Best known for her role on Grey's Anatomy, Kate Walsh's character 'The Handler' in The Umbrella Academy made quite an impression on fans. Since she was the primary antagonist of the series, fans and viewers remained curious about her fate after her death in season 2. So, what did become of 'The Handler'?
As a result of The Handler's shortcomings in Season 1 (thanks to Five and his siblings), she was stripped of her rank and demoted by The Commission. Vengeful and disgruntled, Walsh's character turned hostile towards her organization and attempted a takeover.
Season 2 saw The Handler's return with a penchant for revenge against the Hargreeves family and Five. Especially, after Hazel tried to kill her by shooting her in the head. Nonetheless, during an intense altercation with Five and the rest of the Hargreeves crew, she succeeded in killing the aforementioned people except Five.
However, after Five turned back time, it was Axe - a member of The Swedes, who ended The Handler's life permanently. Since then, 'The Handler' remained non-existent for the entirety of seasons 3 and 4 of The Umbrella Academy. That was until the season finale of season 4.
After restoring balance and returning to the main timeline, the show featured an entirely different avatar of 'The Handler.' Instead of a malicious aura, she was seen flaunting a genuine smile.
Furthermore, 'The Handler' appeared to be exercising in a park next to her friend Grace - the robot who raised the Hargreeves siblings. The scene ended with 'The Handler' appearing to be engaged on a call with someone.
Who is 'The Handler' in The Umbrella Academy?
Walsh's 'The Handler' in The Umbrella Academy is one of the bigwigs part of The Commission - who render their service to protect the future. Her character can be described as ruthless, quirky, egotistical, malicious, and prudent. Rightfully so, she was the primary antagonist of seasons 1 and 2 in The Umbrella Academy.
A noteworthy feature of 'The Handler' was her astute sense of fashion and disregard for social settings. An example of this was the time she had a meeting with Five in the men's bathroom and offered him candy as she nonchalantly went about her business.
'The Handler' discovered Five (from the past) in a dystopian future with everything gone. Although, she was also his employer; they were former colleagues before his untimely departure.
After discovering Five's disobedience, she attempted to capture and eliminate him on many occasions. However, she was unsuccessful due to the intervention of Five's powers and his siblings - the Hargreeves' abilities as noted in the series.
Kate Walsh's thoughts on 'The Handler' before her death in season 2.
Walsh's character 'The Handler' wasn't originally supposed to return to the series after her death in season 1. However, in an interview dated July 31, 2020, Welsh discussed her return and The Handler's death on The Umbrella Academy.
When asked about her character's insights into Lila (Ritu Arya), her daughter, Welsh gave a brief character description about 'The Handler.' She notes,
"I just think she's [The Handler] a narcissist and a sociopath."
Furthermore, Welsh claimed that 'The Handler' was a user who believed people were responsible. However, what stood out most to Welsh about her character was her utter lack of humanity. This resonates with the many times 'The Handler' showed no remorse for Five or Lila's thoughts, emotions, and feelings.
The Handler in The Umbrella Academy was certainly a complex and invigorating character. Although she's gone, viewers can enjoy the other antagonists of the show from the recently released season 4 of The Umbrella Academy on Netflix.
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