Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
Sometimes you can be so drawn into the plot of a show that it is difficult to defend or celebrate it without resorting to hyperbole. Simply put, I personally think this show is one of the most interesting ever executed on television. Its approach to mythology and Americana is startling and refreshing. I never felt as absorbed by a plot, nor as desperate for the next episode as I did with this series. Set in the tumultuous 30s, drenched with myth and mystery, it somehow managed to maintain a dichotomy between fantasy and harsh reality in my mind this made the threat of evil and the uncertainty of good all the more evident in the same way that an enemy unseen is an enemy to be feared all the more. Every single actor turns in a performance to be envied and appreciated. The production values are astounding the details, however great or miniscule, resonate all the more clearly. But (like many before and many after) the show was not destined for long life. I'm not interested or informed in the reasons for its cancellation but I am all too willing and ready to express my sadness that it was. There was such potential for not just another season, but many seasons after. I have heard rumors that there was some ambition to continue the story in the form of a graphic novel. It might be a dream, but a dream never hurt no one. Except Ben Hawkins.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
This show is too good for most people to appreciate. If it were a movie, all cast members would be Oscar nominees. It is not easy to watch at first, it feels like you are about to go down a dark road that you probably shouldn't, but curiosity gets the best of you and once you are there, and grow attached to these strange characters, you will be rewarded with the richest performances, a breathtaking script, and such authentic costume and set design, you will want more and more.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.beleiverCA
Posted October 1, 2010
bought season 1 & 2. too bad canceled. great story, love, suspence, good vs. evil. time piece story. all good.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
I was very excited when the previews of this show started to air. It featured some of my favorite actors, had a compelling period feel, and since the rise of HBO original series, I had longed for them to take a crack at dark fantasy. Sadly, the show I imagined was much better than the reality. Though the performances were all quite good, particularly Clancy Brown and Michael J Anderson, the show never seemed to have any idea where it was going. I love a mystery, and personally can wait almost endlessly for plot points to resolve themselves. The problem with Carnivale was that instead of small incremental clues, we got ten episodes of meaningless filler, and then a wham! crash! ending. Carnivale was great potential squandered, as well as being a handicap against any future supernatural shows HBO might try.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
This show had me enthralled from the very first second. Loved every minuite of it. The time period, the costumes, the scenery, and the actors were just so engrossing. I can't wait until season II is available.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
Carnivàle succeeds only in being pretentious in its attempt to be mystical and "weird." The attempt might have worked twenty years ago (or when Fellini made his efforts), but two decades of creative television shows and movies have pushed the envelope beyond what this series offers. I've seen all the surprises, sexual side-plots, build ups, and deliberate "shocking" outcomes in other movies and TV shows dozens of times already. The acting is marginal. At times it's overdone and at others it's unconvincing. The writing doesn't give the actors much support. We're supposed to believe that some trite and non-believable magic are common events in this world, while other equally trite and non-believable magic are special. Many of the plots rely on leaving the audience in the dark as the mysteries slowly unfold. This only works when there really is a mystery. A good plot leaves you feeling that the conclusion they gave you was the only possible outcome. Here, I feel that the twists and turns are decided by a roll of the dice. The show and its characters peaked by the first few episodes. After that they stagnate right up until the finale. The finale's cliffhanger left me not caring what happens next. I felt like I was watching a balloon get filled only half way up before being popped.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
Carnivale is a excellent show. I watched all 12 of the first season and can't wait for the second season to finish so I can buy that also.
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Posted October 1, 2010
This show is wonderful. HBO-class acting with a superb story-line. The DVD collection is great and you won't want to stop watching them. The second season comes out in January, keep your eye out for this great show!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
This show is amazing!!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 21, 2009
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Anonymous
Posted October 27, 2009
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Anonymous
Posted November 1, 2008
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Anonymous
Posted July 9, 2009
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Anonymous
Posted October 28, 2008
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Anonymous
Posted November 18, 2008
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Overview