This might be interpreted as an ominous post, especially for so early in the new year but it isn't. This is about a fresh start and the end of of the most brilliantly created TV programmes out there.
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events comes to an end, a natural end, as there are no more books in the series to adapt. The story in the books, although odd and disjointed, also had an end. The makers of the show set out to make three seasons/series covering all thirteen of the books in the original series and THAT is what they have done. No, 'lets continue even though the ploy has ended and concluded' bullshit (looking at you Big Little Lies and 13 Reasons Why). The makers of the show know when to end a story. Though Snicket wrote four prequel books 'All the Wrong Questions' about young Snicket and how he became part of VFD, there is little about the books and stories, but then again, never say never.
The series has been a masterclass in how to make a brilliant, faithfull and also creative adaptation. Having the creator the series, Daniel Handler, on board was the best move. Deciding and planning for all three series was also an excellent idea. Keeping all characters roughly the same age as they appear in the story instead of waiting months, years on a possible sequel. TV lends itself to stories such as the Baudelaire's tale of woe, misery and to an extent, adventure. With a story spanning 13 volumes where three orphans have to endure really horrible situations, are threatened with death, their parents murdered and on numerous occassions have had to save each other, on paper this doesn't read a something for children. But with a multitude of stories that are so sunny and bring and well, dull, the darkest of tales are welcome, especially as they are far more than then their collective name. Each book with an alliteration inspired title, new locations, cleverly worded lines, a narrator who gives clues rather than explanations, the books translate perfectly to screen, especially with such attention to literally everything in the books.
But this series isn't just for fans of the books. There be quite a bit for the fans to pick up on, inside jokes but the series is for everyone who is looking for something wildly different and fantastic to watch. To those who whine and say 'but its too depressing' obviously know nothing about the show or the books. Ignore these whining fools if you are thinking of watching the show, just dive in.
Half way through the final series, coming up to the new twists and turns in 'The Penultimate Peril', I paused to write this post. The series and story have been about secret organisations and such but really at the heart of the good vs evil, its all about family, in particular its about siblings. Nearly all the major and the minor characters have or alude to having a brother or sister or both. Siblings stick together, save each others' lives, protect them from danger, even to the point of pretending to be dead if it would mean their sibling would be safe. My love for the books as well as the show gave me an idea for a further project exploring this theme. But more on that later.
Going back to the series being a masterclass in how to adapt a book or a series of books, there really is nothing like this show and the fact that it has an ending, a sense of completion on a tale that for me, having read the books and waited so long to see it brought to life, this was an adventure and brilliant storytelling and craftsmanship, a series that is far better than most shows out there. No hesitation here. It's ended well, but I'll still miss it. At least I have tattoo to keep me company after the final credits roll.
The World is Quiet Here.