Martin Carr reviews the sixth episode of Carnival Row…
Prejudice takes the front seat as secrets are revealed, loved ones betrayed and museum exhibitions considered no better than theft dressed up as preservation. Heritage, history and tradition are seen as unwanted acknowledgements of a lesser species to some, which causes nothing but unrest, retribution and escalated violence elsewhere. Self-flagellation, peaceful demonstrations of faith and undead murderers only fan those flames higher. This is the episode where the distrust and intolerance boils over into public beatings, powerless bystanders and police intervention.
In this atmosphere of powder keg tension Philo is slowly backing himself into a corner whilst Vignette remains distant. His trust within the constabulary is quickly diminishing just as elsewhere supposed people of distinction are getting their comeuppance. It seems the way in Carnival Row that just as one life crumbles another finds invaluable purchase and solidarity from uncommon quarters. As a catalyst the exhibition and auction prove crucial to illustrating both sides of the argument. On the one hand valuable artefacts are sold off for amusement, while elsewhere clandestine visits by indigenous inhabitants is deemed worthy of incarceration.
This is where the ignorance of people comes into play as class divisions dictated by birth and circumstance breed prejudice through isolation. Beyond the fundamentals of narrative which see burgeoning love stories, financial allegiances and police corruption mixed together with folklore and fantasy Carnival Row says much about contemporary immigration attitudes. Suspected because of difference, segregated because of social class and avoided due to assumption this is the result of upbringing and public opinion rather than doctrine or decree.
Those quick to judge or choose the easiest solution to an issue are often those who feel most threatened, inferior or overlooked which in turn leads to overcompensation. In Carnival Row where differences are so closely packed together these frailties are exacerbated. In the final moments that resignation and ignorance play out to a melancholy melody of undeniable longing, filled with regret as another beating commences. It would seem there is little recourse for the unique in this society who sell themselves and more besides just to be afforded a quiet life. Whereas happiness is a luxury reserved for others native to this land.
Martin Carr
