DISCLAIMER: This recap of The Umbrella Academy episode “Wedding at the End of the World” has spoilers. Prepare for the apocalypse, and proceed at your peril.
Welcome back, Hargreeves enthusiasts! The Umbrella Academy blesses us with “Wedding at the End of the World,” wherein it’s party time for the Hargreeves. Luther and Sloane’s nuptials are chock full of romance, heart, humor, awkwardness and debauchery. Admittedly, it’s probably one of the more “normal” hangouts for our fave dysfunctional family.
This outing delves into the relationships and fun character dynamics while leaning into the family theme more so than other episodes. We see how everyone reacts to the world ending and the catharsis (and sometimes pain) that comes with going for what we desire.
Ready to dig deep into “Wedding at the End of the World”? Let’s get to it.
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We open on a gorgeous field in 1918, wherein Reginald Hargreeves (Colm Feore) surveys its expanse. He procures a weapon and fires into the air, revealing a portal. Said portal will eventually lead to the Hotel Oblivion, but, first, Reggie enlists the aid of a crew to construct the Hotel Obsidian around it.
Next, after building the hotel, Daddy Hargreeves pays a group of soldiers to enter the portal and destroy whatever lies on the other side. Unfortunately, the leader of the said group returns, claiming they’re “all dead.” We hear snarling emitting from the Hotel Oblivion.
Back in the present, Luther (Tom Hopper), Sloane (Genesis Rodriguez), Viktor (Elliot Page), Ben (Justin H. Min), Diego (David Castañeda), Lila (Ritu Arya), Allison (Emmy Raver-Lampman) and Five (Aidan Gallagher) commiserate together following their failure to contain the Kugelblitz. Diego and Ben start bickering in Spanish and Korean, respectively, and the fact that Castañeda and Min are besties in real life makes this bit all the funnier.
Five tells the group that the plan is, well, there is no plan. They failed to avert the apocalypse, and the last few times they succeeded in saving the world backfired spectacularly. Perhaps it’s time to throw in the towel, and what better time to do that than the end of all things?
Next, Luther and Sloane announce their engagement and subsequent wedding ceremony that evening. In a flurry, Klaus (Robert Sheehan) and Reggie barge into the lobby. DH wants to resume training for the other siblings posthaste! They need to band together to eradicate the Kugelblitz.
However, everyone’s wary of trusting DH except Ben and is content with enjoying what little time is left at their disposal.
Luther asks Viktor to be his Best Man, and my heart swells with joy. The bachelor party is in 15 minutes. How freakin’ cute!
Next, Lila wants Diego to be her plus one at Luther and Sloane’s wedding, but he believes they should redirect their energy toward hatching a new game plan. There’s still time to thwart the apocalypse (again). Lila wants him to choose her, to soak up the next 24 to 48 hours they have together. He forgoes the scheming to spend time with his lady love and baby mama.
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Meanwhile, Klaus tells Daddy Hargreeves to take another approach when talking to his children. Abrasiveness won’t work; you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. I love the idea of Klaus rehabilitating Reginald and helping him become a better person. Their relationship is so intriguing this season.
Later, Diego, Viktor, Klaus and Five watch while Luther belts out a song for karaoke. He’s so into it. My baby Luther is pouring his soul into this performance, and Klaus is all about it. Five and Klaus are next on the roster, so Luther seizes the opportunity to chat with Viktor about mending fences with Allison. Allison was always there for Viktor, always going the extra mile, even when everyone in the family turned their backs on him.
Klaus and Five bring the rest of the brothers on their makeshift stage for an ensemble performance. God, this is such a serotonin boost. My fave chaotic brothers.
Ben reminds Sloane that she’ll always be a Sparrow regardless of what happens. They’re all that’s left of the Sparrow Academy. However, Sloane prefers the Umbrellas because, despite their issues, they’re a genuine family, albeit dysfunctional. But the love is there. Sloane tells Ben that he finally got what he wanted: to be Number 1 in a group of one.
Finally, it’s wedding time, and Klaus officiates the proceedings in true Klaus fashion. Viktor is Luther’s Best Man, and it appears Sloane chose Lila as her Maid of Honor. It’s utterly adorable.
Next, it’s party time! The newlywed couple takes to the floor for their first dance, with Chet (Julian Richings) serving as the DJ and wedding photographer. He’s a jack of all trades. Klaus tries to persuade Five to give this version of Reginald a chance. After all, DH has a plan. Klaus also attempts to convince other siblings to do the same. However, nobody wants to tango with Daddy Hargreeves.
Daddy Hargreeves arrives for the reception, much to the surprise of everyone there, as he wasn’t invited. Diego introduces Lila to DH, who greets her warmly. He’s even smiling! Klaus chats with an inebriated Ben, who wonders aloud why everyone hates him. Luther didn’t invite him to the bachelor party, for starters.
Klaus explains why the family adored their Ben, even though he was similar to this Ben. Klaus encourages Ben to open up to the fam. Oh, Klaus, always the motivational speaker and life coach.
Next, DH gives an unexpectedly sweet speech and recites a profound death poem. Viktor seizes the moment to patch things up with Allison. He apologizes for what happened and vows never to lie to her again. However, Allison doesn’t forgive him despite the world ending. Ouch.
After more dancing and smooching courtesy of the married couple and Diego and Lila, everyone gathers outside to stare at the crimson, apocalyptic, doom-filled sky. How romantic. Klaus brings Ben along for the ride. While most of the family protests, Luther allows him to stay, citing that it’s his wedding day. Welcome to the family, bro! Klaus found a way to crack the hardened shell of Mean Ben.
Five, still blotto and on the precipice of puking, stumbles toward his room. He glimpses Reggie standing in the White Buffalo Suite, striking a deal with a mysterious person. Is there a layer of insidiousness behind Reginald’s ostensible attempt at redemption? Perhaps, but Five trips into an elevator and passes out.
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I hope Allison and Viktor smooth things over before it’s too late. I don’t like seeing my family torn apart. This cast boasts electrifying onscreen chemistry, and “Wedding at the End of the World” displays that aptly. Here’s hoping Reginald has a plan that isn’t too shady but methinks he wants to launch Project Oblivion with the team.
Who do you think was striking a deal with Reggie? Will our heroes give up or forge ahead? Did Klaus pair the salmon with the Jell-O cups? Join me while I continue recapping The Umbrella Academy, only on Geek Girl Authority.
The Umbrella Academy Season 3 is now streaming on Netflix.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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