User reviews

Really loved this weird show when it first aired on HBO back in 2003, wonderful sets, actors, costumes and bizarre story line. You could feel the grittiness of the dust bowl. Such a shame the way they were forced to close up show in season 2 and left a lot unanswered. I don't get how this show couldn't barely get 2 seasons, but the idiot freak show that is the Kardashians, is still all over the place in 2020.

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.

HBO's Carnivale was and is an amazing television series. Beautifully presented, well written, well cast and undeniably unique. Carnivale allows us to escape to a not so distant time and an existing place, yet it's the circumstance that brings it all to life in wonderfully supernatural fashion.

Predominantly following the stories of two men - One of great faith and honour and one with little faith or belief in anything, the carnival is the catalyst in the inevitable meeting of these two souls and it is the series that maps this journey. Yet it is not until deep into the series that we come to realise the importance of these men and the consequences of their abilities and eventual meeting.

Stellar performances from Clancy Brown(Justin), Nick Stahl(Ben), Clea Duvall(Sofie) and co. bring to life unusual yet brilliant characters in the forms of priests, healers, psychics, snake charmers etc. Who all play significant roles in what is almost a chess battle of good and evil, yet as the viewer we are left to determine who the kings and queens are and strangely - who is good and who is evil?

As far as comparisons go, the moment Michael J.Anderson(Samson) appears on screen he is instantly recognisable from his role as 'The man from another place' in Lynch and Frost's 'Twin Peaks'. Although each show shares paranormal elements the stories are very far apart with Peaks taking a much more comedic approach. Each show has an enchanting, memorable quality but sadly the most similar aspect between the two - They were both cancelled prematurely!

So that brings us to faith. Faith that the powers that be will one day offer us some resolve in what was arguably one of the most fascinating TV series in recent years. Faith in the millions of other like myself who loved the show, to go out and purchase the box sets, sign the petitions and make it known that Dan Knaufs Carnivale is a great story that deserves to be told - in full!

If you haven't seen this show then I implore you to do so. The story itself is compelling, the characters are original and it's a very bright and colourful show to watch. By sticking with Carnivale you are rewarded with twists, turns and revelations and by the 'current' finale you are left begging and pleading for more. If we never see beyond season 2 then so be it, But I hope this show, in due time, get's the recognition and praise it truly deserves. Thankyou to the creators. I still have faith in a return!

Joey

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. :(

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.

Ah Carnivale...Even classifying it is difficult. It is not your standard action packed story-driven show, neither is it some pretentious boring drama with a social message.

It doesn't try to entertain the viewer, neither does it try to teach them something. It's only purpose seems to be immersing into it's world without promising anything.

Simply put i would describe it a collage of events that take place in a pseudohistorical time period, focusing on a group of weird but fascinating characters, with the emphasis being on the music,setting and atmosphere rather than on the usual superficial aspects of most shows.

This is perhaps Carnivale's main achievement...you don't know what you're going to watch in the next episode, there is no pattern or motiff that the show settles in unlike anything else i've ever watched.

Hell, i'm going to close this review by saying that Carnivale is a tv show in name only. It doesn't follow the usual tv conventions or even the usual storrytelling conventions. For me it is an artistic achievement, a masterpiece, and that's a word i rarely use, if ever.

I have spent the last two days binge watching the entire two series and I am completely captivated. What a mad, surreal, compelling, mystical concept! I can't find fault with any of it; the music, the setting and the acting are all perfect, the direction and writing spot on. What an intense allegorical statement, and what a shame it was cancelled after just two series. My only complaints are why have I heard nothing about this show before now, and why, why, why cancel it???!!!! It never ceases to amaze me that so many rubbish programmes get renewed, yet inventive, creative gems like Carnivale, The OA, and (not quite in the same league but very good) Travellers, get cancelled, or they drag them out to the point where they run out of story like The Walking Dead and, dare I say it, Game of Thrones. I wish we could be given a complete story for a change instead of just ending shows after two series which seems to be the norm these days. At least Carnivale had an ending of some sort, but I do think it could have run for at least one more season just to wrap things up properly. Shame on you HBO for letting this one go!

