The Best Episodes of Carnivàle Season 1
Every episode of Carnivàle Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Carnivàle Season 1!
Carnivàle is an American television series set in the United States during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. In tracing the lives of two disparate groups of people, its overarching story depicts the battle between good and evil and the struggle between free will and destiny; the storyline mixes Christian theology with gnosticism and Masonic lore, particularly that of the Knights Templar.
Season 1 Ratings Summary
The best episode of "Carnivàle" season 1 is "Milfay", rated 7.8/10 from 1144 user votes. It was directed by Rodrigo García and written by Daniel Knauf. "Milfay" aired on 9/14/2003 and is rated 0.0 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "After the Ball Is Over".
7.8/10 1,144 votes#1 - Milfay
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 9/14/2003
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
7.8/10 943 votes#2 - After the Ball Is Over
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 9/21/2003
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
Writer: Daniel Knauf, Ronald D. Moore
7.8/10 882 votes#3 - Tipton
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 9/28/2003
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
Writer: Daniel Knauf, Henry Bromell
7.7/10 855 votes#4 - Black Blizzard
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 10/5/2003
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
8.0/10 867 votes#5 - Babylon
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 10/12/2003
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
Writer: Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin
8.2/10 834 votes#6 - Pick a Number
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 10/19/2003
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
7.8/10 756 votes#7 - The River
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 10/26/2003
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
7.7/10 743 votes#8 - Lonnigan, Texas
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 11/2/2003
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
7.7/10 722 votes#9 - Insomnia
Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 11/9/2003
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
7.9/10 730 votes#10 - Hot and Bothered
Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 11/16/2003
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
Writer: Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin
7.9/10 725 votes#11 - Day of the Dead
Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 11/23/2003
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
8.7/10 808 votes#12 - The Day That Was the Day
Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 11/30/2003
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