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Series · 2003–2005Ended

Carnivàle

7.9·2 seasons·24 episodes·54 min avg.·United States of America

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.

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01
MilfayUp next
Sep 14, 2003·6.8

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.

02
After the Ball Is Over
Sep 21, 2003·6.6

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.

03
Tipton
Sep 28, 2003·8.3

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.

04
Black Blizzard
Oct 5, 2003·6.9

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.

05
Babylon
Oct 12, 2003·6.9

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.

06
Pick a Number
Oct 19, 2003·8.4

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.

07
The River
Oct 26, 2003·8.6

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.

08
Lonnigan, Texas
Nov 2, 2003·8.8

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.

09
Insomnia
Nov 9, 2003·6.7

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
Nov 16, 2003·6.7

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
Nov 23, 2003·6.7

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
Nov 30, 2003·6.6

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.

Cast

16 credited
Nick Stahl
Ben Hawkins
Clancy Brown
Brother Justin
Michael J. Anderson
Samson
Tim DeKay
Clayton Jones
Clea DuVall
Sofie
CE
Cynthia Ettinger
Rita Sue Dreifuss
Carla Gallo
Libby Dreifuss
Adrienne Barbeau
Ruthie
Amy Madigan
Iris Crowe
Toby Huss
Stumpy Dreifuss

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