Unfortunate series is back

By Amy Geldean

Netflix released season two of “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” which left viewers wanting to know more as new secrets were revealed and trouble waited around every corner.

This 10-episode season takes the Baudelaire children to several different locations, such as a gloomy boarding school and a deadly carnival. The changing of locations every two episodes keeps viewers engaged, as the scenic changes provide a new air to each episode, acting as bookmarks for the show. Like season one, most parental figures that come into the Baudelaires’ lives end up leaving or dying.

This season introduces the Quagmire children, who were seen briefly at the end of season one. These children find comfort in the Baudelaires, whom they find they have much in common with, such as the means by which their parents died. The new set of characters favorably adds to the thickening plots explored throughout the season.

Count Olaf, played by Neil Patrick Harris, returns in a series of over-the-top disguises, something that bled through from season one and continues to add charm to the show. This series of personas allows Harris to show off his acting skills because of the different characters he transforms into, displaying a comedic and villainous side.

Mr. Poe, played by K. Todd Freedman, is in charge of finding the orphaned children a home. He continues to have a high level of ignorance when it comes to the children and fails to recognize Olaf’s ridiculous costumes numerous times as he abandons the children. If the show has a flaw, it is that these repetitive fumbles draw out the plot unnecessarily rather than moving it forward with the adrenaline it deserves.

Patrick Warburton, who narrates as Lemony Snicket, draws out his informative speeches and usually discusses things that do not make sense until the end of the episode. Despite this, Warburton successfully takes on the role of the narrator because of the sedating way he speaks.

This season leaves viewers intrigued and wanting more as things continue to escalate for the Baudelaire children and successfully continues the story from season one.