A Series of Unfortunate Events - The Ersatz Elevator (1) (S2E3)
Violet, Klaus and Sunny get new guardians in a fashionable building, where stairs are in -- and the elevator's out. Jacques Snicket trains a recruit.
| Runtime (min) | 52 |
|---|---|
| TMDB Rating | 7.0 (16 votes) |
| Air Date | 2018-03-30 |
| Genres | Action & Adventure, Family, Comedy, Mystery |
| TV Rating | TV-PG |
Where To Watch
Storyline
Storyline
In 'The Ersatz Elevator (1)', the Baudelaire orphans are placed under the care of their new guardians, the wealthy and fashion-obsessed Esme and Jerome Squalor. Upon arriving at their luxurious but peculiar building, they discover that the elevator is out of order, forcing them to navigate a labyrinth of stairs. As they acclimate to their new surroundings, the siblings quickly sense that something is amiss.
Meanwhile, the orphans investigate the mysterious disappearance of their friends, the Quagmire triplets. They uncover clues that lead them to believe the Squalors are involved in something sinister. Jacques Snicket, a mysterious figure, trains a recruit for a secret mission, hinting at deeper conspiracies that intertwine with the Baudelaires' fate.
What Parents Say
Parents note that this episode, like others in the series, maintains a darkly whimsical tone that may not be suitable for younger viewers. Many appreciate the show's clever writing and unique storytelling, which challenges children to think critically about the moral lessons presented. Some parents have expressed concern over the themes of abandonment and danger, suggesting that sensitive children might find certain scenes unsettling.
Additionally, parents have complimented the strong character development, particularly of the Baudelaire siblings, who demonstrate resourcefulness and resilience. This episode further showcases their intelligence and teamwork, making it a great conversation starter about problem-solving and ethical dilemmas.
What Children Can Learn
In this episode, children learn about the importance of perseverance and critical thinking. The Baudelaires face numerous obstacles but rely on their resourcefulness to navigate their new environment. By observing how the siblings work together to uncover the truth, young viewers can understand the value of cooperation and the power of sibling bonds in overcoming challenges.
The episode also introduces themes of deception and trust, prompting discussions about the nature of relationships. Kids can explore the idea that not everyone who appears kind has good intentions, encouraging them to think critically about the motives of those around them. This lesson is particularly relevant in today's world, where discernment is crucial.
Five Most Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the main conflict in this episode? | The main conflict revolves around the Baudelaire orphans' struggle to adapt to their new guardians, the Squalors, while trying to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of their friends, the Quagmires. As they explore their fashionable but strange new home, they sense that their guardians may not have their best interests at heart, leading to a series of clever investigations. |
| How do the Baudelaire orphans show their intelligence in this episode? | Throughout the episode, the Baudelaires utilize their unique skills to solve puzzles and uncover clues. Violet employs her inventiveness to devise solutions for obstacles, Klaus uses his extensive knowledge to piece together information, and Sunny contributes with her sharp instincts. Their teamwork exemplifies their intelligence and determination to protect one another. |
| What themes are explored in this episode? | This episode explores themes of deception, trust, and resilience. The Baudelaires learn that appearances can be misleading, as their new guardians seem fashionable and sophisticated but may hide darker intentions. Additionally, the orphans' commitment to each other highlights the importance of family bonds and support in overcoming adversity. |
| Are there any scary moments in this episode? | While the episode maintains a whimsical tone, there are moments that might be unsettling for younger viewers, such as the mysterious disappearance of the Quagmire triplets and the hints of danger around the Squalors. Parents may want to discuss these elements with their children to help them process any fears that arise. |
