Carnival Row

This was absolutely splendid. I had no expectations when I started watching it and knew nothing about it, thinking it would be Ripper Street with a touch of fantasy. First couple of episodes I was still thinking that but soon after I was utterly hooked by the believable world building and strong acting from the leads especially Orlando Bloom who shakes free of the last remaining vestiges of Legolas and gives a commanding tragic performance. The Victorian steam punk vibe is excellently bought to life and the underlying story of a displaced people struggling against prejudice and violence in a dark and hostile capital is superbly done. Clearly there are metaphors in this depiction for our own times but they are not so heavy handed as to distract from the main murder investigation that has reflections of the Ripper hunt. The answer to the murder mystery is apparent to the audience some way before the actual denouement and if there is a criticism it would be the stretch on credulity that gets us to the end in a rather hurried and over played final episode. A minor criticism though in gem of a show and I hope we will see more.

Carnival Row is a captivating fantasy series that tells the story of a Victorian-inspired world where mythical creatures and humans coexist. The show's first season features strong performances by Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne, who bring depth and nuance to their characters. The world-building is impressive, creating an enchanting atmosphere that draws viewers in. The second season maintains the captivating world-building and performances, but some slow scenes involving supporting roles can hinder the overall pace of the show, leading to a rating of 7.5/10. Overall, "Carnival Row" is a worthwhile watch for fans of fantasy, mystery, and romance, with the first season receiving a solid 8/10 and the second season receiving a rating of 7.5/10.

If you are a fan of fantasy-drama, then stop reading this, and start watching this series. Need some reasons--where to begin? It has an important overall theme: race. The visuals and sounds are impeccable (e.g. sets, costumes, make-up, and filming locations like Prague). The performances are spot-on. Orlando Bloom gives his most mature, nuanced performance yet, and Cara Delevingne's exceptional portrayal of a fae (fairy) is alone reason to watch the series. Jared Harris raises every scene he is in, as always, and David Gyasi's is outstanding in perhaps the show's most complex role. The emotional writing creates a fully realized world. It is kind of like Pratchett's Discworld (without, unfortunately, the humor). Can't wait for Season 2.

So, i liked the first season and was quite looking forward to the second.

Sadly it has not lived up to the first season, and there is quite a convoluted mess going on. I feel that they have tried to cram two seasons into one or something. However, this is not to say that i found it unwatchable or a chore to get through. It's just that there are many moving parts in this tale, and if i let my mind wander for a few minutes then i was scratching my head as to what exactly was going on.

My biggest gripe by far with the second series is how absolutely annoying i found Cara D's character, Vignette. All she has done throughout the whole season is wander from person to person or group of persons, declaring undying loyalty to them, to their cause, to their undying love ( which she inevitably kicks to the curb sooner rather than later ). So we see Vignette flitting about, figuratively and literally over and over. At some point her characters self centred antics just bored me, and ruined the show for me. Maybe this is what the shows creators were trying to portray and if so then i guess they succeeded.

I gave a review of 8 for season one really, because i feel a quite believable and original world and story that left me wanting more.

If i could score season 2 also i would give it a 6. It wasn't so bad, if a little muddling and regardless of the writing and acting i really rate the production quality. Yes, this is worth a look.

Carnival Row was definitely a lot better than I was expecting. It takes place in a world where different mythological creatures all exist and live together though most don't get along. They also coexist to live with humans after humans invaded their homelands to take over. It follows a human detective named Rycraft "Philo" Philostrate (Orlando Bloom) and a refuge faerie named Vignette Stonemoss (Cara Delevingne) as they rekindle a dangerous affair among a society that doesn't not tolerate humans and creatures getting together. Philo investigates a series of dangerous murders while Vignette has a secret that endangers then both. I'm looking forward to the second and final season coming out in February. I hope they give it a proper ending because it's such a great show and deserves a good ending.