Milfay

I read that when Milfay was first aired back in September, 2003 it received raving reviews for its style. However it's only in 2005 that I watched it. Its universe instantly fascinated me and I couldn't resist its charismatic and freaky characters. A circus had never been so surreal and astonishing. Moreover even if Tim Burton's Big Fish was released on January, 2004, a film with similar elements, it didn't ruin all the things that made Carnivàle's pilot such a wonderful surprise.

First the timeless battle between good and evil can only mesmerize the audience when it's so well told. Indeed the episode begins with a dark close-up on Samson's face, a dwarf brilliantly played by Michael J. Anderson who appears to be the second in command. Moreover the opening credits are amazing, insanely creative and probably the best I have ever seen. So the very first minutes you should be fully immersed in the show imaginary but contemporary world.

The other elements which convinced me of the production cult status were the performers and characters. The acting's level is astounding and the different profiles so twisted that like a wormhole they shake your feelings and make you realize how much you want to learn more about them. How did they become who they are ? Do they have any plan ? But contrary to Heroes the men and women in Carnivàle have a Freaking Factor™ that is hard to surpass. From dream reading to fortune telling and alchemy the number of fantasy and esoteric topics covered is impressive. Some mystical scenes inspired by the seven deadly sins should also shock you thanks to their seamless visual effects and marvelous direction.

Last but not least the two arcs developed obviously have connections so it makes the story even more enigmatic. When are they going to collide ? Who's Management ? Who's Ben Hawkins father ? What about the strange case of Brother Justin ? This episode arose so many intriguing questions that I don't conceive for a second that someone could resist watching the first season.