The official Twitter account of Netflix series The Umbrella Academy recently posted a video listing every appearance of a "sparrow" symbol throughout the show's 2nd season. The symbols apparently hinted at the season's twist ending, and the number of symbols (43) is significant as well. However, most of them were incredibly well-hidden, sneakily giving fans even more reasons to rewatch the show. Clever.
The same Twitter account announced the presence of the sparrow symbols on August 6th, a week after the premiere of season 2. Viewers who had already caught up on the show quickly caught on to the significance to the unexpected season finale, just before many of them jumped back in to hunt for the hidden secrets. Naturally, many fans and sites didn't take long to locate them all and document their locations, but with the show's Twitter account joining in on the fun, it seems the search is officially over.
Lots of shows like to play their own little meta game by placing various objects or symbols throughout the series and waiting to see if fans notice. Like Psych with the pineapples and Seinfeld with Superman, it seems The Umbrella Academy has joined in the fun, though perhaps they got a little impatient on that last part of the game. Though while many other shows pull this off mostly as a fun little distraction, this one used them as a subtle little hint about actual story events, the details of which will not be discussed here in the interest of avoiding spoilers.
Some fans have even speculated that, aside from the sparrows themselves, their respective locations and when they're seen might also be hints towards currently unrevealed plot details. Given the show's penchant for explosive twists, it certainly wouldn't be surprising. The number of sparrows seems significant as well, seeing as it's the same as the number of children born at the same time to previously un-expectant mothers as an important element of the show's backstory. At the very least, this is a much more pleasant reason for the fans to engage with the show's creators than other interactions in the past.
Little meta games like this are usually a good indication that the show's creators genuinely enjoy what they do. There's a distinct passion behind projects that prompts developers to add their own little flair, and that kind of passion tends to extend to the show's quality. With little personal touches like the sparrows, as well as the regular interaction with the fans, it's no wonder The Umbrella Academy has quickly become such a darling in the eyes of its viewers. Hopefully its positive reception leads to a quick renewal for season 3.
Source: The Umbrella Academy/Twitter