Hello everyone and welcome to another edition of A Series of Unfortunate Events catchup with season 3 episodes 3 and 4, The Grim Grotto. Now although this episode would still fall into the realm of good to very good, I would say it was one of the weaker outings for the show. The submarine setting felt rather limiting and the overall story the show has been telling seemed to stutter along becoming almost like filler at times. I also feel that Carmalita is not a good substitute for the theatre troop as their quirky one liners really were missed. I was actually surprised at how noticeable their absence was. The final negative before I get onto the positives was I wasn’t all that keen on Fiona Widdershins. She was rather on the dull side and making her a rival to Violet in some ways made you instantly side against her.

Now on to the positives. My favourite character in this episode was definitely the Hook Handed man who we now know is actually called Fernald. We discovered that he was a member of VFD and we even found out how he lost his hands! This really worked to round out the character and solidify his redemption arc that I have come to really want. I am glad that has now split from Olaf and is back fighting on the side of good. I also really enjoyed Olaf in this episode as he was a lot less showy (apart from in the amusing showy laugh off he had with Esme) and more bored and irritated. It ended up with him being quite the enjoyable grumbler.

Esme’s gorgeously atrocious octopus outfit deserves a mention too. It was so ridiculous but you couldn’t help it. Olaf was actually dressed quite plain comparison as he was seemingly growing tired of this endless quest. He just wants some money and and doesn’t seem all that interested in this bigger picture involving the Sugar Bowl. Are we supposed to know what the Sugar Bowl is because if so I’m confused. It is not really a plot thread I am all that interested if I’m honest as it involves a range of revolving agent/Snicket characters who are really bland and interchangeable. I am glad that the kids finally flipped the metaphorical bird to Mr. Poe. He is one of the most useless and annoying individuals one could ever wish to meet.

DD Rating: 6/10