Whether you read the 13 books or not, you will fall in love with this masterful TV show. Although it is not exactly word for word what the books are, they encapsulate Lemony Snicket's characters and unique humor perfectly. It brings you back into the series, or in the case of just coming upon it it will just bring you in.
I refound my childhood wonder and curiosity that I had while first reading the books. It fills me with joy and giddy that no other show has ever done before. Unlike the opening song you will not want to look away.
Neil Patrick Harris as Count Olaf could not be a better fit. He plays the horrible actor trying to get his hands on the Baudelaire fortune. The first season follows Malinda Weissman as Violet, Louis Haynes as Klaus and Presley Smith as Sunny, as they deal with their parents death and run away from Count Olaf. The first series of "A Series of Unfortunate Events" follows the first four books, have two episodes dedicated to each.
Now for one of my favorite things to tell you about, the cinematography. Let me say this right now: it was beautiful and often took my breath away how well the transitions were and the dedicated details to the set and in the script itself. Every little detail has added to the mystery and wonder that I first experienced while reading the books for the first time. I used to stay up and read them by flashlight, and now I'm 20 staying up watching the tv series and writing this by flashlight.
I need to add that my favorite scene is the scene where they show the Baudelaire mansion burn. It is so beautiful and the transition just takes your breath away. I will admit there are a lot of times that the Computer Generated Images or CGI are very apparent, it adds to the show and the style that belongs only to Lemony Snicket. As you can tell, I have enjoyed the first season of "A Series of Unfortunate Events" very much and I hope you do as much as I do. I hope the spark of curiosity and delight is light inside you as much as it has been with me. I'm sorry I haven't given too many details but I just cannot ruin it for you.
So please, whether you were a fan of the books at some point or not; Watch this show. It will bring you warmth, although do not listen to the amazing narrator Snicket, the magic does not bring you sadness but a great feeling of triumph.