Review: A Series of Unfortunate Events is spectacularly binge-worthy

Review: A Series of Unfortunate Events is spectacularly binge-worthy

Fitting to its genre, Netflix released the first season of a new adaptation of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events on Friday, January 13 and I then proceeded to finish watching all eight episodes the morning of Sunday, January 15. If you haven’t already, drop everything you are doing, forgo all homework assignments, sit down, and watch this TV show because it is just that good. Despite the fact that I haven’t read the Serious of Unfortunate Events books since I was in elementary school, I can say that this show fantastically stays true to the books (it helps that the author of the books wrote the show) and adds an extra, exciting twist of mystery that also makes the show a distinctive Netflix original. Everything about it, from the plot, the acting, and the set design, is enrapturing and an extremely great source of entertainment, despite constant warnings to “Look Away”.

Documenting one book with two episodes, the show closely follows the plot line the books set up as the Baudelaire orphans are moved from one guardian to another by an incompetent banker, Mr. Poe, with the evil Count Olaf chasing them along the way. The most evident change from page to screen is that the show also gives the viewer a bit of supposed backstory in brief glimpses, of a mother and father seemingly kidnapped and on the run who are trying to get back to their kids. Characters and props in the show also allude to the secret society that the Baudelaires later learn their parents were involved in, though the reveal comes much sooner in the show than in the books, as the Baudelaires constantly ask for answers pertaining to their parents’ lives before them. I appreciate these extra additions to the show because it makes it more interesting for people like myself who do not remember all the details of the books, and other adults who may have never read the series at all.

The acting in the show brings the events away from their dull, dark reality and seems to give the sad story a little more heart and humour. Neil Patrick Harris’s portrayal of Count Olaf, while evil and murderous, also makes him appear even more humorous and dumb than I remember him being in the books, and his horrible acting (Count Olaf’s, not Harris’s) along with his ridiculous henchmen add to the enjoyment of the show. The set design is probably my favorite aspect of the entire show, as it simply makes everything look so pretty. I love the contrast created by the Baudelaire’s brightly colored clothing against the incredibly grey skies and buildings in almost every location they are sent to, and the countless rooms full of books they encounter. In some settings the background almost didn’t look real, as so many parts of the scenes had such smooth edges and intricate parts that I was sure it was animated. It ties all other aspects of the show together, and makes it all-around good entertainment.

Netflix’s version of Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events is fantastic, and I don’t think anyone will find themselves disappointed with the product.

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