NON-SPOILER REVIEW
With Game of Thrones all said and done, a lot of fantasy fans have been wondering where their next fix of fantastical amusement would come from, and with potential replacements such as Netflix’s the Witcher and Amazon prime’s Lord of the Rings series (still in production) yet to have release dates, it seemed like it was going to be a very long wait.
Step in Carnival Row, Amazon’s Prime’s fantasy series to stake its claim as the next best thing on television. Its backdrop of Victorian era meets fantasy and noir works out much better than it sounds, as it takes us to a fictional world where humans, fairies, fauns and a host of other fantasy creatures share the same air and sometimes, even the same beds.
An original idea based on a speculative script by screenwriter and producer Travis Beacham. ‘A Killing on Carnival Row’ was picked up in 2005 by New Line Cinema and had been in development by Guillermo del Toro (no surprise here), before it transitioned into a series. After a few months of relatively subtle marketing in 2019, Carnival Row hit the amazon streaming platform and it didn’t take long for me to get on board the Burgue-bound wagon, as I delightfully breezed through its eight episodes in a few days. It’s fusion of fantasy and noir against a well realized Victorian background certainly intrigued me as much as its heavy theme on immigration and race. Topics which couldn’t be more relevant in these current times - the social commentary on deportation, race and xenophobic attacks ringing loud and clear for even the most reluctant social observer.
The intricate plot is driven by a dark noir narrative through the respective points of view of its two main protagonists, as Inspector Rycroft ‘Philo’ Philostrate; a defender of the downtrodden critch (a derogatory term for non-humans) tracks down the culprit of a triweekly attack on the fae (fairy) immigrants of ‘The Burgue’ - one of the fictional human cities on the brink of chaos with political rivalries and religious/racial tensions. Philo’s investigations set in motion a series of gruesome murders and the discovery of a dark conspiracy. Vignette 'Vini' Stonemoss is an immigrant fae who shares 'history' with Philo, and recently arrives in The Burgue after departing her war-torn homeland. There’s also a host of other characters whose stories intertwine with Philo and Vini’s before the end of the season. There’s a lot going on here, but never so much that it loses its coherence or is at the risk of convolution.
To say Amazon spared no expense on the show’s production would be putting it simply. The makeup, costumes and set locations immerse you into the fictional world of Carnival Row and the CGI oozes with realism and tactility. With the likes of Orlando Bloom, Tamzin Merchant and Jared Harris leading the charge, the show boasts a roster of amazing acting talent to bring its multi-dimensional characters to life. Characters such as Rycroft Philostrate, Agreus Astrayon, and Imogen Spurnrose are just some of the many characters rife with depth and substance and whose transition over the course of the season highlight how intentional the writers were with them.
While it won’t be the fantasy show to dethrone Game of Thrones, Carnival Row is a great watch and should keep you well entertained till that show comes along. Its excellent pacing, well realized universe, relatable characters, and whodunnit narrative keep you glued to your seat as you ponder who or what’s next.
Carnival Row has been renewed for a second season.
Reject Rating: 8/10
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