Pogo, the beloved chimpanzee butler and confidante of Sir Reginald Hargreeves, meets his untimely end in Episode 9, “Changes,” of the first season of The Umbrella Academy. His death serves as a pivotal moment, accelerating the Hargreeves siblings’ understanding of the impending apocalypse and the true nature of their father.
The Significance of Pogo’s Death
Pogo’s death isn’t merely a plot device; it’s a catalyst for significant character development and reveals crucial information about the Hargreeves family history. He holds the key to many secrets, carefully guarded at the behest of Sir Reginald. By taking him out of the equation, the narrative forces the Hargreeves siblings to confront uncomfortable truths they might otherwise have avoided. He represents a link to their past, both the good and the horrifying, and his loss shatters the remaining illusion of a comforting father figure.
The Emotional Impact on the Hargreeves
Pogo’s presence was particularly important to Number Five and Vanya. Number Five, having spent decades alone in the apocalypse, found a familiar and comforting presence in Pogo upon his return. Vanya, isolated and suppressed her entire life, viewed Pogo as one of the few constants in her often confusing and painful existence. His death leaves a void, deepening their emotional turmoil and pushing them closer to a breaking point. His loss significantly impacts their trust and ability to work together.
Unraveling Reginald Hargreeves’ Secrets
More than just a caretaker, Pogo was instrumental in covering up Reginald’s questionable practices and the true extent of Vanya’s powers. His death forces the siblings to uncover these secrets themselves, leading them down a path of distrust and self-discovery. This unraveling of the past is crucial for understanding the apocalyptic threat and, ultimately, for attempting to prevent it.
The Confrontation: Vanya and Pogo
The circumstances surrounding Pogo’s death are particularly tragic. It occurs during a confrontation with Vanya Hargreeves, whose suppressed powers have finally been unleashed. Pogo, burdened by the knowledge of Reginald’s manipulation of Vanya and his role in keeping her abilities dormant, is unable to defend himself against her destructive force.
Pogo’s Loyalty to Reginald: A Fatal Flaw?
Pogo’s unwavering loyalty to Reginald, even when aware of the harm inflicted upon the Hargreeves children, ultimately contributes to his demise. His silence and obedience, intended to protect, instead become a source of betrayal and fuel Vanya’s rage. This highlights the complexities of his character; while kind and caring, he’s also complicit in a system of abuse.
The Aftermath: Family Fragmentation
Pogo’s death acts as a definitive fracture point within the Hargreeves family. It intensifies their existing tensions and adds a layer of guilt and regret, particularly for those who were closest to him. The tragedy fuels their individual struggles and makes it even more difficult for them to unite and face the impending apocalypse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pogo’s Death
Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding Pogo’s death in The Umbrella Academy, offering more context and clarity:
1. Was Pogo’s Death Necessary for the Plot?
Yes, Pogo’s death was arguably essential for driving the plot forward. It forced the Hargreeves siblings to confront the truth about their upbringing and their father’s intentions, accelerating their understanding of the apocalypse and the role Vanya played in it. It removed a protective barrier and pushed the siblings to become more self-reliant, albeit in a fragmented way.
2. Could Pogo Have Been Saved?
Realistically, given the sheer force of Vanya’s unleashed powers, it’s unlikely Pogo could have been saved in that specific moment. The scene emphasizes Vanya’s overwhelming power and the impossibility of stopping her in that state. The narrative necessitates a significant loss to underscore the severity of the situation.
3. How Did Pogo Know About Vanya’s Powers?
Pogo was complicit in suppressing Vanya’s powers at Reginald’s behest. He had been instructed to administer medication and maintain a certain narrative about Vanya’s capabilities, or lack thereof, to the other siblings. This knowledge was a heavy burden for him, contributing to his reluctance to reveal the truth until it was too late.
4. Did Reginald Hargreeves Intend for Pogo to Die?
While Reginald likely didn’t intend for Pogo to die in that specific manner, his actions and secrets ultimately led to the circumstances that caused Pogo’s death. He created a situation where Vanya’s powers were suppressed and then unleashed, a situation that directly resulted in Pogo’s demise. His manipulations were the root cause.
5. What Breed of Chimpanzee Was Pogo?
The specifics regarding Pogo’s breed are not explicitly mentioned in The Umbrella Academy. However, he is depicted as a common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), known for their intelligence and social complexity.
6. Was Pogo a Modified Chimpanzee, or Naturally Intelligent?
The series strongly implies that Pogo was genetically modified by Reginald Hargreeves to enhance his intelligence and grant him human-like qualities. This is consistent with Reginald’s overall ambition to manipulate and experiment.
7. How Did the Actors Portray Pogo?
Pogo was brought to life through a combination of CGI and live-action performance. Actor Adam Godley provided the motion capture and voice acting for Pogo, bringing a nuanced and emotional performance to the character.
8. What Was Pogo’s Relationship with Grace (Mom)?
Pogo and Grace, the robotic mother figure, shared a close and supportive relationship. They worked together to maintain the Hargreeves household and care for the children. They were essentially colleagues and friends within the unusual Hargreeves family structure.
9. Why Didn’t Pogo Warn the Hargreeves About the Apocalypse Sooner?
Pogo’s silence was largely due to his loyalty to Reginald and his fear of disrupting the established order. He believed he was acting in the best interest of the children, even if it meant withholding crucial information. He struggled with the moral implications of his silence, but ultimately prioritized obedience.
10. What Symbolism Is Attached to Pogo?
Pogo symbolizes loyalty, sacrifice, and the complexities of morality. He represents the blurring lines between right and wrong, particularly when influenced by a powerful and manipulative figure like Reginald Hargreeves. He’s a symbol of the past and the burdens it carries.
11. How Did Pogo Learn to Speak and Act Like a Human?
It is heavily implied through the show that Reginald Hargreeves was responsible for the human like characteristics. Through Reginald’s experiments and training, Pogo was able to develop these characteristics.
12. What Lasting Impact Did Pogo Have on the Hargreeves Siblings?
Pogo’s death served as a harsh lesson in the dangers of secrets and the importance of family. While his loss initially fractured the siblings further, it ultimately pushed them toward a greater understanding of themselves and each other. He reminds them of their shared trauma and the necessity of working together, albeit imperfectly.