Carnival Row is a science fantasy drama available on Amazon that first aired in 2019. Set in a mystical and dark city filled with humans, fairies, and other creatures, the show follows a police detective as he investigates a series of gruesome murders leveled against the fairy population. With three seasons currently available, here are the best episodes of Carnival Row ranked.
The first episode, “Some Dark God Wakes”, introduces viewers to the world of Carnival Row and its inhabitants. The detective, Philo, is tasked with finding the killer of a fairy and quickly becomes the prime suspect. In the following episodes, viewers get to watch Philo and his allies as they unravel the mysteries behind the murders.
The series finale, “Kingdoms of the Moon”, is a must-watch for any Carnival Row fan. As the detective's investigation reaches its conclusion, secrets are revealed and truths are uncovered. It is an action-packed and thrilling episode that will keep viewers on the edge of their seat as they await the final climactic showdown.
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In the finale of Carnival Row, tensions reach a peak as Philo must confront the darkness that has been plaguing the city. Vignette is able to uncover the truth of The Burgue, while Imogen and Agreus act on their unbridled emotions. Breakspear's secrets come back to haunt him.
The episode delighted viewers with its stellar writing and careful tie-in of all storylines. Viewers were glad to see that the true villain was not Absalom, as they had suspected. The finale sets up the second season, with a depressing outlook on the future. Viewers are left wondering how Agreus and Imogen will fit into the picture, with Runyan now as Jonah's counsellor. Although the ending of the Darkasher/Piety storyline was a bit anticlimactic, viewers generally enjoyed the finale and are looking forward to the second season.
The episode was rated 8.10 from 1585 votes.
In the episode Kingdoms of the Moon of the show Carnival Row, Philo, a Burguish soldier, is tasked with protecting a faerish mimasery. During this mission he meets Vignette and love blooms between the two of them in an unexpected manner. The love making scene between the two of them was described as beautiful and viewers were invested in the story of their relationship.
The episode also revealed more about Rycroft and Vignette's past and that Rycroft is a fae or a half-blood. This left viewers wanting more as it was left vague and convenient. The love making scene also left viewers emotional and moved, reminding them of the first season of True Blood. It was also a surprise to see Orlando Bloom, who played a similar character in Pirates of the Caribbean, in this role.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 1765 votes.
In the episode Unaccompanied Fae, the pieces of the puzzle start to come together for Philo. Vignette unexpectedly finds a home, Jonah sneaks off to see someone he shouldn’t, and Imogen and Agreus step out in public together. It is speculated that Philo’s “scary” and obscure father may be connected to the Darkasher, as the people in the Parliament are already “kind of dead”. Additionally, someone suggests that Rycroft’s father may be Absalom, as it was prophesied by the Haruspex that his son will be an even greater man than him.
At long last, things are progressing in the show. While many viewers thought that the story could have progressed in half the time, the episode is still leaving them with plenty of questions. Will Philo’s father be connected to the Darkasher? Is Rycroft the one mentioned in the prophecy? As the show continues to unravel, viewers remain in suspense about what will happen next.
The episode was rated 7.80 from 1607 votes.
In this episode of Carnival Row, Philo is wrongfully accused and thrown in jail for withholding evidence from his fellow detectives. Unexpectedly, Vignette helps him in his time of need. Meanwhile, Ezra is unhappy with Imogen's relationship with Agreus, and Sophie offers Jonah a deal. This episode also reveals the dark truth behind the mysterious cult of the hidden one, and the idea of chaos being a ladder is introduced by emphasizing the idea that the climb is all that matters.
The cult of the hidden one is a major plot point of this episode, and it's revealed to be darker than expected. Viewers were surprised by the sudden introduction of a cult, as it had never been mentioned before. Furthermore, the idea of horns being linked to a “satanic” sect was met with mixed reactions. The episode also introduces the idea of chaos being a ladder, suggesting that those who fail to climb will never get another chance, and those given the chance to climb will cling to illusions rather than the reality of the ladder.
The episode was rated 7.78 from 1583 votes.
Philo plots Vignette’s rescue with an unlikely ally. Jonah discovers Sophie’s treachery. The murderer strikes again.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 242 votes.
In the episode Grieve No More of Carnival Row, Philo consults a Haruspex in order to uncover clues about the killer. Meanwhile, Vignette grows closer with her newfound family, and upon Jonah’s return home, his parents start to be more watchful. Imogen brings Agreus into her circle and the episode ends with a great twist.
The episode was very well-received among viewers, with many praising the show’s progress and pace. The ending was particularly acclaimed, with many speculating that the master of the Darkasher is someone who has a grudge against Rycroft. All in all, the episode was a great success and left viewers wanting more.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 1622 votes.
