‘A Series Of Unfortunate Events’ Recap, Episode 2: “The Bad Beginning, Part Two”

As the sad history of the Baudelaire orphans continues in “The Bad Beginning: Part Two,” the second episode of Netflix’s reimagining of Lemony Snicket’s A Series Of Unfortunate Events, we learn how Violet, Klaus, and Sunny fell into the hands of Count Olaf (as played by Neil Patrick Harris). And, once again, we get hints of the ways in which this series is going to build upon the novels. There are, of course, fans who get cranky when a show or movie deviates from the book, but the added layer of mystery and intrigue offers a reason to watch.

Having realized that Violet’s husband would have access to the Baudelaire fortune, Olaf determines to marry the girl. She is, of course, only fourteen, but, as her legal guardian, he can grant her permission. This is, obviously, creepy as hell, and there’s something about seeing this baroque plot drawn out for an hour and enacted by an actual child is… disturbing. As is the fact that the baby Sunny is in mortal danger until the horrible wedding takes place. Neil Patrick Harris keep his portrayal (mostly) free of the salacious, but it’s still unpleasant.

Obviously, we should expect unpleasantness from something called A Series of Unfortunate Events. Even so, parents should definitely consider previewing before sharing with very young, or especially sensitive viewers. The playful score, the campy comedy, and Patrick Warburton’s deadpan narration all provide some relief from the air of menace that surrounds the Baudelaire children, but the menace is there all the same. This is so, far, a clever, inventive, and beautifully produced adaptation, but it is not for the faint of heart.

Jessica Jernigan is a writer, editor, and mom-about-town in a mid-sized Midwestern city. You can find her professional website here, but Instagram is where the cat photos are.

Watch "The Bad Beginning: Part 2" episode of 'A Series Of Unfortunate Events' on Netflix