Review of Netflix's 'A Series of Unfortunate Events'

Review: a word which here means to share thoughts and provide insights about something

Originally published on January 23, 2017

(Spoilers for the show and probably the books)

It’s safe to say Lemony Snicket’s ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ was a big part of my book entertainment in elementary school. I haven’t read the books since then, though I’ve meant to on several occasions. The story resurfaced in my consciousness when I saw the Jim Carrey movie years ago. The excitement came back last year when I heard Netflix was making a series starring Neil Patrick Harris as Count Olaf. Here I am, fresh off my first watch of the show, and am appropriately satisfied, pleased, and ready for more.

I haven’t read the books for probably about a decade, so I don’t remember all the details specifically. I do remember the basic story and some of the players and keeping that in mind, this was a really good adaptation. The careful writing and presentation and little hints, like the orphans being allergic to peppermint, ignited the synapses in my mind and all of a sudden I remembered those details and appreciated the careful planning and faithfulness behind the script (well, when the original author is involved you would expect nothing less). All the jokes about streaming TV and references to modern things were quite enjoyable little nods to a careful viewer.

For the most part, I thought the child actors did a good job. I liked and believed Malina Weissman’s performance as Violet better than Louis Hynes as Klaus (but digging into their filmographies, Malina has done more acting so that can be expected). NPH was spot on as Count Olaf. I really enjoyed the henchmen as a little bit of comic relief. The inclusion of Lemony Snicket, with the narration, flashbacks, examples, witty dialogue, and overall pessimism, was perfect. You really couldn’t tell this story without Lemony Snicket. Patrick Warburton’s voice was the ideal narrator voice and his constant deadpan helped with the overall tone of the show.

The part that I don’t remember being in the books at all was including the other members of the organization, like Jacquelyn and Gustav (RIP) and Larry. But I think it works for the story they are trying to tell and the visual medium of a series. I will be curious as to how they continue this story and bring the children closer to understanding the organization. And the red herring of the Cobie Smulders and Will Arnett characters: awesome. I spent the most of the first few episodes thinking, “There’s no way their parents are alive! They definitely weren’t alive in the books!” and I almost believed it. But Beatrice is definitely dead. That can’t change.

For those of you keeping score at home, here are the VFD’s I noticed:

Volunteer Fire Department (duh!)

Vigorously Fixed Destination

Verified Film Discount

Vitiated Film Distribution

Vincent Fig Demetrios

Vastly Frightening Decision

VFD on Dr. Orwell’s board

Verified Functional Dictionary

Very Fancy Door

Vigorous Fire Defense

I, for one, cannot wait until the next season comes out. In the meantime, I’ll be rereading the series, rewatching the series, and immersing myself back into the unfortunate world of the Baudelaire orphans.