Epic Historical Horror Series I Can’t Stop Mourning: A Deep Dive
There are some TV shows that come around once in a blue moon and you just know you’re witnessing something special. For me, that show was Carnivàle. Unfortunately, it only ran for two seasons on HBO back in 2003, but this historical horror fantasy epic brought something to TV that we’ve yet to see duplicated at its best.
Describing the core story of Carnivàle wouldn’t do it justice, but here’s a snapshot: the series follows Ben Hawkins (Nick Stahl) and Justin Crowe (Clancy Brown) who awaken to supernatural abilities during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era. The show explores an ancient battle between magical forces and the apocalyptic undertones that color this battered America.
Ben finds himself among a traveling carnival, where the diverse ensemble often steals the show. While some critics feel that these side stories don’t tie directly into the main supernatural plot, it’s the humanity and camaraderie of these misfit characters that give the show its power.
We can’t talk about Carnivàle without mentioning Brother Justin, a role that showcased the incredible acting talents of Clancy Brown. His journey into darkness, sin, and evil as he grapples with his newfound powers makes him one of TV’s most compelling villains. Brother Justin is alone worth the price of admission to Carnivàle.
Now, about that horror. Carnivàle is packed with eerie dreams, unsettling visions, and outright spooky supernatural elements. I won’t spoil the surprises, but that image up there? It’s a moment that’s haunted me since I first watched the show. It’s one of the most chilling conclusions to a tale I’ve ever seen on TV.
Unfortunately, Carnivàle was canceled after Season 2, leaving fans on a massive cliffhanger that will remain unresolved. It’s like we were left hanging while Lost surged in popularity in 2004, shifting the audience’s focus to another mysterious and magical series.
At this point, a proper conclusion to Carnivàle seems unlikely. Reviving the original cast may not be feasible after all these years. While a reboot could happen, it might not recapture the unique magic of the original series. The best we can do is stream Carnivàle and appreciate what we have. It’s much better than the disappointment of Lost, a show that left me longing for the haunting world of Carnivàle.
