While he is defeated and ultimately arrested at the end of the books and Netflix series, he is not killed.
This is a significant point because:
* The series focuses on overcoming adversity: The Baudelaire orphans' struggles are not about violence or revenge, but about outsmarting Count Olaf and surviving his schemes.
* Leaving Olaf alive creates a sense of unease: Though he is imprisoned, the possibility remains that he could escape and cause trouble again. This allows for the series to leave a lasting impression of danger and uncertainty.
Ultimately, the ending of the series emphasizes the importance of resilience, perseverance, and the power of love and family in the face of adversity.