Carnivàle

The best programming on HBO since their TALES FROM THE CRYPT series. Of course, some may argue that isn't saying much for CARNIVÀLE but it truly is a gem. This twelve episode first season (which debuted on September 14th) tells the tales of a traveling carnival amidst 1930s depression-era America. The show primarily follows two main characters; a chain-gang escapee named Hawkins (Nik Stahl of BULLY) and a Californian Preacher man (Clancy Brown of HIGHLANDER) by the name of Brother Justin. Both men contain mysterious powers and an unknown connection not only to each other, but also to a man from the Carnival's past named Scudder (the incomparable John Savage).

Young Hawkins is picked up by the carnival and hired as an extra hand. While traveling with the crew cross-country, he picks up subtle clues as to the significance of his dreams and learns more about his peculiar powers. Meanwhile, on the west coast, Brother Justin is tested time and again with his contemporaries' lack of faith and grows increasingly dangerous in his religiosity.

CARNIVÀLE has quite the cast of familiars, some known and others known only to cult fans. Most notably is 3'7" Michael J Anderson who plays Samson, the carnival boss. You'll most likely recognize him from David Lynch's TWIN PEAKS (1990) as the strange little fellow who spoke backwards. Andrienne Barbeau (ex wife to John Carpenter) plays a tattooed snake charmer by the name of Ruthie, Clea DuVall (BUT I'M A CHEERLEADER) plays young fortune teller Sophie, Glenn Shadix (Otho from BEETLEJUICE) appears regularly as a Californian politician, the 7'6" Mathew McGrory (Rob Zombie's HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES and Tim Burton's BIG FISH) appears in the pilot episode, and the absolutely lovable horror favorite Bill Moseley (remembered best as Chop Top from TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2) plays Possum, the carnival's head cook.

The show's ultimate strength is the presentation of its visual tones, the lighting in particular is eerily beautiful. Most scenes are lit in reminiscence of the Italian Renaissance painting technique "chiaroscure," in which figures stand with an almost goldenish glow in stark contrast to the dark surroundings and or backgrounds. This is most obvious in scenes of Brother Justin at home with his sister Iris (Amy Madigan). These golden tones give the overall series a cohesive thematic. This is one of the strongest atmospheric shows I've ever seen on television. Furthermore, the grittiness and downright dirtiness of a poor traveling carnival through the dustbowls of America's Midwest is developed by the show's creators as yet another layer of ambiance. The characters appear dirtier and sweatier each progressing episode as they travel further south.

Being carried by HBO and not a mere network station allows CARNIVÀLE greater freedom for its tales. This is not just for mere nudity with the carnies' dancing girls or extra blood with any scenes of violence. Episodes five and six (titled "Babylon" and "Pick A Number") for example are tragically heart-breaking and downright scary on a number of levels. The direction, acting, imagery, and overall tone is brutally tear-jerking. This flexibility from conservative censorship only aides the story tellers in their craft.

By the final episode of the first season many elements of the story are brought together, yet just as many new questions arise for the viewer. Therefore much excitement and drama unfolds, but not enough to satisfy. Naturally, they want you to come back next time and plenty of story line still does lay over the horizon. Overall, this is a fantastic television series and I for one am eagerly awaiting the second season in the fall of 2004.

Carnivale will take you on a journey beyond the normal human boundaries into a world where weirdness and metaphysical wonders will capture your imagination. Once hooked in from the beginning, it is a feast in every sense of the word as you will keep wondering how it will unfold, what course of events will follow. Definitely a story for thirsty adults who are bored with plot driven formulas, and long to enter a world of magic. The acting, visuals, and story delivers!

The story focuses on Ben Hawkins, a young man who knows he has the power to heal set in the Dust Bowl of the 1930's. Ben is "lost" and picked up by a traveling Carnivale where seen by the unseen management who spots what Ben really is. Ben's healing power can bring you back from the dead, not just heal you from being crippled as seen in the very first episode, which completely hooked me and I only saw the last few minutes of the show.

Ben must come to understand how to use his gift and exactly what seems to happen when the "avatar energy" comes through him. There is conflict inside Ben that creates the back drop for the rest of the story as he figures out who he is. The images inside Ben's mind are both artful and intriguing which keep you wanting to know more. In Carnivale the characters grow and develop, each weaving a wondrous part in the tapestry of good and evil.

Some say Carnivale starts out slow, however the level of acting, and story telling delivers past the point fascination, and nothing else out there even comes close!!

The battle between good and evil as presented in 'Carnivale' is a profoundly great show that is ever more so relevant today than when it was first released back in 2003-2005. Set in the 1930s during the great depression, I can't help but think of the parallels with today's current socio-economico-political mood... Yes, the 2010s aren't the 1930s as it was probably a lot more overtly savage as a society back then... However the same lines can be drawn between good and evil today. The same dynamics are prevalent... the greed of bankers and complicity of elected officials at the root of the misery and suffering of the 30s after the crash of 1929 still relevant today after the great financial crisis of 2008. Also, since I just saw this series, I can't help but think of the music theme used during the political speeches in Carnival being reused by 'House of Cards' how enlightening! It makes a lot of sense because you will hear some of the greatest political speeches ever in 'Carnival' professed by the evil preacher. As for Michael j Anderson, his performance in this series is simply masterful. I used to love him in David Lynch's movies but in lieu of being the creepy guy, he exhibits a much wider range for his acting in this series. Clancy Brown is amazing too as the preacher in this series. The supporting cast is excellent except for maybe Nick Stahl who is a little underwhelming as the main protagonist, displaying a very narrow range of talent, still passable enough. If you haven't seen this series yet and are hesitating, don't and just give it a go... you will binge watch it for sure! It is a masterfully crafted show, one of the best in terms of storytelling.

It's been 15 years since this show and I'm still devastated about this cancellation. Season 3 would have been epic, I mean with how season 2 ended! Sigh...With all the reboots I can only cross my fingers about having this show come back but sadly it won't ever happen. Watch it.. and then have your heart break cos there will never be closure. :(

to write about Carnivale is more than difficult. because it is a perfect show. because, after more a decade, the trace of each episode is fresh. because the mixture of fascination and fear, tension and revelations has the gift to survive in memory and define more than a great series but a kind of experience. the voice of Clancy Brown, the amazing performance of Nick Stahl, the stories, Michael J. Anderson who propose a real special character, the dust of Great Depression and the mysteries as magic chain are bricks of a phenomenon. because you feel about it be more than a series. but one of stories, not many, growing in yourself. and this does Carnivale special.