargreeves siblings fought to create a world that they could exist in, only to give up in season four. Back in season two, I began to realize that if the Hargreeves didn’t exist, the world wouldn’t end. I think this idea was obvious throughout season three and four. Unfortunately, it became obvious to the characters as well, causing them to toss out everything they worked so hard for.

I love this show, but I cannot stand the ending. I watched and enjoyed this show because of all of the deus ex machina moments and the crazy last ditch efforts of the characters. In season four, it was all taken away. In the first three seasons, I always thought, “Wow! These characters are still fighting!” or “Whoa! What a plot twist!” I did not watch this show for it to end with the characters that never give up doing exactly that. I did not mark the release date of the final season on my calendar for this!

Now I will admit, I enjoyed the reveal of Ben’s death. After three seasons, it was bound to be something good. However, the way Ben from a different timeline replaced the original ghost Ben did not work. They are two different characters. The entire point of the second Ben was to show just how different season three’s timeline was (and to keep a fan favorite on the show). To practically merge the characters is yet another waste. Season three Ben Hargreeves is not the same as Original Ghost Ben Hargreeves. 

I’m sure anyone who watched the show is waiting for me to address the elephant in the room: Five and Lila. I hate it. They could be friends, yes, but never a couple. They aren’t compatible that way. Not only that, but the way they got together was terrible. The journey through the timelines was just a repeat of Five’s experience in a post apocalyptic future with Delores. To recreate that, and keep Five sane no less, was one of the worst decisions made. 

Not only was their relationship a bad decision, but Lila’s betrayal of Diego was very out of character, as well as Five’s possessiveness. The fact that he intentionally kept Lila away from her husband and children was very out of character. Of all people, Five would understand the need to get back to one’s family the most. The only thing that was in character was the fact that Five is most definitely not above stealing his brother’s wife. 

Two stars. While the show still had it’s usual comedic factor, it was not a good plot. This is not an ending I can sit with, and I am excited to see fanfiction written on someone’s phone during a high school class they dislike or while the author is half asleep at one in the morning that will be far better than the actual show.