This is one of the most addictive television shows that has been aired in many years; It is finally on DVD, and I cannot wait until the premiere of the second season on January 9, 2005. The casting of this series is excellent- I especially love Linda Hunt as the voice of Management to Clancy Brown as Brother Justin to Michael Anderson as Samson- the whole cast is wonderful- along with the scenery and pace of the show; it does not have the "rollar Coaster" mentality, but rather sets up all of the characters so you begin either begin to care for them or despise them accordingly. THe First Season set up the cast of Characters, and from what I can tell, the second season will put everything in motion and have more action involved. I am going to go buy the season one on DVD as soon as possible (as soon as I finish writing this review). There have only been twelve episodes so far, and I hope there will be at least 30 more (or however many more it takes til the story is told.) I also enjoy the Carnie Lingo, and to see the contrast of how people lived in different areas.

Samson: Before the beginning, after the great war between Heaven and Hell, God created the Earth and gave dominion over it to the crafty ape he called man. And to each generation was born a creature of light and a creature of darkness. And great armies clashed by night in the ancient war between good and evil. There was magic then, nobility, and unimaginable cruelty. And so it was until the day that a false sun exploded over Trinity, and man forever traded away wonder for reason.

Already starting off this show is superb and I have been on the fence about it for ages! I didn't realize Carnivale won 5 effin Emmys ow boy exciting stuff and I can tell it's well deserving of it all. Great cast, writing, cinematography, and pure magnificent acting what more can you ask for I dig it and I think others should give it a chance too they might be pleasantly surprised - If not at least I put my opinions out in the world.

Carnivàle is essentially two stories: the realistic journey of a ramshackle carnival through dust-bowl America, and the magical, pseudo-mythological clash of "Avatars" that bleed blue blood, have high-contrast dreams, and say things in growly voices when their eyes turn black. The stories aren't particularly well intertwined; protagonist Ben Hawkins joins the carnival in the first episode but spends most of his time driving around solving mysteries, and many of the characters never interact with him at all.

More significantly, the story lines aren't of equal quality. The grit and dirt of the carnival is compelling; the Dreyfuss family are the show's most interesting characters and the series seems to acknowledge that by making them one of its focal points, even though they have absolutely nothing to do with the (very slowly) developing mystical Avataric conflict. The magical storyline, by contrast, is corny and boring. We all know where it's going the minute Ben Hawkins and Brother Justin are introduced, and nothing much really happens to drive this storyline forward to its rather obvious conclusion until season two. Sure, these characters have a lot of weird dreams, and ominous stuff happens, but few of these episodes drive the story forward in any interesting way, and we're left waiting impatiently for the next carnival scene. Brother Justin's storyline is particularly weak, especially in the first season, and in apparent acknowledgment of the fact, the show spends very little time with Justin, showing him to us occasionally to remind us that he's still there.

This show seems to have been conceived as a mythological story, with the carnival serving as a backdrop. That's too bad, because the carnival ends up completely upstaging the awkward "good vs evil" concept. Carnivàle could have probably been in a class with Deadwood if they had stuck with historical drama and cut the magic out completely; as it stands, it's a very mixed bag.

This is a perfect show. I think this show may be one of the reasons why Boardwalk Empire was such a huge and deserved success. This is the show that paved the way there. Between these two HBO shows one can get a very real sense of the times. Carnivale is slightly noir as well, and artistically flawless. I challenge anyone with an artistic eye not to stop the scene at any point and not realize they are looking at a form of perfection, tone, color, light and dark, juxtaposition, detail and appropriate detail. The characters are as authentic and moving as if they popped out of a Steinbeck novel.

I'm obviously in the minority here, but that may be the best reason to speak up.

Want to watch a well acted and written drama that followed the lives of a traveling carnival during the dust bowl and depression? Well, you're sort of in luck... unfortunately it will be periodically interrupted by a tired story of good and evil that keeps teasing you with something interesting but never fulfills its promise.

I think the biggest reason this was canceled is pacing. Long, drawn out scenes, many of which didn't serve the story being told that could easily have been cut. Wonderful performances, sure, but I kept saying "get on with it already!" I think HBO did, too.

