More of the Same (Which is Good): Series of Unfortunate Events Season 2 Episode 1

     As any long-term viewer of any television show may be able to tell you, shows often undergo a change in quality after their first season. This can be good change, but more often than not, it tends to be bad. However, I am happy to report that A Series of Unfortunate Events has a second season that is just as good, if not better than the first. It retains the charm and style established in the beginning while also improving on the storylines in each episode.
     One of my favorite parts of last season was the self-referential humor. In the first few episodes, Count Olaf would turn to the camera and encourage the viewer to watch more Netflix. While this is a shameless plug, it also helps dispel some of the tension in some scenes which may be too frightening for the younger target audience. In the first second season, many references are made about the fact that this is a new season, including the very first line. The slight morphing of the “breaking the forth wall” joke keeps the show from feeling stale.
     Another slight change that keeps the show fresh is the slight change in the story line. Having not read the books, I am not sure if this is the way the books are situated. However, it appears that the first season featured the same plot: the children come to a new home and start connecting with an adult, but then Count Olaf ruins everything and the orphans have leave. The viewer can see the changes in “The Miserable Mill”, where the seemingly nice Dr. Orwell turns out to be evil, but other than that, it follows the formula. The first episode of the new season has the children not spending much time with any adults, outside of the VFW agent. Instead, they get to know the two surviving Quagmire triplets and with their help, discover more about both sets of parents secrets. This underlying sub-plot helps leave the viewers wanting more since there is an unfulfilled story to be solved. Even if this is changed, there are some elements that are the same.
     One of my favorite aspects of the last season was the atmosphere, and this one was no different. The slight dingy feeling to them, which helps contribute to the dark, bleak atmosphere of the show. Having ridden a school bus for many years, I feel confident saying that none of them look like the one depicted in the show. There are no pure colors and even Violet’s pastel dress is dispensed with. Carmelita comes close, but here dress is oversaturated, showing her overly sweet personality to those not aware of her true colors.
     In conclusion, the second season of A Series of Unfortunate Events is worth watching if you enjoyed the first. The storyline has thickened and picked up a darker plot which directly involves the children. There is an atmosphere which fits the story being told and some of the same humor as before. This is a show I can’t wait to watch again soon.