Umbrella Academy S01E01 (2019)
Written by Steve Blackman & Jeremy Slater
Directed by Peter Hoar
Starring (in this scene): Number Five (Aidan Gallagher), Number One (Tom Hopper), Number Two (David Castañeda), Number Three (Emmy Raver-Lampman), Number Four (Robert Sheehan), Number Seven (Elliot Page)
Chef’s Note: We were recently discussing a lonesome peanut butter sandwich and it made me think of this moment when Number 5 makes his way back to the Umbrella Academy.
The literal first thing he does once he is unceremoniously dumped out of the timestream kerfuffle is make this highly specific sandwich, so we know it must have some significance in his life.
Earlier in this day we also overheard Vanya Victor reminiscing with Pogo about how she would leave the lights on and make these peanut butter and marshmallow sandwiches to leave out – just in case Number 5 made his way back.
So, it seems clear this was his favorite food. And, as such, serves as a good anchor to reorient himself after his time-travelling shenanigans.
Chef’s Note: While I have noted before that I strive to be objective and impartial in my role as a scientifically-trained comic book food archaeologist, there are times where I simply cannot hold my tongue.
I have seen the sandwich Number 5 makes here referred to more than once as a fluffernutter. Given this is the state sandwich where I have chosen to call my home I cannot abide this profoundly misguided characterization.
I will not link to those who have perpetuated this misunderstanding, as it is likely innocent and I do not wish to provoke any animosity or ill-will.
I will, however, link to this mad genius who makes it all work by slapping it into a frying pan and adding whiskey. I think Number Five would very much appreciate this innovation on the recipe. If only he could get a decent cup of goddamned coffee to go with it.
All that said, I must insist that fluffernutters are made with Marshamallow Fluff – not some sad handful of stale mini marshmallows mashed onto a meager smear of Jiffy*.
It is a tragic testament to the amount of abuse Number 5 suffered, and how much this altered his sense of reality, that he feels this is the best he can do in terms of sandwiches. I very much hope that the ones Vanya Victor made for him back in the day were better.