Torn between his Human and Fae sides, Philo makes a choice.
The episode was rated 7.66 from 136 votes.
In the episode “The Joining of Unlike Things”, Philo investigates the murder of his childhood headmaster, while Vignette ingratiates herself into the Black Raven. Imogen hatches a plan to help her brother, while Breakspear goes on the offensive with Longerbane. In the episode, viewers are given new information about a monster that's been killing people and how a Darkasher is bound to a master for as long as the master lives. This leads to speculation that the master could be someone that Rycroft knows, who has a grudge towards him.
Viewers of Carnival Row have struggled to come up with an answer to the question of what the show is about, as some of the references and messages are out in the open but the purpose of the supernatural element is still unclear. Despite this, viewers are still interested in the concept of the show, though some have found this episode to be particularly boring.
The episode was rated 7.64 from 1672 votes.
Reeling from the consequences of his choices, Philo rejects defining himself as either Human or Fae.
The episode was rated 7.64 from 121 votes.
Philo races to stop Vignette’s revenge before the Black Raven spark even worse violence.
The episode was rated 7.59 from 294 votes.
In the first episode of the fantasy show Carnival Row, Rycroft “Philo” Philostrate investigates a mysterious assailant with a grudge against the fae. Vignette Stonemoss barely escapes Tirnanoc with her life and arrives in The Burgue looking for a fresh start. Imogen Spurnrose meets her new neighbor while the fight over the critch heats up in Parliament.
The first episode of Carnival Row received mixed reviews from viewers. Some found the show's unique names and story difficult to keep track of, while others were pleasantly surprised with the interesting lore and concept that was presented. One of the show's most memorable quotes was when Imogen Spurnrose told Vignette Stonemoss "you don't like it, feel free to go back to where you came from," which was a clear nod to the current political climate. Others enjoyed the episode's compacted yet detailed story, and were eager to watch the next one.
The episode was rated 7.54 from 2161 votes.
In the episode of Carnival Row titled Aisling, Philo investigates the murder of a mysterious fae. As the mystery deepens, Tourmaline introduces Vignette to a new group of faeries. While Imogen tries to have Agreus removed from the neighborhood, Jonah disappears. The audience is already enjoying the world-building and intriguing characters, and is unsure about the beauty and the beast theme. Imogen is speculated to change her mind about Agreus and the Pucks in general, given that her brother is more professional and less straightforward in his discrimination. The opening credits also draw comparison to Westworld. The episode is sure to bring unexpected turns of events as the characters fight to survive in a world where they are not accepted.
The episode was rated 7.54 from 1863 votes.
A painful truth haunts Philo as Carnival Row faces reprisals for the horrific events at Bleakness Keep.
The episode was rated 7.53 from 238 votes.
In the episode New Dawn of Carnival Row, Philo plots to challenge Jonah's hereditary claim to the Chancellorship, and Vignette intervenes. This episode follows Philo as he attempts to take on the powerful Jonah and his empire. As a refugee from the faerie kingdom, Philo is determined to put an end to the reign of the human aristocracy and restore power to the oppressed Fae. He finds an ally in Vignette, another refugee who shares his goal of creating a better future for Faekind.
The episode takes an emotional turn as Vignette comes to terms with her own role in the Fae's struggle for liberation. She must decide if she will join Philo in his quest for justice or stay loyal to Jonah and his privileged lifestyle. With her life and her future on the line, Vignette must make a difficult choice. Will she follow her heart and help Philo in his quest, or will she remain loyal to Jonah? As the episode comes to a close, viewers will see whether or not Vignette and Philo can succeed in their mission to create a better future for Faekind.
The episode was rated 7.50 from 386 votes.
While Philo investigates the murders of the Black Raven’s leaders, Vignette plots revenge.
The episode was rated 7.48 from 324 votes.
In the opening episode of Carnival Row, Philo and Vignette find themselves risking their lives to help the Faefolk of Carnival Row, who have been oppressed and discriminated against by the humans of the city. The episode follows their struggle as they try to make a difference in the lives of the Faefolk, and as Philo and Vignette's love for each other grows stronger.
The episode has been met with mixed reviews, with some viewers feeling that it was a bit slow-paced and lacking in action. Others, however, are excited to see what the rest of the season has in store and are already planning to rewatch the first season. No matter how this episode was received, it certainly sets the stage for an exciting season of Carnival Row, as the lovers Philo and Vignette continue to fight for the Faefolk.
The episode was rated 7.47 from 480 votes.
Last updated: mar 30, 2023
