Carnivale: Season 1
In this HBO drama, creator Daniel Knauf paints a fantastical, often bizarre, but ultimately compelling world of nomads and entertainers at a traveling carnival, all of whom must struggle to survive in the tough economic times of the 1930s. Led by manager Samson (Michael J. Anderson) the troupe includes reluctant carnie Ben Hawkins (Nick Stahl), fortune-teller Sophie (Clea DuVall) and reckless drunk Professor Lodz (Patrick Bauchau).
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» Recommended for 24 people
» Reviewed by 6 people
A little dark and pretty slow but picks up at the end and will make for an excellent second season.- AA 803522
Carnivale is simply too good for television. The story is rich and textured, full to the brim with mystery and mysticism. Brother Justin is perhaps the most effective personification of evil ever portrayed, and the reluctant Ben Hawkins has his own charm altogether. The music is fantastic, and each frame is full of artistry. Nothing about Carnivale is conventional in any sense, and that is what makes it such a joy to watch. If you need your TV full of mindless car chases and anorexic babes in bikinis, then steer clear. But if you like your television to challenge the way you percieve the world and tickle your craving for the bizarre, then Carnivale is right up your alley.
- vwq 632719
Bizarre best describes CARNIVALE. But bizarre in a very cool, good, fantastic way. This show is very hard to even begin describing. Basically it's about a traveling carnival and the people who work the carnival. Every character has their own weird idiosyncrasy. There's the deaf/mute fortune teller's daughter who tells fortunes based on what her mother says to her telepathically. There's Samson, the head honcho, who happens to be a little person and he takes orders from someone who none of the other carnies have seen. Unconventional and eccentric, this show is beautifully done. The storylines that interweave, the scenery, the overall creepy feeling many of the characters give you. A deliciously enjoyable fantasy based show that compares to nothing else I've ever seen. Check it out! 9/11/08
- pgsahm
This is one of the BEST shows I have ever seen. I loved this show from the very beginning to a very interesting ending. Although the series was cancelled (god knows why), the characters are incredible the story amazing. This short lived series leaves you wanting more and more. Takes place in the 30's but surrounds not only the carnivale but also the story of Ben; of what he is and what he will become. A Must Must MUST see for everyone. You will love it.
- *~*Sullivans*~*
Carnivale does many things right; it feels authentic, is super original, features very good acting and has wonderfully creative plots. It's hard not to be smitten by this dark epic only a few episodes in. My one criticism would be that none of the characters are very likable but otherwise... excellent HBO drama. Check it out!
- Creeper
ireviewnetflix.com rating: * HBO doesn't always hit a homerun and this strike out more than proves it. This show is soooo slow. Man, I just couldn't stand it after the third episode and I had to stop watching. There's too much quality television out there I want to watch. Boring characters and boring stories. The time period in history, the Dust Bowl and all, also doesn't interest me either and never has. The religious elements also don't interest me. I read ahead to learn more about the show and while it seemed interesting, I worried about their ability to pull it off without putting me to sleep. Just not a good television show. Might have actually been a better feature length film. Apparently, others agreed with me as the rating began to drop in the first season and the show was eventually cancelled after the second season. I won't be cecking out the second season.
- ireviewnetflix.com