Carnivale

[Howard]

The thread for me and Russ.

Started my re-watch yesterday. As part of a second date. Yes, this was totally to see whether the guy was cool enough for me to consider a third date.

Watched the first 5 episodes. Man, I don't remember the first episode being such a slag to get through except for the closing scene. In fact, I think it was the closing scene that sealed the deal for me (i.e. get me onboard for the season the first time I watched it).

Babylon was when things really started jelling. Both character and plot-wise.

[BillyG]

Going to start watching this once I finish Twin Peaks.

[Captain Russ]

After a brief hiatus, I finished up the first season again tonight.

I remember why I loved it in the first place.

It balances both majestic and horrific moments of humanity and the supernatural in a setting that is ripe for such stories. It takes occult and Americana mythologies and interweaves them to create this broad tapestry of a new sort of folklore from an era in which the world was in a dark place (which also lends such trappings to reinvigorate one's interest now).

@ Howard: Totally agree on 'Babylon' as the first big step forward. Such a fantastic episode.

[Captain Russ]

I wish it was given a chance to grow (If for no other reason than Michael J. Anderson to get the credit that was due, as Sampson is probably the greatest character in the show besides Professor Lodz.), knowing the final season moves at a much more rapid clip, I am once again anxious at the prospect of it being over again.

[Captain Russ]

In the first season finale, they put a track from The Thin Red Line into the climax.

I only just noticed it, but the cue sparked my memory of it.

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HOFZSnz9J3s?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Hearing Clancy Brown sermonize over this struck a chord.

[Howard]

I actually stopped my re-watch because I wanted to be in sync with you. Damnit. I'll burn through the rest of season one tomorrow.

[Captain Russ]

Hahaha, sorry about that.

Let me know when you're finished with season one. I'll put the second one off until then.

[Captain Russ]

The thread for me and Russ.

Started my re-watch yesterday. As part of a second date. Yes, this was totally to see whether the guy was cool enough for me to consider a third date.

Watched the first 5 episodes. Man, I don't remember the first episode being such a slag to get through except for the closing scene. In fact, I think it was the closing scene that sealed the deal for me (i.e. get me onboard for the season the first time I watched it).

Babylon was when things really started jelling. Both character and plot-wise.

Ya know, in the hot and boring summer season, where big screen explosions and rapid-fire editing ruled the roost, I found the first episode's quiet moments and leisurely pace incredibly refreshing.

Of course, such enthusiasm was tempered once my head was pulled out of my hind parts. It did drag a bit in the next couple of episodes, but the I admired the intent.

Nevertheless, the first season has that sort of unhurried storytelling that gradually unveils the crazy central conflict, meticulously setting up the pieces (the entire principle cast was fleshed out in interesting and engaging ways throughout) on the chess table as it were.

[Howard]

I'm curious how I will view the second half of season one. I think part of why I thought the first episodes were so slow, was due to the remembered pacing of the second season. That said, while I was interested in the characters it wasn't until Babylon that I began to really care for the characters. If that makes sense.

The following is a good frustration to have in a show: the desire for the b-plotline to have as much focus as the a-plotline. I could EASILY have watched a series just following the side show folk. None of them got near enough screen time. The Coochie Show family? Simply amazing. Lila? Man, she was as good as Lodz.

[Captain Russ]

I absolutely agree on the side characters, especially Lila and Lodz. Terrible people, endlessly entertaining; as schemers often are.

[Captain Russ]

And I totally get what you mean about emotional investment being somewhat lacking until the previously mentioned episode.

It pushed the characters into tragic circumstances that were so horrific and so devastating for them you could not help but be enveloped in their struggle to retain some normalcy, or failing that, carnie justice. I know I couldn't.

[Captain Russ]

*crickets*

[BillyG]

Still have not started this. Fall TV season plus vidja games mang.

[Captain Russ]

I'm gonna go ahead with season two.

[Nathan]

I'm afraid to rewatch this. I have a feeling I couldn't make it through the first season again.