Ep 1. Some Dark God Wakes

Carnival Row is an epic fantasy series set in the Victorian-inspired city of Burgue, where mythical creatures of all kinds live alongside humans. The Test Season 1 Episode 1, titled "Some Dark God Wakes," introduces viewers to the world of Carnival Row and its inhabitants.

The episode begins with the arrival of a ship carrying a group of refugees from the faerie homeland, who are seeking asylum in Burgue. The refugees are met with hostility and discrimination from the human locals, who fear the magical creatures and blame them for the city's problems.

Amidst this tension, we meet our two main protagonists: Rycroft Philostrate (played by Orlando Bloom), a human detective with a dark past, and Vignette Stonemoss (played by Cara Delevingne), a faerie who has followed her people to Burgue. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, Philo and Vignette share a complicated history that is gradually revealed throughout the episode.

As Philo investigates a string of brutal murders that have been committed against faeries in the city, Vignette struggles to adjust to life on Carnival Row and begins working as a waitress at a local tavern. Meanwhile, we are introduced to other key players in the story, including Imogen Spurnrose (played by Tamzin Merchant) and her brother Ezra (played by Andrew Gower), two wealthy human siblings whose family is struggling financially. Imogen becomes embroiled in a romance with Agreus Astrayon (played by David Gyasi), a faun who has purchased a mansion in Burgue's wealthy district and is facing discrimination from his human neighbors.

Throughout the episode, we see flashes of the larger political and social tensions at play in the city, with hints of a brewing revolution among the faerie community and a corrupt government conspiring against them. As the investigation into the murders unfolds, Philo and Vignette's paths begin to cross once again, leading to a tense confrontation at the episode's climax.

Overall, "Some Dark God Wakes" sets the stage for an immersive and complex world full of layered characters and political intrigue. The episode introduces viewers to the many players in this game of power and survival, hinting at the larger conflicts to come. Carnival Row promises to be a thrilling and thought-provoking series for fans of fantasy and drama alike.