Carnivàle — Season 1
Into each generation is born a creature of light and a creature of darkness.
About this season
Carnivàle is an American television series set in the United States during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. In tracing the lives of two disparate groups of people, its overarching story depicts the battle between good and evil and the struggle between free will and destiny; the storyline mixes Christian theology with gnosticism and Masonic lore, particularly that of the Knights Templar.
Episodes (12)
1. Milfay
6.8Aired 14 September 2003 • 58 min
Ben reluctantly joins the carnival after the bank forecloses on his family's Oklahoma farm. Brother Justin has a bizarre encounter with a poor parishioner. Sofie has a run-in at a small-town gas station.
2. After the Ball Is Over
6.6Aired 21 September 2003 • 57 min
Ben uncovers a piece of his past as a result of Jones' sense of humor. Justin tries to persuade a parishioner to make a deal in real estate. Sofie endures a frightening mishap involving her mother. Samson changes the carnival's course.
3. Tipton
8.3Aired 28 September 2003 • 50 min
Ben is the main attraction when Samson refashions the carnival as a religious revival to satisfy a town's moral underpinnings. Justin has a powerful ally in a fight against city hall. Sofie accompanies Ben on a journey into his past.
4. Black Blizzard
6.9Aired 5 October 2003 • 47 min
Jones looks to management when the crew turns mutinous. Appolonia is displeased with Sofie's romantic tastes. Justin faces a difficult choice between his congregations. Ben is tested by Lodz.
5. Babylon
6.9Aired 12 October 2003 • 49 min
Samson tries to improve the troupe's spirits with a night of revelry. Ben has an enlightening experience at the bottom of a mineshaft. A group of miners is anxious for entertainment.
6. Pick a Number
8.4Aired 19 October 2003 • 57 min
Revenge-minded carnies practice their own form of retribution. Justin encounters a group of hobos on his journey of self-discovery. Ben returns from another strange experience.
7. The River
8.6Aired 26 October 2003 • 52 min
After a recent tragedy, Stumpy and Rita Sue debate their future in the carnival. In her brother's absence, Iris receives help from a radio reporter. Ben helps Ruthie with her act.
8. Lonnigan, Texas
8.8Aired 2 November 2003 • 58 min
Lodz disagrees with Samson's decision to send Ben on a business trip for the carnival. A radio-show host tries to help find a wandering Justin. Sofie considers a career change.
9. Insomnia
6.7Aired 9 November 2003 • 46 min
Ben tries to escape his dreams by staying awake. Iris uses a radio ally to help locate Justin. Samson goes back to the drawing board to increase business.
10. Hot and Bothered
6.7Aired 16 November 2003 • 53 min
Ben and Samson go in search of the mysterious Scudder. Sofie accuses her mother of foul play. Lodz waits patiently for Ben to fall asleep. Justin returns to Mintern with a new plan.
11. Day of the Dead
6.7Aired 23 November 2003 • 55 min
Rita Sue teaches a newcomer a few tricks of the trade. Balthus is nervous about Tommy Dolan's allegations. Lodz gets approval from Management to help Ben.
12. The Day That Was the Day
6.6Aired 30 November 2003 • 55 min
A distraught Ben finally meets with Management. In California, Balthus and Justin deal with the tragic undercurrents of their ministry. Stumpy and Rita Sue try to save their marriage. Samson must think fast when the law comes to the carnival.