Celebrity Measurements

This episode of the Horror TV Shows We Miss video series was Written and Narrated by Niki Minter, Edited by Adam Walton, Produced by John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.

When I am on my deathbed, I will still be recommending Carnivale to whoever will listen. It’s also depressing. You rarely get to experience real happiness for any character or scene. Oh, and they cut the cord on a cliffhanger. Later, more on that. For now, let’s get into the wonderful world that is, Carnivale.

Between the years of 1990 and 1992 while Daniel Knauf was working as an insurance broker he was dreaming of something bigger, much like most of us, and decided to use his energy towards something much grander. A story of good and evil set in the 1930s Great Depression era, centered around a travelling carnival. There’s a lot more to it than that simple description, but there are only 2 hours. It’s always hard to find the right words to describe how this show makes you feel. It’s similar to the feeling I get when I am lost in a tune. It’s deep and melodic, and it carries a lot of beauty and melancholy. It feels like a dream you don’t want to wake up from.

Before Lost started in 2004, Carnivale was already weaving a rather intricate mythology for its characters. It was actually Twin Peaks that inspired this show. Michael J Anderson is one of the main cast members, so you’ve probably already noticed. The mythology of the show was one of the most frustrating aspects for viewers. Many reviewers and even normal viewers felt that they were drowning under lore they didn’t fully understand. The lore was actually much deeper than many fans realized at the time. After the show ended. Knauf shared with us his Pitch Document, which detailed the backstory of each character. He also flooded his ideas for the remaining seasons, which he viewed as more of a novel. You can also explore the rabbit hole by clicking THIS LINK to view the Pitch Document. This cast deserves more praise for their work on the series. Each actor is a star and eats up the scenery for both themselves and their counterparts. Nick Stahl has been sleeping on us since 1998, when he played Gavin

Disturbing Behaviour. Maybe even further back, in 1993’s The Man Without A Face which always makes me think of Billy Idol’s “Eyes Without A Face”. Clancy Brown is a master of every scene in which he appears. He’s appeared in a lot of films and TV shows, but I think this is the scene where he proves that he is more than just a regular actor. Brown is not Mr. Krabs as I thought. He makes me forget that he spent most of his life as a crab who was animated and hungry for money. You have so many great players, both familiar names and faces that you can’t quite place: Michael J Anderson Adrienne Barbeau Clea DuVall Tim DeKay Carla Gallo Toby Huss Amy Madigan Cynthia Ettinger Debra Christofferson Patrick Bauchau Diane Salinger… All of their names deserve a shout out. Jeff Beal’s background as a Jazz musician sets the tone for this series. I can’t imagine listening to a score by anyone else. This would be a great release on vinyl. I think Waxworks would do a killer job with the packaging. I may suggest it for the next Wish Wednesday.Favorite Episodes:Milfay

, S1, Ep1: Will I choose an entire episode solely based on one particular scene? Absolutely. Brother Justin. In front of Mr. Chins. Did they spend a lot of money on these episodes? Yes. Does it pay off? It sure does. Every time I see this, I am transfixed. You have these stunning visuals and then Clancy Brown just emoting. The episode does an amazing job of setting up all the pieces that are needed to move forward. Ben’s heart aches, especially after the kitten incident. It’s hard to think that anyone would have just left him there alone.

Babylon

, S1 Ep 5: I needed a brain break after this one. I needed to go outside and stare at the clouds. I knew that something would happen to Libby, Rita Sue or Dora Mae. Not sure if I could have imagined it in this way. The title of the episode gives a hint at the tragedy that will befall the Dreifuss Family. While Pick A Number is a terrific and albeit just as heavy episode, Babylon

sticks with you. The episode that follows Pick a Number has the same feel as the Dutchman’s lodge from Twin peaks: Return with Woodsmen. Toby Huss is a star in both episodes and throughout both seasons. He is the strongest man on the planet. John Hannah also makes an appearance as Stangler, the travelling man. I’ve loved him since 1998’s Sliding Doors which many people didn’t watch. I had the poster in my bedroom at one point for awhile.The Day That Was the Day, S1 Ep 12: Babylon is one major turning point for the series and I would say that this one is as well. After this, nothing will ever be the same. The loose harmony everyone had within the carnival is now permanently disturbed and changed. Clea Duvall does some brilliant acting in this film. She goes from heartbreak into anguish within minutes. I also want to say that Ruthie getting bitten by the snake was definitely Lila’s fault, even though it was part of Management’s plan. I’d like to add that the change in the voice of Management was one of the few things that bothered my. It’s like moving from the voice of Frieza in

