Ep 3. The Reptile Room: Part One

The Reptile Room: Part One is the third episode of A Series of Unfortunate Events Season 1. The episode follows the Baudelaire orphans, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, as they move into their new home with their new guardian, Uncle Monty. Uncle Monty is a herpetologist, which means he studies reptiles, and he shows the orphans his extensive collection of snakes, lizards, and frogs.

Throughout the episode, the orphans develop a bond with Uncle Monty, who is unlike any adult they have met before. He is kind and caring and treats the children with respect and understanding. Uncle Monty also has a passion for his work that is infectious, and the children are fascinated by his stories about his travels and the reptiles he has studied.

However, there is a sense of foreboding throughout the episode, as the viewer is reminded that the Baudelaire orphans' lives are far from normal. The evil Count Olaf is still after them, and the episode shows that he has some kind of connection to the herpetologist community. The orphans also become suspicious of Uncle Monty's new assistant, Stefano, who they believe may be a spy sent by Count Olaf.

As tensions rise, the orphans must navigate the danger they are in while also dealing with the trauma of their past. The episode does an excellent job of showing the complexity of the children's emotions, as they struggle to balance their newfound happiness under Uncle Monty's care with the fear and anxiety that come with being on the run from someone as sinister as Count Olaf.

Apart from the compelling plot, the episode also has stunning production design. The reptile room is a visually impressive set that showcases the beauty and diversity of the reptiles that Uncle Monty cares for. The animation used to show Sunny's thoughts is also a nice touch that adds to the whimsical and otherworldly mood of the show.

Overall, The Reptile Room: Part One is an engaging and emotionally nuanced episode of A Series of Unfortunate Events. It continues to build tension and provide new layers to the Baudelaire orphans' story while also showcasing the charm and distinctive tone of the show. The episode ends on a cliffhanger that leaves the viewer anxious to find out what happens next, making it a must-watch for fans of the series.