The highly anticipated fourth and final season of Netflix’s hit show The Umbrella Academy has arrived, and fans are not holding back their reactions.
While the first three seasons received critical acclaim, the concluding chapter has left many viewers disappointed and even outraged.
Shortened Season and Controversial Storylines
One of the main complaints from fans is that the final season only consists of six episodes, down from the usual 10. Many feel this rushed pacing and left little room for proper character development and resolution of plot points.
Fans were particularly critical of the romance that develops between the characters Five and Lila, played by Aidan Gallagher and Ritu Arya. Some described it as “cringe” and “completely unnecessary”, arguing that it doesn’t align with the characters’ trajectories from previous seasons.
Disappointing Ending and Character Assassinations
The finale of season 4 has been widely panned as one of the most disappointing series endings in history. Fans expressed their outrage on social media, with one user writing: “What the hell happened?!? The first three seasons were awesome.
Was there a different writer or something? Terrible final season.”Many complained that the final season “threw away” what they originally loved about the show and committed “total character assassination” on beloved characters.
The audience score on Rotten Tomatoes sits at a mere 17%, in stark contrast to the critical score of 61%.
Showrunner Responds to Fan Backlash
Showrunner Steve Blackman acknowledged that the finale will be divisive, saying: “Fans will have thoughts on it. Some will love, some will maybe hate it and some will have opinions.” He added that while he’s proud of the ending and believes it’s the right one for the family, he knows he can’t please everyone.
Blackman’s comments come amid allegations of toxic on-set behavior, which he has denied. The show’s cast member, Dan Castañeda, who plays Diego, also expressed his disapproval of the Five and Lila storyline, saying he was “pissed off” and “angry” about it.
A Bittersweet Farewell
Despite the overwhelming negative reaction, some fans still found redeeming qualities in the final season. Tech Radar’s review praised the emotional payoff in Viktor and Reginald’s interactions and the satisfying, albeit tear-jerking, conclusion to Netflix’s take on The Umbrella Academy.
As the show comes to an end, it’s clear that the Hargreeves family has left an indelible mark on fans, even if the final chapter didn’t live up to expectations. The Umbrella Academy’s success means it’s earned the right to bow out on its own terms, but some fans wish the writers had penned the concluding chapter with a bit more care.
