Carnivale

2003 • HBO

4.8

38 reviews

Eligible

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Season 2 episodes (12)

1 Los Moscos

1/9/05

Season-only

In the Season Two premiere, Brother Justin's word reaches a new 'apostle'--prison inmate Varlyn Stroud--and occultist Wilfred Talbot Smith, who pushes him to seek out the elusive Henry Scudder.

2 Alamogordo, NM

1/16/05

Season-only

Stroud hits the road on his mission; Ben seeks out a former associate of Scudder's named Fr. Kerrigan; Lila challenges Samson's easy dismissal of Lodz; Management confides in Ben about a secret fear; and Justin makes late-night visits to Chinatown.

3 Ingram, TX

1/23/05

Season-only

As Ben searches for a mysterious next link, Justin tends to his flock. Meanwhile, Stroud investigates a mining accident that left all but one man dead; and Sofie refuses to read Ben's tarot...but the cards have an agenda of their own.

4 Old Cherry Blossom Road

1/30/05

Season-only

A relative of Ben's reveals to him dark family secrets--and the face of death. Stroud reports on his progress to Justin, who now sees the threat Ben poses; Balthus bears witness to more of Justin's abuse of power.

5 Creed, OK

2/6/05

Season-only

Justin is pushed by Dolan to make a tough decision; Iris gives an important dictation; Ben has a dark visit with a mask-maker; Ruthie shares her visions with Sofie, who decides to help Ben; and Justin receives a gift that gives him a new perspective.

6 The Road to Damascus

2/13/05

Season-only

The troupe breaks bread with another carnival and Samson makes a deal with an old friend; Iris and Justin prepare for their most difficult sermon yet; Stumpy panics as Rita Sue goes on a charity mission; and Ben and Sofie dance around family issues.

7 Damascus, NE

2/20/05

Season-only

Justin and Iris placate Bishop McNaughton with breakfast; Ben follows his visions to a seedy hotel with Stroud hot on his tail; Sabina airs her dirty laundry with Lila; and Samson is distracted while Management tries to destroy a gift from Ben.

8 Outskirts, Damascus, NE

2/27/05

Season-only

Ben and Samson have a heated argument; Iris and Justin back a local politician; Rita Sue tries to play hardball with Stumpy's debt collector; Libby shocks her parents; Ruthie seeks refuge in her trailer; and Smith interprets a bad sign for Justin.

9 Lincoln Highway

3/6/05

Season-only

Ben and Jones learn that justice is 'for the birds'; Ruthie's visitor leaves lipstick traces; Lila tries to reach Lodz; Sofie finds salvation in her work; and when chaos breaks out during a public speech, Justin shocks the crowd with forgiveness.

10 Cheyenne, WY

3/13/05

Season-only

Libby struggles to stick to her alibi, buckling under Rita Sue's superiority; Ruthie delivers a nocturnal message to Lila; Talbot-Smith intercepts a near disaster for Justin and reneges on a deal with Scudder; and Justin does some backseat driving.

11 Outside New Canaan

3/20/05

Season-only

When Samson announces the carnival's next stop, Lila challenges his authority; Stumpy and Rita fear dark days to come; Libby urges Jones to reveal a secret to the troupe; and Justin is startled by a development in the migrant camp.

12 New Canaan, CA

3/27/05

Season-only

In the series finale, as the world grows smaller, Samson devises a grand plan; Justin forces Iris to face her fear of heights; Ben performs his most important healings; and the carnival once more shakes dust...

About this show

The final conflict between good and evil is about to begin. This HBO series focuses on the battle as it plays out against a pair of unusual backdrops: a traveling carnival working the American Dustbowl circuit, and an evangelical ministry in California.

Rating: MA15+

Ratings and reviews

4.8

38 reviews

Jayme Reynolds

June 11, 2016

Very dark and visceral. Outstanding performances from the whole cast. The first season was slow and frustrating never quite committing to it's preternatural elements. But the second really shook off the stagnant dust! I was more engaged with it although both are very tiring. For some reason it made me think of them having alien DNA and more Sy-fy orientated. Must be the blue blood.

Weblight Studio

December 8, 2022

A little magic in the world is a beautiful thing. Nice stories, good acting, great scenery. I enjoyed this so far

Rach Martell

October 21, 2016

Outstanding show. Such a shame they didnt get a third season to tie up loose ends. A favorite i rewatch all the time