| How does this episode set up future events in the series? | This episode lays the groundwork for ongoing mysteries in the series, particularly regarding the fate of the Quagmire triplets and the true nature of the Squalors. The introduction of Jacques Snicket and his secret mission hints at deeper conspiracies that will unfold, encouraging viewers to stay engaged with the story as new challenges arise. |
Cast
Show 1 more cast
Writing
- Daniel Handler — Writer
Directing
- Bo Welch — Director
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | The dreadful history of the Baudelaire children begins with a deadpan narrator, a terrible fire and the ominous arrival of a distant relative. |
| 1 | 2 | While Mr. Poe's secretary works overtime, Count Olaf casts Violet and Klaus in "The Marvelous Marriage," a work of theater with alarming implications. |
| 1 | 3 | After the Baudelaires move in with Dr. Montgomery, a renowned expert in reptile behavior, their new guardian hires a frighteningly familiar assistant. |
| 1 | 4 | Klaus and Violet suspect Count Olaf and his evil cohorts when a lifeless body turns up in the reptile room. Sunny sees the inside of a suitcase. |
| 1 | 5 | The orphans arrive at the aptly named Lake Lachrymose to meet their widowed Aunt Josephine, a strict grammarian who's haunted by the past. |
| 1 | 6 | Klaus and Violet look for clues in a suspicious note that passes custody to Captain Sham, a seafaring scam artist with clear ties to Count Olaf. |
| 1 | 7 | The children arrive at the Lucky Smells Lumber Mill and unearth some unsettling accusations about their parents. Count Olaf courts an old flame. |
| 1 | 8 | Klaus just isn't himself after seeing Dr. Orwell, an optometrist with oddly optimistic patients. Meanwhile, Violet works to clear her parents' names. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | The Baudelaires begin life at boarding school and meet a pair of mysterious siblings whose tragic lives sound eerily similar to their own. |
| 2 | 2 | While the Quagmires keep up the search, the Baudelaires struggle to balance their studies with a punishing workout schedule, courtesy of Count Olaf. |
| 2 | 3 | Violet, Klaus and Sunny get new guardians in a fashionable building, where stairs are in -- and the elevator's out. Jacques Snicket trains a recruit. |
| 2 | 4 | The Baudelaires find their friends -- and then lose them -- at the bottom of an elevator shaft. Count Olaf conducts an auction in disguise. |
| 2 | 5 | Mr. Poe brings the Baudelaires to V.F.D., a bird-loving village with an Old West vibe. Jacques and Olivia continue their search for the Quagmires. |
| 2 | 6 | The orphans find themselves under suspicion in the wake of a devastating murder. But time behind bars leads to an important realization. |
| 2 | 7 | Life on the lam leads the Baudelaires to a horrifying hospital with an enormous library that could hold the answers to all of their questions. |
| 2 | 8 | A bearded Klaus and Sunny comb the hospital's crumbling halls for Violet, who's being held prisoner under Count Olaf's questionable "care." |
| 2 | 9 | Come one, come all to the creepiest circus the world has ever seen, a place where puzzling mysteries -- and a familiar face -- await. |
| 2 | 10 | Still posing as conjoined carnival freaks, the Baudelaires brace themselves for a beastly fate. Will good fortune intervene ... for once? |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | While Count Olaf makes his way to V.F.D. headquarters with Sunny, Klaus and Violet are exactly where we left them: careening toward the edge of a cliff. |
| 3 | 2 | Sunny sends a signal from Count Olaf's camp, where a sinister duo is awakening old insecurities. A clue at V.F.D. HQ points the way to a fateful meeting. |
| 3 | 3 | A young submarine captain with ties to the V.F.D. reveals she's looking for the sugar bowl. But so is Esmé Squalor, who's on a mission to find it first. |
| 3 | 4 | With Sunny's fate hanging in the balance, Violet and Klaus race to find a life-saving antidote and learn the location of the Last Safe Place. |
| 3 | 5 | Various parties converge at the Hotel Denouement, where the mysterious "J.S." has called the V.F.D. together -- and things aren't always what they seem. |
| 3 | 6 | Big secrets are revealed when Count Olaf goes on trial in the hotel lobby. The Baudelaires are the first to take the stand, but will justice be served? |
| 3 | 7 | The final chapter takes the orphans to a deserted island: a place of lost lives, old stories and new beginnings. It all ends here. |
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