Carnivale: Season 2 (6 Discs) (HBO)

Picking up directly from Series Ones shocking conclusion, Ben Hawkins is in it deep.

Series Two moves at a much more satisfying pace and introduces chilling new characters. Brother Justins got himself an avenging angel, tracking down Bens wayward father and Ben himself. The series is also brought into a more relevant light, as the coming battle between Ben and Justin is revealed by Management. Bens role in things becomes clear in episode one. He must stop Justin, for Justin is the first cog in the machine that brings about the atomic bomb. Historically we know what happens, so things dont look good for Ben. Even more so when Justins lineage is revealed in more depth.

As Ben journeys through backwoods and isolated towns in search of his father, Justin grows into his devilish powers and becomes even more sadistically cruel, while Ben becomes what me must. Its Bens rise and Justins fall to their relative roles in the Good Vs. Evil battle that appeals most about Series Two. On top of that, Jonsey - the disabled, would-be baseball star, and roust-a-bout -faces some remarkable highs and lows that really warm you as a viewer to him.

Far more frightening than Series One, Series Two has some deeply disturbing characters. A creepy., nicer than nice man obsessed with masks, a `witch with no eyes, and on the lighter side the worst `He-She ever. But what can be more terrifying than Sophie, Bens main love interest, quitting the carnival and finding a job as Brother Justins cleaner (a post without a long life expectancy)? How about the final few scenes of the last episode which is sadly the last made.

Carnivale was a superb TV show from HBO which was sadly cancellened before its time. Series 2 is every bit as good as Series 1, if not better.

The plot revolves around a young man who finds refuge with a travelling 1930's carnival. There are many weird and wonderful characters in the carnival and all of them contribute to the battle between good and evil.

The cast is excellent. Nick Stahl is great as the central character Ben Hawkins and is supported by a strong ensemble cast including Adrienne Barbeau, Carla Gallo, Clea DuVall, Amy Madigan and Michael J Anderson. Although its the always brilliant Clancy Brown providing the bad guy and stealing every scene as Methodist preacher Brother Justin Crowe who really dominates on screen.

Carnivale is at times a little slow but thats only because its building up the drama and storylines. The writing really is top notch with series creator Daniel Knauf and Ronald D Moore (Battlestar Galactica) pulling the strings.

Carnivale is everything you would want from drama. As usual HBO delivers the goods.

Carnivale Season 2 is absolutely magnificent, the only tragedy being that this is all we get. The fact that there is no third season is disgaceful as this epic tale was far from losing steam.
It is original, thrilling, haunting and mesmerising detailing a time in American history that seems to have been brushed from the collective conciousness of Hollywood execs. Not since Steinbecks Grapes of Wrath has the Dustbowl been so evocatively portrayed. Brilliant acting, tremendous script, fantasic sets and stunning scenery. A work of art...shame on the public for the poor ratings and shame on the tv bosses for their lack of faith. Classic entertainment, an absolute must-see.

Carnivale is without a doubt one of the finest TV series ever made. The language of America during the time of Great Depression is deliciously and often hilariously authentic. Not one single member of the cast seems to be doing their job and acting, but rather just getting on with it in front of our very eyes, come hail or high water...
The story never - not once - pauses and ponders about its path, or offers the viewer any of the usual stocking fillers a less generous and talented writer might try and bribe us with.
Buy it, borrow it, steal it - but, as they say, make sure you watch it! It's bound to leave you wanting for more.
Actually, HBO, sir, isn't it about time to get one of your greatest shows back on the road?

following on from season 1,this 2nd season is even better.more portents of things to come and all building towards a memorable climax,well not quite.as has been said once the network starts to interfere you are in trouble.i truly believe if it had been left alone,it would still be going today.a remarkable series that did not deserve its unkind fate.