Carnival Row

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.

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.

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.

Whilst there are many television series that are deserving of a second, third or fourth season. Carnival Row is one that has been cleared cut down in its prime. The 1st season set up this Magical Victorian style world. With allegories to imperialism, christianity, antisemitism, and so much more. Amazon Prime has seen fit to label season 2 as "The Final Season". As a way of saying they will not renew the program under any circumstances. Suffice to say, fans of the show have waited 3 years for a second series. And as one of them I think that it is a shame seeing how such care is taken in to the production quality of this program. Second only to Game of Thrones in world building/production design. It's painful to watch the second series as each episode is released. Because even though the creators know the show is not going to be renewed they still have put in massive effort to keep adding to this world.

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.