Episode two of The Umbrella Academy Season 2, “The Frankel Footage,” delves
deeper into the complex web of mysteries surrounding the Hargreeves siblings and
the enigmatic Commission. The episode opens with a shocking revelation: The
Handler, presumed dead after being shot by Hazel, miraculously survives.
Resurrected and with a metal plate now embedded in her head, The Handler returns to the Commission only to find herself demoted to a menial role in Lot C. Her once formidable position has been replaced by a desk job and a new supervisor, Herb. This unexpected downfall sets the stage for a potential power struggle within the Commission.
Meanwhile, the Hargreeves siblings continue to navigate their new lives in the 1960s. Luther, having found work as an enforcer for the infamous Jack Ruby, seems to have distanced himself from his family. Five, determined to reunite his siblings and prevent the apocalypse, begins to unravel the mysteries of the past.
A crucial plot point involves the discovery of the Frankel Footage. Five, with the help of Elliot, manages to develop the film, revealing a shocking truth: Reginald Hargreeves was present at the scene of JFK’s assassination. This revelation sends shockwaves through the group, as they begin to question their father's intentions and his connection to the larger conspiracy.
As the episode progresses, the siblings' paths begin to converge. Diego, still haunted by the assassination of JFK, teams up with a fellow inmate, Lila, to escape the mental institution. Their escape is cut short when Five intervenes, bringing them to Elliot's place to view the Frankel Footage.
The episode concludes with a dramatic confrontation between Diego and his father, Reginald. In a shocking twist, Reginald stabs Diego and escapes with a young chimpanzee, leaving the siblings reeling from the revelation of their father's true nature.
“The Frankel Footage” is a pivotal episode that significantly advances the plot, introducing new characters and deepening the existing storylines. The cliffhanger ending, with Reginald’s betrayal and escape, sets the stage for a thrilling and unpredictable continuation of the series.