Today, Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events launches on Netflix worldwide. With a peak into the series (binge watched all eight episodes thanks to the lovely people at Netflix while eating pizza and refusing to get out of bed), Tn2 are here to tell you what we can before this frightfully foreboding series begs you to avert your gaze.
Twists like a back country road up Lousy Lane
I can’t even begin to explain the twists that lie in store for you at midnight. If I did, I’m 97% sure that 100% of my flat would be destroyed in a mysterious fire. I’ve read the series three times as a child and studied it extensively for clues and hints. The series has still managed to maintain the gasping surprises of the books. People have been theorising furiously about Will Arnett’s supposed contribution for the last few weeks. Whatever happens, as a great man once said, “fate is like a strange, unpopular restaurant, filled with odd waiters who bring you things you never asked for and don’t always like.”
Meta-drama
A signal that a form is established is that you can break the boundaries of it; this is the first instance of meta-drama that has centred its irony solely on the form of online streaming. Cultural proof that Netflix and its ilk have officially transformed the way we view television, YAY! References to Uber, mean Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events is aware of itself and aware of the times. I frankly love it.
“Assumptions are a dangerous thing to make”
It is rare to find a TV series you must watch over for fear you missed a joke or reference or an insanely muted piece of foreshadowing that dangles before you like a screeching iguana clock. This show is nuanced. Close attention is rewarded.
Not knowing what to feel about the main cast
Neil Patrick Harris is no Jim Carey and the show is narrated by an exceptionally visible Snicket (Patrick Warburton). For some people this is fine. If, however, upon watching the first two episodes of this series you find the new central cast of unfortunates disappointing in comparison to the casting of the film; I promise you – that like a fine cheap wine – you will get used to them after the first gulp.
The supporting cast are horrendously brilliant
Watch this series even if only for the interactions of Mr Poe and Count Olaf’s henchmen. Take five whole moments to appreciate the hook-handed man and his hook-handed irony. A highlight; you will be enthused and delighted. And at one point tied to a tree.
The theme song is horrendously awful
Part of me believes this was on purpose. My least favourite part of the whole series: this absolutely horrendous theme song. The unfortunate part is you’ll be singing it in the shower… without noticing. How I Met Your Mother favourite Neil Patrick Harris shows his Broadway chops where a Thomas Newman instrumental would be much preferred. When a series is entirely based on the horrendous and the absurd, however… this musical number is surely apt.
Prepare to get quickly addicted
Do not watch the first episode if you have essays due. It has highs and lows and criticisms can be drawn. But overall, this show does exactly what a Netflix show needs to do: keep you hooked. It is ridiculous and outrageous and ‘keeps-em-watchin’ inventive. The ending will have you saying “what, why, who, where?” and “this show is clearly co-produced by Neil Patrick Harris”.
Long live Mr. Poe and every covert reference to the V.F.D.
Full critical review addressing the shielded parts of the plot will be out in our January issue of Tn2!