Dragonball from Linda Young to Chris Ayers, while I appreciate both, Ayres will always be my Frieza. I can’t say I love the new direction the voice has taken from season one to season two. When I first began the series, I wasn’t a big fan of Jonesy. He was creepy at first, and then he became controlling. I can’t say my opinion has changed a lot, but I do think he is a decent guy. He could be a saint if he ran into a burning bus to save someone. You feel the joy of Ben’s healing leg when you see him in the scene. You enjoy that, especially after you’ve been a dehydrated husk for so long with no happiness to quench your thirst. Ben is the best boy, but Jonesy took the spotlight.Outside/New Canaan, CA, S2, Ep 11 & 12: These you definitely have to pair up. SOFIE NO. Lodz wrote the Omega in lipstick while he was piloting Ruthie Ann’s body, played by the hypnotic Adrienne Bareau. Did we know what it meant? I didn’t know what it meant, but I did see the hints in the episodes. The scene on Brother Justin’s front porch is not only well-done, but it can also be overwhelming in its anxiety. Both episodes are full of tense moments. From the ferriswheel to the abandoned house to the cornfield, you can choose. I know that I also sound like I described the Goosebumps-books. Justin and Ben face off! They are the perfect rivals for each other. When they finally meet, you’re excited but also ready for Ben’s to get rid him. He’s so horrible that you’re afraid your skin is actually peeling back. Clancy Brown deserves another round of applause for his screen presence. We need to mention that it ends on a major cliffhanger. If you don’t care to talk about it, skip a few minutes…SOFIE YES. Do not bring Justin back. This is not a very appealing road. She must be Ben’s pregnant, otherwise how did she get these powers? IS BEN GOING BE OKAY? Please don’t give him a management position. I know I can refer to the AV Club for the gate of characters, but I was here 18 years ago. I had to share with you my pain. Now I am free. Where to watch

This one is fairly easy to find. If you prefer physical media, both seasons are available in box sets that include audio commentary, featurettes, interviews, and an exploration of the concept and creation. Both seasons are available on Amazon for around $80. If you prefer streaming, HBO Max or MAX as it will be called has both seasons ready to go. If you prefer streaming, then HBO Max or MAX will have both seasons available. Oh, we are back to this subject now. The series was canceled due to the extravagant production costs. HBO’s president suggested at the time that season three might have a chance if producers were willing cut the cost of each show by $2 million. This was coupled with the fact the ratings weren’t as high as they were for the first season. The news of the cancellation was met with a lot of dismay by fans. This is the first cancellation that I have been genuinely upset about. There was so much to discover in this world. Knauf sold the rights to his characters and series to HBO. HBO likely has no plans to do anything but hold them hostage. This verdict was gutting. HBO has provided a platform for some amazing television. We brought Deadwood

back, however, I think Knauf wants to do his extended edition instead of just trying to put a pretty bow on it.Knauf was invested in this world he had built. I felt like we owed him a way to continue his story and maybe even finish it. This is the cruelness of canceling a show, but we’ve also heard this story before. I think this show could be brought back and perhaps it would get more attention. Carnivale was ahead of its time and is owed the credit its due.

A couple previous episodes of Horror TV Shows We Miss

can be seen below. If you’d like to see more, and check out the other shows we have to offer, head over to the JoBlo Horror Originals YouTube channel – and subscribe while you’re there!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCja02Wr_i4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_Sc8UzZFNg

Entertainment - Media News Watch originally published at Entertainment - Media News Watch