30 Days of TV Meme: Day 1-A show that should never have been cancelled

[tardis_stowaway]

I am so late to the party that I don't think it's the same party any more.  Well, put on some tunes and call it an afterparty, because I have decided to share the geeky enthusiasm by participating in the 30 days of TV meme.


Day 01 - A show that should have never been canceled

The obvious choice here is Firefly, but y'all already know about that.  Dollhouse is another strong contender, but despite how mind-blowingly fantastic it could be sometimes it's quality was a bit uneven. Besides, I talked about Dollhouse a lot.   For a less talked-about show of high quality that was canceled before its time, let me nominate Carnivale. 

What is Carnivale?  Take The Grapes of Wrath and throw it in a bowl with Twin Peaks.  Toss in a whole circus full of freaks and some of the more unsettling parts of the Bible.   Let simmer.  Now you're getting it.  Carnivale is the story of a traveling circus during the Dust Bowl, especially a young roustabout named Ben who has mysterious powers.  It is also the story of a preacher named Brother Justin, who has his own mysterious powers.  One is an avatar for good and the other is an avatar for evil, though in practice both seem to occupy the gray areas of spectrum.  They don't meet for a very long time, even as they are both caught up in an epic and rather apocalyptic struggle.

This show had gorgeous, detailed production design that really made you feel like they must have taken a time machine to film in the Dust Bowl southwest.  The large and talented cast included Clea Duvall (who was in But I'm a Cheerleader and S1 of Heroes) and Michael J. Anderson (the dwarf from Twin Peaks).  There was mythology dense and mysterious enough to make the Lost team scratch their heads.  It was daring, dark, powerfully bizarre, and all in all amazing.  The show ran on HBO for just two seasons starting in 2003, ending on a cliffhanger whose resolution will never come.  Apparently it was just too expensive for its moderate ratings.    Alas! 

Here, behold some awesome with a scene from the first episode.  Warning:  contains death of a cute animal.  If you want to skip that bit or just don't have time for the full video, skip to 4:10 and just watch the scene with Ben, the little crippled girl, and a visually stunning effects shot.

For those few on my flist who haven't seen this, here's what's to come.  Be aware that these 30 days may be nonconsecutive, since I will be doing some traveling starting this Thursday. 

Day 01 - A show that should have never been canceled
Day 02 - A show that you wish more people were watching
Day 03 - Your favorite new show ( aired this t.v season)
Day 04 - Your favorite show ever
Day 05 - A show you hate
Day 06 - Favorite episode of your favorite t.v show
Day 07 - Least favorite episode of your favorite t.v show
Day 08 - A show everyone should watch
Day 09 - Best scene ever
Day 10 - A show you thought you wouldn’t like but ended up loving
Day 11 - A show that disappointed you
Day 12 - An episode you’ve watched more than 5 times
Day 13 - Favorite childhood show
Day 14 - Favorite male character
Day 15 - Favorite female character
Day 16 - Your guilty pleasure show
Day 17 - Favorite mini series
Day 18 - Favorite title sequence
Day 19 - Best t.v show cast
Day 20 - Favorite kiss
Day 21 - Favorite ship
Day 22 - Favorite series finale
Day 23 - Most annoying character
Day 24 - Best quote
Day 25 - A show you plan on watching (old or new)
Day 26 - OMG WTF? Season finale
Day 27 - Best pilot episode
Day 28 - First t.v show obsession
Day 29 - Current t.v show obsession
Day 30 - Saddest character death