A Series of Unfortunate Events Season 2 Review

A Series of Unfortunate Events Season 2 continues the tragic lives of the three Baudelaire orphans as they deal with more crazy adults and further sorrow. This second season adapts five of the books from the series giving two episodes per novel for a selection of ten episodes. This starts with The Austere Academy and concludes with the The Carnivorous Carnival. The story continues right from where we left off last time as the children need to deal with a harsh academy and further schemes from Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris). The structure slightly changes from individuals guardians to large collectives and then that implodes altogether.

If you've read the books this Netflix series once again perfectly adapts the material. It's amazing to see something you've read and cared about come alive in such a perfect way. The narrative is strong as more secrets are revealed and we get a deeper look at the various characters in new circumstances. That is combined with the inclusion of the Quagmire triplets that have incredible chemistry with the existing orphan group. Their skills complement one another well and that was appreciated. While I did find this all fantastic, I will mention I enjoyed the "The Ersatz Elevator" even more here than I did with the book.


A Series of Unfortunate Events Season 2 is fun, distinct and full of exciting secrets that continue to be teased. We get a further look at the background and more heroics from side characters that get fleshed out further. Olaf's crew grows in a dark new way as the addition is perhaps more terrifying than him. The acting is great, the theatrics from NPH are excellent and he truly embraces the role the way it should be presented.

Wacky characters continue to appear as the show progresses and this should feature many fun surprises for those that have just viewed the franchise through the Netflix format. It once again cares for the literary aspects and it should be a good way to learn some new words for the younger audience. Aesthetically I'd say it's much grimmer than the previous season and embraces the darkness of the various new locations. It keeps that very odd fantasy-like look and it works so well here across the larger backdrops.

The Conclusion

A Series of Unfortunate Events Season 2 is an incredibly faithful recreation of the books and once again they've delighted with the proper presentation of five more from the series. The acting is great, as are the various characters that have been cast in the roles. I can't wait to see how it concludes as I know they're building towards that point and it's been a wonderful adventure.

I really did enjoy this series when I was younger and to see it come alive like it does is a splendid experience. It's really well developed with larger environments, a continued distinct look and even wilder events. The literary aspects are solid once again and this show can be enjoyed easily by any type of audience. It's darker, but that will only continue as it works towards the final set of books. There's just enough mystery, fun and adventure here to have you completely captured by the core group with their particular set of skills.

A Series of Unfortunate Events Season 2 Review at Home with Streamed Viewing
Screening was Provided by Netflix (1st eight episodes)

Rating Overall: 9.5