I've been a fan of Robert Sheehan since Misfits (Channel 4) started 10 years ago, but I had been wondering what had happened to him in recent years. That's why I was really happy to see him play another goofy, off-beat character in a new series called Umbrella Academy, on Netflix. Now, I'll be honest; it's taking me a little while to really get into the show, but I think finally, episode 5 has got me! I've enjoyed seeing Sheehan and also Ellen Page (where has she been?!?) back on my screen, and the show looks great! It's almost reminiscent of one of my all time favourites Utopia (Channel 4)...
But the greatest ability a script, a character, or a performer can have, I think, is to mis-guide and surprise you. Sheehan does this with aplomb in episode 5. A little context (keeping the spoilers to a minimum): Sheehan's wacky, comical, drug-addicted character Klaus has been missing for a whole episode or so. Last time we saw him, he was on a bus with a stolen briefcase which allows him to time-travel, and he accidentally activates it, and POOF! He's gone.
About 1 episode later, he pops back into the show in the scene above. And immediately pulls me in. After I realised what I was watching, I had to rewind and start the scene again because I wasn't paying enough attention the first time! The haunting soundtrack and his gutting shell-shocked performance just made me sit up and shake my head and think
Hang on. Am I still watching the same show?
It went back to normal pretty sharpish after this scene, but thankfully they do revisit Klaus' time-travel storyline and give us some idea of what went on while he was away...
Anyway, hats off to the writers for throwing me the curve ball I was waiting for, and to Mr. Sheehan for a show stealing performance throughout! This is why we watch TV shows!
The Umbrella Academy is on Netflix now and it's worth a watch. The song from the scene is called Mary and it's by Big Thief. I've since listened to their latest album on Spotify and that too is worth seeking out.
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