IR TV Review: CARNIVAL ROW - EPISODES 1 & 2 [Prime Video-S2]
The element of protecting versus chaos in revolution is a balance that all societies struggle with. Those prejudices of the have and have-nots no matter what the reasoning is all set within a pendulum swing and depends simply on the mood of the world. With Episodes 1 & 2 of the 2nd and final season of "Carnival Row" it is about setting plans in motion which might not be lasting but at least are true of the characters despite their best misgivings. The love story between Philo (Orlando Bloom) and Vignette (Cara Delevingne) is key. The beginning elements of the season balance between sacrifice versus impulsive moves on both their parts. Delevingne is much more emotive across the board and it would be great to see more creative references give her the ability to work this strength of hers. Despite anything going on in the real world, her presence is undeniable. "Valerian" had its possibility and "Row" continues to show the possibilities.
There just does not seem to be as much chemistry between the two leads as there should be. The more telling two-way relationship is David Gyasi's wonderful Mr Agreus who has an almost Elephant Man empathy who just seeks to love and live with Imogen Spurnrose (Tamzin Merchant). Their volley was one of the joys of last season and permeates the inset here. The trauma of their exile pertains with an inset structure that no one ever really escapes. By contrast, the ying and yang of Philo and Vignette and what they are is the irony of the series. Philo has the deductive mind but the chess moves he attempts to make never quite contain the strategy he wants since his hands are tied behind his back.
The intention is inevitable with Vignette as she tries to be strong, succeeds at times, falters at others but goes completely in the other direction with impulse most of the time. Their love is possibly doomed (as it was from the beginning) but it is not simply their momentum but the swirling moves of the entire city (especially the new Chancellor -- who is simply lashing out with someone else holding his strings). There is also a wild card in the first two episodes who can become a Judas of sorts without truly even knowing it. There is also a sparkpoint character who is just willing to fan the flame not because he believes in the cause but because it is his true nature. The first two episodes back up the aspect that violence permeates the world but also pushing buttons constantly is bound to cause an explosion. B
By Tim Wassberg
