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A Series of Unfortunate Events Season 2 Review

The second season of A Series of Unfortunate Events is a step down from its predecessor due to some clunky execution, but this adaptation still really works for the most part.

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“In a world too often governed by corruption and arrogance,

it can be difficult to stay true to one’s philosophical and literary principles“

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This is the longest of the three seasons of this show as it adapts five entries in the series no less. Technically, the show is still excellent as it’s very well shot, scored and acted. But in terms of execution, it was excellent in certain parts, but it left a lot to be desired in other chapters.

‘The Austere Academy’ is the first book this season adapts and it’s by far the highlight of the entire season, especially the second episode, which is an absolute blast. There are so many good choices being made here that actually make this the improved version of the book, which I did not expect of course, but it truly happened.

First off, the characters all really worked. Nero is fantastic and Roger Bart clearly had a great time playing him. Carmelita Spats is even better. Wow, was I impressed by this young actress as she killed it playing this fun role. Carmelita is exactly how I’d imagined her in the book and maybe even better. She’s a riot here. The roles of the kids’ helpers were significantly expanded with Olivia and Jacque being very memorable. Another highlight is Olaf himself. Coach Genghis is by far his funniest disguise so far and Neil Patrick Harris obviously loved playing this caricature as he was impeccable and hilarious. The Quagmires are also excellent here. Everything in this chapter really worked.

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But after this chapter, the season became inferior unfortunately as it never quite recaptured that glory. ‘The Ersatz Elevator’ introduces Jerome and Esme Squalor into the proceedings, and Tony Hale and especially Lucy Punch are a revelation, both are perfectly cast. Esme is exactly how I’d imagined her, and it’s wonderful that the show finally improved upon the casting after the clunky first season in that department. The story overall got repetitive in the elevator action, but the auction was fun, and it’s an important entry for Esme’s arrival.

‘The Vile Village’ wasn’t as good as the book itself, which I really enjoyed, but it’s still fairly well adapted. Esme is quite amusing with her Slavic accent and silly police woman disguise. Hector is also quite good and well cast. He is a lovable guy and a great friend for the Baudelaires. The crows needed more emphasis, but the mob mentality is well portrayed. One of my main issues with this season is the inclusion of Mr. Poe in every single chapter. That was changed from the book, but in a dumb and unrealistic manner. It was unnecessary.

‘The Hostile Hospital’ is one of the darkest books in the series, but for some reason the show’s treatment of it was rather forgettable and uninspired. Some important answers are given to the kids here, but the trio overall didn’t get as much to do as they did in the first season. The show saddled them too much with supporting roles in their own story, which was a problem. The second episode is dark, but more could have been done with this story.

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‘Carnivorous Carnival’ is probably my least favorite of the books, which is why it was a pleasant surprise that the show did it better. Olivia the librarian is Madame Lulu and she’s the heart of these two episodes and by far one of the Baudelaires’ biggest helping hands. Her death, thus, was gravely felt. Overall, the carnival scenes are as forgettable as they are in the book, but the ending itself was super dark, suspenseful and a perfect way to end the season with a great cliffhanger.