Review: Carnival Row revs up the engines In Episodes 203 and 204
The first two episodes of Carnival Row‘s second and final season, “Fight or Flight” and “New Dawn,” got the ball rolling with gusto, providing all the steampunk visuals and fantasy storytelling panache fans of the first season expected. They introduced mysterious murders, suspect characters, eerie supernatural complications and conflicts between good and evil. All good.
Flush with the success of its starter pair, Carnival Row now plunges into its themes and storylines in Episodes 3 and 4, “The Martyr’s Hand” and “An Unkindness of Raven.” Let’s review!
NO SPOILERS BELOW
Episode 203: “The Martyr’s Hand”
Stricken by horrors from the previous episode, Tourmaline continues to experience frightening visions of a darker existence and confides in Philo. Assassinations of high-profile Fae and police brutality fuel a Row uprising that Philo and Vignette struggle to handle. Vignette prefers the bold, brutal actions of the Raven while Philo seeks less bloody solutions.
The vengeful Vignette tries to convince ex-detective Philo, who still clings to the hope that the law might prevail, that insurrection is the only way to save themselves and the Fae: “You can’t fix this by following the rules,” she tells him. “The rules weren’t made for us.”
On a PR tour of the Row, Sophie Longerband (Caroline Ford) experiences a barrage of emotions; her apparent sympathy for the Fae may be genuine or a part of the masterful game she’s playing among the top echelons of the Burgue’s political elite. Sophie is rapidly becoming one of the most unpredictable and interesting characters on the show.
Believing Tourmaline’s predicament, Philo enlists her to further his investigation into the murders in the Row and makes some stunning discoveries. Tourmaline experiences her most dreadful vision so far. Vignette calls upon the Ravens to remember their warrior heritage in Tir Na Nog and strike back at their Burgueish oppressors.
“The Martyr’s Hand” is the most powerful episode of Carnival Row season 2 so far. Fascinating new relationships arise and some established ones take unexpected turns, while viewers get an unprecedented tour of the Row itself. The narrative moves swiftly over the ticking clock of approaching rebellion, and circumstances force a wedge between Philo and Vignette at a most critical time.