Prior to watching the Netflix adaptation of A Series of Unfortunate Events, fans of the beloved children’s book series were understandably nervous. The 2004 adaptation, featuring both Jim Carrey and Meryl Streep, was severely disappointing. The film never came close to capturing the original essence of the books and failed to satisfy the demand for the story to be brought to screen. However after much anticipation, including an incredibly convincing fake trailer, fans can breathe a sigh of relief. The new Netflix original series is a delightful watch that gives Lemony Snicket’s somber series the treatment it deserves, capturing and building on the world of the original series.
The eight-episode season covers the first four books of the series. The general arc of the show adheres to the plot of the original stories, but one major twist builds upon the mysteries only alluded to in the books. The Baudelaire parents, who are dead in the original series, are alive in the Netflix adaptation. This exciting surprise adds a new layer of intrigue for fans old and new. The new parent plotline, along with the parents’ affiliation with a shadowy organization, drives the mystery forward and takes the story in new and interesting directions.
Each episode brings viewers deeper and deeper into Lemony Snicket’s peculiar vision. The show is set in a world that doesn’t seem to have cell phones but does have online shopping and television streaming. The overall aesthetic of the show conveys a sense of childhood memory where the settings evokes the emotions felt by the Baudelaire children rather than reality. In episode one, “The Bad Beginning: Part One”, the beautiful blooming front yard of Justice Strauss contrasts the dismal and gloomy atmosphere surrounding Count Olaf’s house just across the street. It’s a world where adults patronize children to disastrous ends.
The strengths of A Series of Unfortunate Events lie in its script which, in turn, is elevated by its superbly game cast. Neil Patrick Harris’s Count Olaf is as cruel as he is incompetent. While Harris brings personality and the versatility of a broadway star, his portrayal does not have the same sinister touch as Jim Carrey’s from the ‘04 movie. Moreover, the side characters really steal the show. Count Olaf’s eclectic ensemble of henchmen is hilarious. They are good for a laugh or two every time they appear on screen. However, the breakout performance of the series is K. Todd Freeman’s portrayal of Mr. Poe. As the executor of the Baudelaire’s estate, Mr. Poe essentially has the fate of the Baudelaire children in his hands, a fact that makes his obliviousness all the more frustrating. Freeman is awfully fun to watch, and he uses Mr. Poe’s ineffectiveness for some great comedic moments.
For all its joys, the show does suffer from a few pacing problems. Every episode is narrated by Lemony Snicket, played by a deadpan Patrick Warburton. The asides have a sense of deference to the original books, but Warburton’s performance lacks the sort of verve and spirit exuded by the rest of the cast, which brings down the pace of the show.
A Series of Unfortunate Events is a refreshing addition to the Netflix original series lineup. Rather than surrender to the inherent darkness of the books, Series embraces fun. With a lighthearted sensibility at its core, Series brings out the heart in the bleak fortunes of the Baudelaire children.
