A New Beginning Parts 1 and 2 were generally good. There were some problems like some of the dialogue in part 1 being too wordy and K Todd Freeman's role as Mr. Poe was questionable, but they both had some good writing, production design, and music while the rest of the acting fares better. The Reptile Room Part 1 by far is one of the best episodes of season 1 with better writing and better pacing.
The Reptile Room Part 2 is just as good as Part 1. My only quibble is that once again, K. Todd Freeman still doesn't do anything for me as Mr. Poe due to the way the character was written.
Everything else is great. The writing, much like part 1, has gotten better where the darker tone enhances the drama very well and keeps up with the source material, the pacing is also better which doesn't have a dull moment, the directing is very good, and the music score continues to fit the setting of the show. The child acting, while nothing perfect, is at least getting better still and the rest of the actors are still great with Patrick Warburton still doing deadpan delivery in his narration while being a bit more dramatic while Neil Patrick Harris still shines as the sinister Count Olaf.
Overall, another great episode and one of the best in Season 1. :)