A series of fortunate episodes

Netflix has been coming out with more and more original series as they have grown in popularity, and the shows range from animated series about hunting trolls to a show detailing the struggles of the royal family almost a century ago. Their latest production is “A Series Of Unfortunate Events,” based on the young adult novel series by Lemony Snicket.

The novel series has always been one of my favorites, the diction and storyline inspiring me to read all of them at least twice.

As someone who has been let down by film and TV adaptations in the past, I was wary of this one. I worried for naught, and I was pleasantly surprised, even floored by how incredible this show is. From sets to cast to script, the show is a smash hit with me.

The color schemes and overall aesthetic of the show are a wonderful homage to the imagery of the book series. It uses a narrator, Patrick Warburton, to add humor, and the direct quotations from the book that are often used make for a fantastic transition from novel to television. The fact that they drew humor directly from the novel was actually one of the things I enjoyed most about it. It was also fun to be able to recognize foreshadowing, and I would highly recommend reading the books first.

I loved Jim Carrey in the original movie that was made back in 2004, and I was very upset when I learned that they did not cast him in the new series. He would be a bit too old by now, but I was so enamored with his performance that I would not have, and indeed still would not, care.

Neil Patrick Harris took over the role of Count Olaf, and although it was not Jim Carrey, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked out. He puts his musical talents to use on a few separate and all enjoyable occasions, and his character work as Olaf undercover is repeatedly a hit. He brings humor and light to a very disgusting character, and without him I do not think that the watching experience would have been nearly as exciting and enjoyable.

Overall I was extremely pleased with all aspects of the show. It was funny without trying, disturbing in just the right places, and stuck religiously to the books. I would highly recommend reading the novels and watching the show to anyone who has yet to have that pleasure in their life.