Ep 1. Milfay

In Carnivale season 1 episode 1, titled "Milfay," the show opens with a prologue that sets the stage for a fantastical tale of good vs. evil. The time is the Great Depression, and the place is a small Oklahoma town. We see a young man named Ben Hawkins (Nick Stahl) who is on the run from the law, hiding in a barn. Meanwhile, a traveling carnival has come to town, and it promises to be unlike any other carnival anyone has seen.

As the episode unfolds, we learn more about Ben, who is a mute, and has a power that he doesn't understand. He sees visions of a young girl who tells him that he has a destiny that he must fulfill. At the carnival, Ben meets a woman named Sophie (Clea DuVall), who is a "Spinner,” someone who can see the future. She tells Ben that the carnival’s leader, Samson (Michael J. Anderson), is looking for someone like him, someone with special abilities.

As Ben is being pursued by the law, he decides to join the carnival as a way to hide from the authorities. He meets the carnival's other performers, including the bearded lady, Apollonia (Diane Salinger), and a dwarf named Samson who has all the powers of a full-sized man. Ben is given a job as a laborer, and he begins to work hard to prove himself.

Meanwhile, a preacher named Brother Justin Crowe (Clancy Brown) is also introduced in the episode. He has his own supernatural abilities, and he runs a church in the same town where the carnival is located. Brother Justin is having a crisis of faith, and he seems to be losing his grip on reality. He is haunted by visions of a young girl who wears a white dress, and she seems to be influencing his thoughts and actions.

As the episode progresses, we see that there is a connection between Ben and Brother Justin. They seem to be two sides of the same coin, and their destinies are intertwined. We also discover that the carnival has its own problems. There is a plot to sabotage the carnival, and the performers are having their own issues with each other. There is a sense of danger and intrigue that hangs over everything.

The first episode of Carnivale does an excellent job of setting up the show's mythology while also introducing a range of compelling characters. The production design is outstanding, and the attention to detail is impressive. The show has a dark and mystical tone that is both exciting and eerie. The episode ends with a cliffhanger that will leave viewers wanting more.

Overall, "Milfay" is an excellent start to what promises to be an unforgettable journey. The show is a unique blend of fantasy, horror, and drama, and it is unlike anything else on television. The characters are intriguing, the story is engaging, and the visuals are stunning. It's the kind of show that will stay with you long after you've finished watching.