Product ReviewsCarnivale - The Complete Second Season (DVD, 2010, 4-Disc Set)

Characters caught somewhere between the Bible, Milton, Homer and the cooch

The ensemble cast is riveting, not a weak actor in the bunch. It's mythos and struggle set against the American dustbowl, (a time of struggle if there ever was one) with a set of protagonists caught somewhere between the Bible, Milton, Dante, Homer, and dancing the cooch. Clancy Brown is elegantly evil as brother Justin. Nick Stahl is reluctantly good as Ben Hawkins. Each is surrounded by supporters of questionable intent and means. And they are all on a relentless collision course with each other, set against a broke (and broken) America that is struggling almost as hard as they are. Its better than it sounds in any review, though harsh, and not for the young set. (nudity, prostitution, violent sex, etc) and it has a sepia tinted, grainy film quality that echoes the time. Its gritty fantasy, not light fluff. It doesn't always make perfect sense. But its true to itself, throughout, and the characters are well done, variable, and each fascinating in their own way.

My only complaint is that the end had to come too soon, and wrap up a lot of story in too short a time. A few threads were left to dangle, but nothing that should rile the viewers sensibilities. Its the price we paid for having a show originally intended for several more seasons get cut down after only two.

Those who like it will long for another few episodes, just to answer the show's constant question "Knowing what we know now, where do we all go from here?"

Social questions (did the bankers sell out the country? Is an election just a bought and paid for thing? Is religion a veneer for evil? Is it justifiable to take one life to save another?) raised by the show will probably strike an even deeper chord with audiences now than when the show originally aired.

It's dark, surprising, unlike much else on television before or since, and requires attention be paid. It's not for everyone. But its not hard to get a feel for whether or not you think it's for you. Kudos to HBO for giving it any time on the air at all, and shame on them for making it too brief a stay. Like all good carnivales, it felt like it was just getting started, when it had to close up and move on.Read full review...

Always captivatingly strange. Entertaining!

I've love this series since I first saw it on HBO. Thrilled to finally own both seasons!!!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: blarmstrong1283...

A great series amazingly portrayed by a great cast!

The only downside of this HBO series is that it only lasted 2 seasons. It is an epic battle of good and evil set in the desperate times of the Dust Bowl in the U.S. I love it and so does my husband (and we rarely agree). The characters are amazingly portrayed by a fantastic cast. "Management" says that you must own your own copy of this great series.Read full review...

Too bad it only had 2 seasons.

Really enjoyed this series. The setting in the 1930's is fascinating and visually unique. The characters are engaging and full. The script is wonderful, a great rendering of of the tale of good vs evil. It's just too bad it was only 24 episodes long.Read full review...

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great old time period, 1930s

shame there was only two seasons. Great and loved the settings and characters..

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Carnivale is awsome!

Excellent series -- fascinating story, remarkable actors. I thoroughly enjoy the series and highly recommend it. Too bad HBO did not fund all six seasons.

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Amazing production!

Excellent storyline and time setting, an amazing production that draws you in to keep watching more!! Wish that more seasons would have been created!

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Love the Show

Great item and shipped as promised.

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Just OK

Not too boring to watch once, but definitely something I will feel no desire to watch again.

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Amazing entertainment

Best series ever

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