After they lose their parents and their homes in a fire, the Baudelaire children are placed with their nearest relative, Count Olaf. Unknown to anyone, Olaf plans to obtain the family fortune once Violet comes of age... by hook or by crook.

Following the sham wedding ceremony, Olaf manages to escape while the Baudelaire siblings are sent to live with their herpetologist uncle Dr. Monty Montgomery, who has come across a reptile known as the "Incredibly Deadly Viper". While attempting to learn more about Monty, a skeptical Klaus discovers that the hedge maze is the same shape as the tattoo on Olaf's ankle. Meanwhile, Olaf poses as Monty's new assistant to get close to the Baudelaire.