Lot’s of people have told me that I would love Carnivale. I think a lot of folks know about my Twin Peaks obsession and felt that Carnivale had the same type of bizarre supernatural feeling that the classic cult soap had. Also, Michael J. Anderson was in both shows, though in very different capacities. He was a major character in Carnivale, and just a backwards talking vision in Twin Peaks.
After hearing lots of things about Carnivale, I’m pretty sure that it is the type of show I’m going to love. I’ve watched the first three episodes and so far I’m really digging it. There’s a lot of bizarre stuff going on, great characters, and some amazing set design. Not everything is perfect though, as I get the sense that the overall quality of the show isn’t quite up to the standards of the HBO shows that I have previously loved (The Wire, Deadwood, and Six Feet Under). To be fair, though, those three show are some of the best to ever grace the television screen.
“Milfay”
The first thing that struck me about the show is what an interesting premise it has. I think the setting is one that is not explored often, in either television or film. Add to that a crazy carnival with a bunch of mystical and bizarre people and you’ve got yourself one fascinating show.
It was nice to see that Carnivale was intriguing right from the get-go. There was so much going on in the first episode, much more than just the establishment of characters and plot. Already, big questions are being asked: Exactly who or what is Management? What is the nature of Ben’s dream visions? Exactly what sort of powers do Ben and Brother Justin have? Why do so many members of the carnival seem to have mystical powers? And what the heck is the deal with Sophie’s mom?
As interesting as the things in the carnival appear to be, I think I may be more fascinated with Brother Justin. There certainly seems to be a real sinister streak in the man, but I’m not sure he even realizes it. I’m assuming that it was he who caused the coins to come bursting out of the thieving church-goer’s mouth, but did he know he was doing it?
“After the Ball is Over”
I loved the beginning of this episode, with the shared dream between Ben and Brother Justin. Dare I say that it reminded me of Twin Peaks? I’m curious about the two other men that showed up in the diner. Are they the previous two agents of good and evil? That’s my best guess at the moment. I’m figuring one of them was in the first world war, which appears to be a major motif in Ben’s troubled dreams. I’m eager to learn more.
There seems to be a very Lost and Jacob-like feel surrounding the carnival. In this episode, Ben cleaned out the baggage trailer only to learn later that it doesn’t exist. I’m pegging Management for some supernatural entity that is toying with Ben now, or at the very least guiding him. The scene in the trailer was very reminiscent of the scene in Jacob’s cabin. And the creepy fetus in a jar? Was that Management?
Brother Justin’s evil power came into more light in this episode, as he used the sins of one of the members of his church to get what he wanted: the building in town that was currently being used as a brothel. Unfortunately, this also led the man to kill himself when he was faced with his own sins. Justin didn’t seem too broken up about it, though.
“Tipton”
The third episode showed even more of Justin’s power, as he killed one of the town councilmen — whether he meant to or not — over the matter of his new church. I’m very curious to know how much Brother Justin knows about his powers. Does he realize that he is doing these things? This episode also made it clear that Ben’s healing powers are pretty much a mystery to him, so I’m figuring Justin is in the dark too.
The rest of this episode focused on Carnivale using Ben as a fake (or so they thought) evangelical healer. I think it was probably the slowest of the first three episodes, but I’m pretty much sold on the show at this point, so I didn’t really mind. The characters are all engaging, especially Samson, who really stood out in this episode.
Clacked by Bob Degon
on Oct 07, 2009 @ 12:00 EST5EDT
Really love reading the theories so early in the series. I’m not sure I can keep reading without getting increasingly pissed that the show wasn’t able to continue past the 2nd season.
My girlfriend and I just finished the entire series via Netflix. If you loved the first three episodes, it only gets better from there. And it is disappointing the series only last to the second season. Just goes to show you, the average viewer doesn’t know a good thing when they see it.
I miss this show so much – should have been 1 more season.