"Pocket Full of Lightning" is the third episode of The Umbrella Academy's third season.
The siblings consider the Grandfather Paradox they've found themselves in, as well as the animals and people that have begun to go missing. Five confronts Lila about the situation and realizes that neither of the briefcases she has works, meaning that something is majorly wrong. The two team up to try and get the briefcases working, and attempt to do enough small time travel jumps between the two of them to jumpstart one.
Not knowing Five has both briefcases, Viktor and Allison meet with the Sparrows, claiming to have Marcus and demanding their briefcase in exchange. Klaus sneaks into the Hargreeves mansion through the sewage system to confront Reginald on whether or not he killed the Umbrellas' mothers. Jayme and Alphonso feed Reginald some pills and force him to sign some documents; Klaus realizes the man is much more feeble than he was in their timeline and the two proceed to bond.
Ben and Fei, who have been arguing about who might succeed Marcus, find the "god" in their basement and learn that it took him. Klaus finds it as well. Meanwhile, Luther moons over Sloane, while Diego continues to try and parent Stan properly.
Five and Lila are transported to the Commission office in the middle of a winter storm, leaving the other siblings to confront the Sparrows. Christopher immediately incapacitates Viktor, Allison, Luther, and Diego, but "Lester Pockets" arrives and kills Jayme and Alphonso with a blast from his chest. Viktor recognizes him as an older Harlan.
Tropes:
- Big Damn Heroes: Just when it seems like the Sparrows have the Umbrella Academy dead to rights, Harlan steps in and blasts Jayme and Alphonso dead, forcing the Sparrows to beat a hasty retreat.
- Full-Frontal Assault: Five walks in on Lila while she's bathing and they end up brawling while she's completely nude.
- Furo Scene: Five walks in on Lila shaving her legs in a bathtub.
- Gruesome Grandparent: In the hypothetical scenario the Commission uses to explain the Grandfather Paradox, the protagonist Elmer hates his grandfather and goes back in time to kill him.
- Improvised Weapon: Five and Lila make use of several objects in the communal bath during their fight scene, such as metal trays (as shields), towels (to asphyxiate) and shampoo (which Five squirts into Lila's eyes to incapacitate her).
- Pet the Dog: The normally cold and dispassionate Reginald admits that Klaus is actually beginning to grow on him.
- Poor Communication Kills: Viktor and Allison attempt to make amends with the Sparrows in hopes of getting the briefcase and lie to them, claiming they have Marcus. This causes a snafu. Meanwhile, their brother and teammate Five had the briefcase all along and never told anyone.
- Sympathy for the Devil: Despite every horrible thing Reginald is responsible for, Klaus can't help but take pity on the old man upon seeing Alphonso and Jayme push him around.
- You Need a Breath Mint: While attempting to reactivate the briefcase, Five complains to Lila that her breath smells terrible.Lila: Garlic is for winners.
- Zero-G Spot: Diego suggests "gravity sex" as a reason Luther has fallen so hard and fast for Sloane. Luther's response suggests this to be true.Luther: You might say we were, uh. "Dancing on the Ceiling".
