CARNIVAL ROW Season 1: From Grieve No More To The Gloaming

With a slow burn, Carnival Row regains some integrity for its well paced story line in the remainder of its first season. We see an abundance of both character growth and decay in these final four episodes, with an even greater uprising to top it off. Before I get ahead of myself, I am definitely conflicted with how this season ended. There were moments I enjoyed, moments I cringed, moments of realization (because again, the show is fairly predictable). However, I was surprised with how well the writing increased in quality.

Despite this, it may just be like all pilot seasons of shows, a struggling beginning in order to find a smooth consistency moving forward. With this, let’s get into it. Small spoilers ahead!

Dark Discoveries and How It All Intertwines

Now that the dust has settled and lines have been drawn in the sand, grim discoveries are made and secrets are hastily revealed. Interestingly enough, this is where we see our main characters and their stories all come together, connecting like a web to each other’s origins. All their paths cross because of the murders, an unusually twisted connection. The creature responsible for the murders, a Darkasher, has an even darker backstory than once thought. Someone is controlling it and they are out for Philo.

We start with Philo who visits the orphanage he grew up in, after another mysterious death. Memories of his true identity bubble to the surface as he uncovers more than clues. Philo was raised to deny his true self, to hide it. Once Philo cracks the code, his world is rocked and he finds out he’s much closer to these murders than as a simple detective. Family histories are exposed, especially for the Spurnrose siblings, Philo must decide whether he can admit to himself and the world his true identity, and the Chancellor must battle greater demons in his own home.

Female Empowerment and Acceptance

In a turn of events, Imogen Spurnrose takes charge of the household, demanding cooperation from her brother, Ezra. In order to save their fortune, she persuades him to be civil with their Puck neighbour, Mr. Agreus.

Now, Imogen is a very cunning woman with lots to prove. Her relationship with Mr. Agreus takes on many forms; from rivals, to acquaintances, to friends and finally, to lovers. The development of their relationship does not seem rushed, despite the quick connection they originally and visibly share. As a girl who was wound up tightly and always looking for outer acceptance from her wealthy peers, Imogen finds someone who can love her for her. The same can be said for Mr. Agreus, who has his views altered as well.

When Ezra ultimately finds out, Imogen defends herself and her lover. With Ezra held at bay by gunpoint, Imogen and Mr. Agreus escape to the docks.

Lost Souls Are Found

Vignette Stonemoss is inevitably captured by police, not for her association with the rebel faerie group, but for protecting the books from her homeland that were brought over for a sick museum.

Philo is then arrested, accused of the murders in a foreseeable plot twist. Once thrown into prison, Philo and Vignette are reunited. After a brief rundown of his whereabouts, Vignette finds it in herself to forgive Philo and comfort him. Revelations are made, that their feelings never wavered after all those years apart, and their love is replenished by drastic measures.

Impending War and Loose Ends

Although I feel the season wrapped up quite efficiently, there are some concepts that nag me, simply for feeling undercooked. We are also left wondering where the rebel faerie group have gone, as Vignette simply dismissed them, perhaps they will return in season two.

Towards the end, a cult is introduced to the show. It is made up of wandering, lost Pucks who pledged themselves to an unknown higher power. They march around the Burge with whips as they inflict pain on themselves, they hide in the shadows during meetings. It escalates to such a degree that one man’s death throws the entire nation into chaos.

Two offspring of some of the highest-ranking men have now assumed power, stricken by greed, they plan to throw the world into disarray. There are claims there will be war, creature versus human.

Conclusion: Carnival Row

Overall, I found Carnival Row to be an interesting and entertaining concept, even though it was filled with predictable plots. At times, a show can find a balance even though it treads along normality. I am looking forward to seeing what they do with the next season and perhaps it’ll become more refined with age.

Are you looking forward to season 2 of Carnival Row? Let us know in the comments below!

Carnival Row is now streaming on Amazon Prime as of August 30th.

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=369LHB9N-Ro