The Bad Beginning

Count Olaf addresses the audience, informing them that the play is over. He explains that it does not need to continue because he has successfully married Violet and is now in charge of the Baudelaire fortune.  The audience gasps, and even some of the performers look surprised.  Count Olaf explains why the marriage is legally binding, clarifying that he, as Violet’s legal guardian, agrees to her being old enough to marry. He also reveals that the marriage document is legitimate, contrary to what Justice Strauss thought. After a moment of consideration, Justice Strauss agrees that the marriage is legitimate.

Mr. Poe expresses his disbelief, but Justice Strauss tells him it is true, and laments being tricked so easily. Count Olaf starts to leave, but Klaus demands that he free Sunny before doing so. Count Olaf calls his henchman on the walkie-talkie and tells him to let Sunny go. Klaus is relieved, but the bald troupe member whispers that Count Olaf will “take care” of them later. Mr. Poe protests the whole situation, saying he won’t allow it, but Count Olaf says he must, and Justice Strauss agrees.

Violet speaks up for the first time, claiming that the marriage is invalid. She explains that she signed the document with her left hand, not her right hand. This means that she did not sign in her “own hand,” as the law requires. Count Olaf contests her claim, but Justice Strauss rules that Violet is right and that the marriage is invalid. Someone in the crowd cheers, and several people applaud. Lemony Snicket explains how strange the law can be, citing other examples, like a country that requires all bread to be sold at the same price.

Count Olaf goes to push a button the walkie-talkie, but it is too late: Sunny has already arrived. Violet and Klaus hug their sister and ask for food to feed her. Count Olaf becomes angry and starts to say that Violet is still his daughter, but Mr. Poe interrupts him, stating that he will no longer allow Count Olaf to maintain custody of the children. Justice Strauss points out that while marrying someone is not illegal, hanging a child from a window is, and she offers to let the children live with her. Mr. Poe puts Count Olaf under arrest, and the Baudelaire children celebrate getting to live with Justice Strauss.

Lemony Snicket gives his readers a warning, reminding them that, despite all appearances, the story does not have a happy ending. He explains that, as everyone was celebrating, the man with the warts on his face switches off the lights in the theatre. This sends everything into chaos, and Violet searches for the light switch. As she’s about to pull the switch, Count Olaf hisses in her ear that he will get their fortune and kill them. Violet screams and turns on the light switch, but Count Olaf is gone.

Mr. Poe and the children realize that not only is Count Olaf gone, but so is his much of his troupe. Mr. Poe leads them all outside, and they see a black car slipping away into the night. Mr. Poe reassures the children that Count Olaf and his troupe will be arrested and goes to call the police. The children are less certain, however, knowing how clever Count Olaf is. Justice Strauss offers to take the children home, but Mr. Poe interrupts. He says the children cannot live with Justice Strauss because she is not a relative. The children protest, but Mr. Poe says he must follow the will, which stipulates that the children must live with a relative. He explains they will stay with him until they find a new home.

Justice Strauss agrees with Mr. Poe’s decision and hugs the children. Violet, Klaus and Sunny think of their parents and wish that the fire never happened. They want to live with Justice Strauss, but they know that it’s impossible. Violet tells Justice Strauss that they will miss her, and then they all embrace and say goodbye. The children get into Mr. Poe’s car and think that the law had wronged them by not letting them live with Justice Strauss. Lemony Snicket explains that just because a person doesn’t understand something doesn’t mean it’s not true. The children drive away from Justice Strauss, feeling as though they’re going in the wrong direction.