Leave it to the same cable network who gave us "The Sopranos" and "Six Feet Under," to find the nexus where the likes of John Steinbeck, Stephen King, Clive Barker and Ray Bradbury could co-exist and produce such a product of dark, disturbing and eerie wonder as this.

If Daniel Knauf is not David Lynch masquerading as someone else, then they are indeed cinematic soul mates.

How else could you explain the daunting premise of setting such a classic struggle of good vs. evil, in the bleak, Depression-ravaged setting of the Oklahoma dust bowl, circa 1930's?

It's a good sign that wherever the overall story arc is going, it was engaging enough to attract some top notch talent, from both mainstream features and more edgy, independent fare. TERMINATOR 3's Nick Stahl and HIGHLANDER and BUCKAROO BANZAI cult fave Clancy Brown face off as a poor dirt farmer and a charismatic preacher, respectively, both of whom seem to possess extraordinary supernatural gifts that neither understands, nor has the power to completely control. One is a "creature of light," while the other is a "creature of darkness," as intoned in the opening monologue by carny boss Michael J. Anderson, (of "Twin Peaks" fame, cementing the Lynchian vibe). The fact that the identity of each is never clearly or inanely foreshadowed or telegraphed to the audience, is one of "Carnivale's" many compelling hooks.

Add to the mix the usual collection of sideshow oddities, portrayed more than ably by some interesting actors: internationally renowned actor Patrick Bachau as Professor Lodz, the "blind" clairvoyant; Clea DuVall (IDENTITY and THE FACULTY) as Sophie, the tarot card reader with a telepathic yet comatose mother; Tim DeKay (BIG EDEN) as the boss' right hand man and Sophie's "love interest." And yes, there's a set of cojoined twins, a bearded lady, a tattooed "monkey man" with a tail (if that's what he is.) Even genre staple Adrienne Barbeau gets into the act as the mother of the strongman, (and if the previews are any indication, her part in all of this gets MUCH bigger later on.)

We even get the shamefully underused and underrated John Savage, in some mysterious and creepy flashbacks that seem to combine visions that would have not been out of place in any of Ken Russell's films, (particularly TOMMY or ALTERED STATES.)

This is the kind of television that TV rarely does anymore, dark, gritty, disturbingly inventive. No wonder the networks are slowly dying, since cable is quickly becoming a safe haven for filmmakers who dare to take the kinds of risks that make their audiences think "outside the box."

I only hope that "Carnivale" will continue to sustain and build upon the premise and the promise it presents in the first episode.

There is nothing one can compare with this TV Show. The casting, music, story...everything is perfect. All the characters are interesting and you instantly care for them. So so sad they ended after two seasons....

Isn't there any obligation to finish this story? It's not like its Sex in the City with a different topic each week. This is an unfinished continual story. It would be like J.K. Rowling saying I've decided not to write the final Harry Potter book. People would be very upset to say the least. I just don't think it's right to hook the viewer's into a series like this one and then cancel it. I think HBO should think hard about doing any type of continuing story line in the future. If they can't guarantee they will finish the story then what is the point in starting it? I didn't even bother to start watching the new series Rome. Here today and gone tomorrow should be the new tag line for HBO.

Masterpiece! Every episode is a gem, phtographically it is genius! The story and the characters are beautifully drafted, they leave a print for ever. Like Six feet under series, this serie will stay with me for ever.

There is ample evidence that we are presently inhabiting a golden age of television production. I have just completed episode 12, season 2 of Carnivàle. Clearly, the series is only establishing itself at this point. The primary quality metrics I employ are (1) how much do I think about the program when I'm not watching it? (2) How high has it moved up on my list of free-time priorities? and (3) How much do I care about the characters and how events develop? On these three metrics, Carnivàle ranks as (1) a constant daily companion in my thoughts; (2) the most important thing I do in my free time; and (3) introducing me to characters I am only starting to know, want to stay with much longer, and get to know much, much better. May I add that something magical must have happened at this program's auditions? Every character/actor match was inspired. I know that the descriptor "unique" has frequently been applied to this series, and it is an appropriate choice. I can think of no other program that has (1) captured and developed the era of the dustbowl; (2) delved into the world of an itinerant, socially marginal subculture and brought it to life; (3) developed a unique (allegorical) mythology that says something authentic about our actual nature as humans; (4) left me thinking long afterwards about the themes explored by each episode; (5) so gloriously revelled in the magic and mystery of human differences and uniqueness; and, perhaps above all, (6) inspired me with regards to the importance and possibly lasting significance of the moral and spiritual struggles of daily life. If I were to fall into a small fortune tomorrow, I would consider using it to develop Carnivàle's seasons 3-6, as had originally been planned for this series. Bring it back? Carnivàle still lives. Somewhere out there, it is real, even now. I'd sure like to return it to the screen.

