MovieChat Forums > Carnivàle (2003) Discussion > Should I watch Carnivale?

Should I watch Carnivale?


Carnivale seems like an interesting and intriguing fantasy that I would enjoy greatly. However the fact that the show ends with no resolution makes it bothersome. Should I watch despite the cancellation? And is their any other way to know how the show would have ended to provide some kind of resolution I.E. Exposition by the creator or extended lore through comic books or something?

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It's worth the watch. I asked myself the same question last year, was convinced to watch and it was awesome. Did a rewatch this year and it was even more awesome. Love that show! Too bad it got cancelled D:

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Yes I would watch it. There's only 24 episodes so it's not like you'd have to invest a whole lot of time and there is some sense of resolution to the first two seasons even if they didn't intend it to be the finale.

The creator has given some information as to how things would have gone in interviews and whatnot but a lot of its vague details and hints.

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Yes I would watch it. There's only 24 episodes so it's not like you'd have to invest a whole lot of time and there is some sense of resolution to the first two seasons even if they didn't intend it to be the finale.


Exactly. I also recommend watching this awesome show!

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Thanks for the response. I just ordered the DVDs off of Amazon and they'll be here soon. Can't wait to watch it.

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Cool, you will love it. If it seems slow dont stop watching, this is a show you have to invest in, not one to watch while you are paying bills, listening to people talk in the background or doing something else. If you don't pay attention thereis a LOT you will miss.

I would also suggest reading the Carnivale Mythology section of Wiki after your first iewing of the series so you will get a better understanding of the show and how it all ties together with history and magic...a lot of it is explained over the course of the show, but the mythology is SOO DEEP that unless you read the wiki a TON of information will be missed or just be confusing.

This is the real reason the show got low ratings, it requires moreofthe viewer than the average network show that spells every little detail out. The good thing is that the shows feels even more special because of it, you have a real connection to it and feel like the world of Carnivale is real.

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Thank you. I actually just finished Carnivale on Tuesday and I agree with all your points. I am disappointed with there not being more seasons but am content with the ending. Thank you for recommending I read the wiki, I'll get right on that as soon as possible. Thank you everyone who recommended it to me I really enjoyed watching it and will definitely give it a rewatch when the time comes.

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Watch it...

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I was heartbroken when the show was canceled back in 2003. But then I understood why it was canceled. It is very, very deep and is not for people who like easy answers and quick resolutions. It also helps to understand the Bible and certain religious beliefs. Mix all of that with a healthy dose of fantastical mysticism and you have something that will not last on American television very long. I'm surprised the reboot of Battlestar Galactica lasted as long as it did. But I recommend you check it out and stay with it. The fact that it has no resolution should not stop you from enjoying what there is of it.

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Absolutely watch it. This is one of the best series in the history of television.

It is an abomination that HBO will not release the rights. Stingy, greedy, selfish basterds.

10/10.

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B-star Galactica was only a reboot in name only - it had cinematic special effects as good as any 80s-90s SF films -- it was far better than any Star Trek nonsense, series or films, and for me, about as good as any Star Wars films.. not surprising it lasted - it also was allowed to run its full course, being made on SYFY after Spielberg injected 100 million into that channel, hence the very good miniseries that resulted like Dune-Children of Dune (w JEremy Irons and Glenn Close) and Childhood's End last year..

HBO should have let Carnivale at least 'wrap up' with another season, surprised at them, they usually chooose art over ratings..

"If talent had anything to do with success, there wouldn't be any tv executives" -- Will SUccess Spoil Rock Hunter?

My only regret in life is that I'm not someone else - Woody Allen

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Absolutely. The ending is a semi-ending with some open stuff.

All in all one of the best series every to hit the Tv.
Highly recommended. Well acted, great plot, atmospheric, fun, at times even a touch scary.

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I dropped the show when it first aired because the plots became too twisted for my mental investment. But it was/is a very intriguing and unique show that if inclined I may go back to just for closure. But be warned, it ain't for everybody and I agree with the recommendations on this thread.
Happy viewing LOL

Sometimes people deserve to have their faith rewarded. ~The Dark Knight

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I would go back to it. I wish I could go back before I saw it just so I could watch it all over again for the first time.

The first season is a bit slow, there's a lot of set-up and they go off on the side characters quite a lot, but it still has a lot of good moments. For me, the second season is the one that just blew me away. Every episode was full of amazing, brilliant television.
they don't make them like this nowadays, that's for sure. Carnivale felt like more like a long movie with it's cinematic, timeless quality and excellent storytelling.

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everybody should watch it

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I highly recommend it. One of my favorite series!

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While the show doesn't necessarily wrap up completely, there is a resolution. I'm perfectly okay with how it ended.

What you'll realize is that the story Carnivale tells is one complete iteration of an eternal cyclical struggle between light and dark. Any subsequent seasons would basically be the same thing (although they would be interesting because we're invested in the characters).

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