The Best Episodes of Carnivàle Season 1

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   7.8/10(1242 votes)

   #1 - Milfay

   S1:E19/14/2003

   Ben reluctantly joins the carnival after the bank forecloses on his family's Oklahoma farm. Brother Justin has a bizarre encounter with a poor parishioner. Sofie has a run-in at a small-town gas station.

   Director:Rodrigo García

   Writer:Daniel Knauf

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   Director:Rodrigo García

   Writer:Daniel Knauf
2. 

   7.8/10(1021 votes)

   #2 - After the Ball Is Over

   S1:E29/21/2003

   Ben uncovers a piece of his past as a result of Jones' sense of humor. Justin tries to persuade a parishioner to make a deal in real estate. Sofie endures a frightening mishap involving her mother. Samson changes the carnival's course.

   Director:Jeremy Podeswa

   Writers:Daniel Knauf, Ronald D. Moore

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   Director:Jeremy Podeswa

   Writers:Daniel Knauf, Ronald D. Moore
3. 

   7.8/10(955 votes)

   #3 - Tipton

   S1:E39/28/2003

   Ben is the main attraction when Samson refashions the carnival as a religious revival to satisfy a town's moral underpinnings. Justin has a powerful ally in a fight against city hall. Sofie accompanies Ben on a journey into his past.

   Director:Rodrigo García

   Writers:Daniel Knauf, Henry Bromell

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   Director:Rodrigo García

   Writers:Daniel Knauf, Henry Bromell
4. 

   7.7/10(926 votes)

   #4 - Black Blizzard

   S1:E410/5/2003

   Jones looks to management when the crew turns mutinous. Appolonia is displeased with Sofie's romantic tastes. Justin faces a difficult choice between his congregations. Ben is tested by Lodz.

   Director:Peter Medak

   Writer:William Schmidt

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   Director:Peter Medak

   Writer:William Schmidt
5. 

   8.0/10(941 votes)

   #5 - Babylon

   S1:E510/12/2003

   Samson tries to improve the troupe's spirits with a night of revelry. Ben has an enlightening experience at the bottom of a mineshaft. A group of miners is anxious for entertainment.

   Director:Tim Hunter

   Writers:Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin

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   Director:Tim Hunter

   Writers:Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin
6. 

   8.2/10(902 votes)

   #6 - Pick a Number

   S1:E610/19/2003

   Revenge-minded carnies practice their own form of retribution. Justin encounters a group of hobos on his journey of self-discovery. Ben returns from another strange experience.

   Director:Rodrigo García

   Writer:Ronald D. Moore

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   Director:Rodrigo García

   Writer:Ronald D. Moore
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7. 

   7.8/10(816 votes)

   #7 - The River

   S1:E710/26/2003

   After a recent tragedy, Stumpy and Rita Sue debate their future in the carnival. In her brother's absence, Iris receives help from a radio reporter. Ben helps Ruthie with her act.

   Director:Alison Maclean

   Writer:Toni Graphia

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   Director:Alison Maclean

   Writer:Toni Graphia
8. 

   7.7/10(802 votes)

   #8 - Lonnigan, Texas

   S1:E811/2/2003

   Lodz disagrees with Samson's decision to send Ben on a business trip for the carnival. A radio-show host tries to help find a wandering Justin. Sofie considers a career change.

   Director:Scott Winant

   Writer:Daniel Knauf

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   Director:Scott Winant

   Writer:Daniel Knauf
9. 

   7.7/10(776 votes)

   #9 - Insomnia

   S1:E911/9/2003

   Ben tries to escape his dreams by staying awake. Iris uses a radio ally to help locate Justin. Samson goes back to the drawing board to increase business.

   Director:Jack Bender

   Writer:William Schmidt

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   Director:Jack Bender

   Writer:William Schmidt
10. 

    7.9/10(786 votes)

    #10 - Hot and Bothered

    S1:E1011/16/2003

    Ben and Samson go in search of the mysterious Scudder. Sofie accuses her mother of foul play. Lodz waits patiently for Ben for fall asleep. Justin returns to Mintern with a new plan.

    Director:Jeremy Podeswa

    Writers:Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin

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    Director:Jeremy Podeswa

    Writers:Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin
11. 

    7.9/10(780 votes)

    #11 - Day of the Dead

    S1:E1111/23/2003

    Rita Sue teaches a newcomer a few tricks of the trade. Balthus is nervous about Tommy Dolan's allegations. Lodz gets approval from Management to help Ben.

    Director:John Patterson

    Writer:Toni Graphia

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    Director:John Patterson

    Writer:Toni Graphia
12. 

    8.7/10(867 votes)

    #12 - The Day That Was the Day

    S1:E1211/30/2003

    A distraught Ben finally meets with Management. In California, Balthus and Justin deal with the tragic undercurrents of their ministry. Stumpy and Rita Sue try to save their marriage. Samson must think fast when the law comes to the carnival.

    Director:Rodrigo García

    Writer:Ronald D. Moore

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    Director:Rodrigo García

    Writer:Ronald D. Moore