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Carnivàle
2003 - 2005 7.9 (421 votes) 2 Seasons
Official Website
Genres
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Mystery Drama
Networks
HBO
Created By
Daniel Knauf

Carnivàle

Into each generation is born a creature of light and a creature of darkness.

Overview

Carnivàle is an American television series set in the United States during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. In tracing the lives of two disparate groups of people, its overarching story depicts the battle between good and evil and the struggle between free will and destiny; the storyline mixes Christian theology with gnosticism and Masonic lore, particularly that of the Knights Templar.

Key Crew

Producer: Howard Klein, Ronald D. Moore

Top Cast

Nick Stahl
Nick Stahl

Ben Hawkins

Clancy Brown
Clancy Brown

Brother Justin

Michael J. Anderson
Michael J. Anderson

Samson

Adrienne Barbeau
Adrienne Barbeau

Ruthie

Debra Christofferson
Debra Christofferson

Lila

Tim DeKay
Tim DeKay

Clayton Jones

Clea DuVall
Clea DuVall

Sofie

Cynthia Ettinger
Cynthia Ettinger

Rita Sue Dreifuss

Seasons

Season 1 poster
Season 1 (2003)

No overview available.

12 episodes

Episodes
Episode 1: Milfay
2003-09-14

Ben reluctantly joins the carnival after the bank forecloses on his family's Oklahoma farm. Brother Justin has a bizarre encounter with a poor parishioner. Sofie has a run-in at a small-town gas station.

Runtime: 58 min
Episode 2: After the Ball Is Over
2003-09-21

Ben uncovers a piece of his past as a result of Jones' sense of humor. Justin tries to persuade a parishioner to make a deal in real estate. Sofie endures a frightening mishap involving her mother. Samson changes the carnival's course.

Runtime: 57 min
Episode 3: Tipton
2003-09-28

Ben is the main attraction when Samson refashions the carnival as a religious revival to satisfy a town's moral underpinnings. Justin has a powerful ally in a fight against city hall. Sofie accompanies Ben on a journey into his past.

Runtime: 50 min
Episode 4: Black Blizzard
2003-10-05

Jones looks to management when the crew turns mutinous. Appolonia is displeased with Sofie's romantic tastes. Justin faces a difficult choice between his congregations. Ben is tested by Lodz.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 5: Babylon
2003-10-12

Samson tries to improve the troupe's spirits with a night of revelry. Ben has an enlightening experience at the bottom of a mineshaft. A group of miners is anxious for entertainment.

Runtime: 49 min
Episode 6: Pick a Number
2003-10-19

Revenge-minded carnies practice their own form of retribution. Justin encounters a group of hobos on his journey of self-discovery. Ben returns from another strange experience.

Runtime: 57 min
Episode 7: The River
2003-10-26

After a recent tragedy, Stumpy and Rita Sue debate their future in the carnival. In her brother's absence, Iris receives help from a radio reporter. Ben helps Ruthie with her act.

Runtime: 52 min
Episode 8: Lonnigan, Texas
2003-11-02

Lodz disagrees with Samson's decision to send Ben on a business trip for the carnival. A radio-show host tries to help find a wandering Justin. Sofie considers a career change.

Runtime: 58 min
Episode 9: Insomnia
2003-11-09

Ben tries to escape his dreams by staying awake. Iris uses a radio ally to help locate Justin. Samson goes back to the drawing board to increase business.

Runtime: 46 min
Episode 10: Hot and Bothered
2003-11-16

Ben and Samson go in search of the mysterious Scudder. Sofie accuses her mother of foul play. Lodz waits patiently for Ben for fall asleep. Justin returns to Mintern with a new plan.

Runtime: 53 min
Episode 11: Day of the Dead
2003-11-23

Rita Sue teaches a newcomer a few tricks of the trade. Balthus is nervous about Tommy Dolan's allegations. Lodz gets approval from Management to help Ben.

Runtime: 55 min
Episode 12: The Day That Was the Day
2003-11-30

A distraught Ben finally meets with Management. In California, Balthus and Justin deal with the tragic undercurrents of their ministry. Stumpy and Rita Sue try to save their marriage. Samson must think fast when the law comes to the carnival.

Runtime: 55 min
Season 2 poster
Season 2 (2005)

No overview available.

12 episodes

Episodes
Episode 1: Los Moscos
2005-01-09

The Dust Bowl circus troupe deals with the fallout from a fatal fire and, in California, Brother Justin reaches new converts on the radio. Lila wonders what happened to Lodz. Ben takes off to find Scudder.

Runtime: 51 min
Episode 2: Alamogordo, NM
2005-01-16

The troupe sends out search parties when a distraught Sofie goes missing. Justin and Iris welcome a new housekeeper. Samson accuses Stumpy of skimming. Ben visits an old acquaintance of Scudder's in New Mexico.

Runtime: 52 min
Episode 3: Ingram, TX
2005-01-23

Dolan continues his quest to get to the bottom of the Ministry arson. Gabriel gets into the act with Ruthie, who experiences another supernatural vision. Ben happens upon some distant relatives.

Runtime: 51 min
Episode 4: Old Cherry Blossom Road
2005-01-30

Lila hasn't given up trying to find out what happened to the missing Lodz. Iris begs her brother not to harbor so many secrets. Jones finds new work for Sofie. Balthus sees another display of Justin's power.

Runtime: 57 min
Episode 5: Creed, OK
2005-02-06

After a conversation with Ruthie, Sofie reaches out to Ben; Stumpy wagers on an important fight. Dolan puts pressure on Justin, who sees things in a new light after receiving a mysterious gift. Stroud's quest to find Ben continues.

Runtime: 57 min
Episode 6: The Road to Damascus
2005-02-13

Samson runs into an old acquaintance when the troupe crosses paths with another carnival. Rita Sue's business decisions give Stumpy fits. Justin and Iris struggle with a tough sermon. Libby's honor is in need of defense.

Runtime: 57 min
Episode 7: Damascus, NE
2005-02-20

Stroud is closing in on Ben, who pays a visit to a run-down hotel. Justin and Iris pacify a bishop with a good meal. Sabina shares her secrets with Libby; the troupe is concerned about Sofie. Jones gets a favor from Libby.

Runtime: 46 min
Episode 8: Outskirts, Damascus, NE
2005-02-27

A local politician receives Iris and Justin's support. Ruthie tries to hide from her visions. Rita Sue takes charge of Stumpy's debt. Smith sees trouble for Justin. Sofie gets new work. Libby has shocking news for her parents.

Runtime: 54 min
Episode 9: Lincoln Highway, UT
2005-03-06

Ruthie's latest vision leaves evidence behind. Lila hasn't given up her search for the missing Lodz. Eleanor goes on a picnic with Iris. Justin's powers calm a chaotic gathering.

Runtime: 53 min
Episode 10: Cheyenne, WY
2005-03-13

Justin has help avoiding a disaster. Iris locates another branch of her family tree. Stroud tries a strength-in-numbers approach. Libby is cowed by her mother's authority. Ruthie pays another late-night visit to Lila.

Runtime: 52 min
Episode 11: Outside New Canaan
2005-03-20

Lila voices her opposition to Samson's itinerary for the troupe. Justin's baptism of the faithful coincides with another tragedy and a startling event in the migrant camp. Libby pleads with Jones to reveal his secret. Sofie sees a familiar face.

Runtime: 56 min
Episode 12: New Canaan, CA
2005-03-27

Samson tries to stay a step ahead of impending chaos. Stroud does his best to protect Justin. Ben's powers face the ultimate test.

Runtime: 53 min

Videos

Carnivále Season 1 Trailer

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