New Place, New Time, Familiar Umbrella Academy

When The Umbrella Academy ended its first season, the super powered family was escaping the apocalypse they caused into an unknown future. Or rather, the past, as season 2 puts our dynamic heroes in the midst of a turning point in US history with lots of different social and cultural changes happening. The new season also adds character depth while expanding its cast of characters.

Right from the beginning, this season makes sure you know that everything forthcoming will center around the JFK assassination in Dallas, Texas on November 22nd, 1963. This setting provides all the different aspects of life melting together into one cohesive narrative. From Diego stalking Lee Harvey Oswald and Luther working for Jack Ruby, to Allison being a part of the civil rights movement and Klaus a part of the free spirit sensation, this season makes sure to cover all its bases. Naturally, this leaves Vanya as the lynchpin to a ticking time bomb while Five tries his best to prevent another apocalyptic event from happening. The stakes are very comic book-like but that's exactly what you sign up for as it’s an adaptation of a graphic novel.

If you enjoyed the freshman season of The Umbrella Academy, then you'll thoroughly enjoy this sophomore effort. The characters are still charming and work as a cohesive family with all the same struggles and bickering. I also can’t stress enough how beautifully the needle drops of music work in every episode. As I mentioned in my initial review of the show, this may be my new favorite thing on streaming right now.