With a relatively uneventful episode preceding it, “A Series of Unfortunate Events” episode “The Wide Window: Part Two” certainly made up for that in big way as the Baudelaires discover a hidden message in Aunt Josephine’s suicide note and set off on a dangerous mission.
This episode was packed with interesting set pieces, including a cleverly executed collapse of Josephine’s house, one or two good emotional bits and an interesting and powerful ending twist that tees up the final act of the season in an exciting way.
The Baudelaires making the dramatic decision to abandon Mr. Poe after his gross incompetence and head to Lucky Smells Lumber Mill based on a vague clue was a well orchestrated twist. Now the kids are on their own and even they are wondering if that was the right thing to do. And Mr. Poe reaching a new level of idiocy throughout the episode further seeded this finale, although in fairness, he did demonstrate some brains matching up Josephine’s handwriting.
There were a few other twists, such as the Baudelaire parents unwittingly helping their children survive Hurricane Herman and Josephine taking a final stand against Olaf. The new twist of the parents being alive has proved to be more than just a gimmick as both Will Arnett and Cobie Smulders are getting plenty to do each episode. As for Josephine, seeing her character finally realize, albeit far too late, that her lifestyle was the wrong choice was a satisfying ending for her and a good departure from the book’s version.
“The Wide Window: Part Two” was another jam packed hour that served to lead into the season’s final two episodes with flair and style. From here on in, the show is going to be much more original, seeing as nothing beyond this point was in the 2004 film, so this show is going to have to reinvent. Here’s hoping they do it well.