I saw this years ago and can't get it out of my head - a good thing.

It's fricking (pun intended?) brilliant. And scary and makes you think.

The Episode Babylon is particularly stinging.

This series is nothing short of perfect.

I do not understand why this show is not brought back. Just look at arrested development. they are making new episodes now I think.

I think HBO made a huge mistake by cutting Carnivale and Deadwood short.

It is strange how some horrible TV shows can go on forever while masterpieces like this one get canned by some corporate executive who knows nothing about brilliant productions and only the bottom line.

So sad, but I will always cherish this show.

I would say that the entire cast of this show was great, but more important than anything else was the writing and the production (most specifically the imagery used to tell the tale) that made it so special.

I have mixed feelings about this show, i can admit that right away. I'm a huge fan of HBO and their quality TV-series. "Six Feet Under" is my all-time favorite and i have had so many (too many?) hours of enjoyment out of shows like "The Sopranos", "Deadwood" and "The Wire". But in one way or another Carnivàle just didn't "do it" for me in the same way.

When i started watching this i just wanted to like it. The setting was awesome. The whole 1930's depression and dust bowl-thing works so perfectly. I've hardly seen a show to utilize it's environments better than this one. And not only that, the whole look of the series is fantastic. From the dirt on the cars, the people, the equipment, to the clothing and downright nasty hillbilly-feeling you get from most places the carnival visits. So in that department (cinematography, photo and technical quality) this is a winner.

My real problem comes with the story. It revolves around a battle between good and evil that's never really clearly defined. Of course, things are not helped by the fact that the series ends pretty abrupt after two seasons (which is something you should be aware of before watching any of it). But still, explanations are pretty fuzzy and i'm not sure i got the whole point before the show was over. Personally i would have preferred something a bit more straight-forward i guess.

Another strong point, besides the environments is the acting. HBO almost always excel in the fact that they manage to cast their shows flawlessly. What we have here is a mix between well-known faces like Nick Stahl and Clandy Brown, with less known quality actors. I'm always surprised at how good HBO usually are at finding gems among actors i've never even heard about. So in general, the acting is excellent throughout. Also that is of course helped by the fact that the characters are in general well-written and developed.

To try and sum this up, i liked this series but it had some problems. I loved the scenery and setting, i loved the actors and the characters. I had problems with the story however. A more straight-forward story with less incomprehensible mystery and more explanations would have helped me a lot. Sure, mystery is the deal here but that doesn't mean we don't need explanations. Some of this can be accounted for by the fact that the show was canceled. But i hardly think it's reasonable that we should have to wait more than two season before really understanding more of what's going on. Nevertheless, i recommend this series, especially since other people seem to have less of a problem with the story than i do. And it is definitely worth watching for it's qualities. 7/10.

words can't describe how much I love this masterpiece from the opening credits to the end credits each of the 24 episodes are brilliant. I just finished this show recently and I was devastated to find out that there were only 2 seasons, I really hope that a network would pick it up. The characters are amazing, Clancy brown, nick stahl etc.... the acting is superb, the best way to describe this show without saying any spoilers, its like the x-files during the great depression but with a traveling carnival, a mysterious minister and an Oklahoma farm boy who has powers that nobody can explain. Please Daniel knauf, I know that 10 years have passed but it isn't too late to resurrect one of the greatest shows ever!!!

I sat down with no expectations for this series. Besides the strange characters a strange plot and strangely shot I felt. Only two seasons worth of this show and it makes for a good watch once beginning to end.

Great concept and idea, but at the rate they tell the story it would take them 20 years to get to the point.