“A Series of Unfortunate Events” premiered on Netflix on January 13th. I have since then binge watched the season and appreciated the creative genius that went into the show. The characters are genuine, and the settings are as whimsical as the story is dark. Although many people have ridiculed it for its ridiculousness; I feel that the ridiculousness is appropriate.
The portrayal of the Baudelaire children is as accurate as you can create in a televised form. Sunny, my favorite Baudelaire child, ends up asking the questions that you as an audience will ask over the course of the series. Unlike the unfortunate movie that shares a name, the Count Olaf in the Netflix series is closer to the representation of the book character. This Olaf is the incompetent mastermind attempting to acquire the Baudelaire fortune the orphans received after the death of their parents.
The sets and costumes of the show manage to capture and amplify the absurdity of the story being told. Outdoor settings seem to look like dioramas with either vibrant or dull colors depending on the mood that needs to be portrayed. For example, the opening scene on the beach is a mute grayscale. This is the scene that they learn about the unfortunate death of their parents from an incompetent Mr. Poe. Other scenes, such as meeting Dr. Montgomery, feature more vibrant and colorful settings that make everything seem alright for a split second.
Lemony Snicket, the person investigating the life of the Baudelaire children, makes an appearance as the narrator the story. He provides context and explanations for the events of the series.He also provides comic relief in intense moments.
Many have stated that the new series pales in comparison to the 2004 movie. I disagree with them. The series is adapted from books that set up a highly improbable set of scenarios. In a way, the series makes fun of that. It doesn’t take itself too seriously because the story itself is outlandish The series portrays and air of ridiculousness that only seems appropriate. Also, the settings and the acting are so ridiculous that it only makes sense to be so.
My only issue with the series is so far, are the sprinkled comments about standard television and streaming services. It is the only thing that tends to take me out of the scene and make me resent the series itself. All Netflix original series seem to have this problem. I’ve noticed it in Fuller House as well.
