The fantasy series, Carnival Row, is back for a second series, the first two episodes are available now on Prime Video and new episodes will be added on Friday.

Orlando Bloom (The Lord of the Rings) and Cara Delevingne (Anna Karenina) star in Carnival Row, a Victorian fantasy world filled with mythological immigrant creatures whose rich homelands were invaded by the empires of man.

This growing immigrant population struggles to coexist with humans in the grimiest section of the city, forbidden to live, love, or fly with freedom. But even in darkness, hope lives, as a human detective, Rycroft Philostrate (Bloom), and a refugee faerie named Vignette Stonemoss (Delevingne) rekindle a dangerous affair despite an increasingly intolerant society.

Vignette harbours a secret that endangers Philostrate’s standing during his most important case yet: a string of gruesome murders threatening the uneasy peace of the Row. As Philostrate’s investigates, he reveals an unimaginable monster.

In a fantasy world where humans and creatures clash, Season Two of Carnival Row picks up with former inspector Rycroft Philostrate or Philo investigating a series of gruesome murders stoking social tension.

Vignette Stonemoss and the Black Raven plot payback for the unjust oppression inflicted by The Burgue’s human leaders, Jonah Breakspear (Arty Froushan) and Sophie Longerbane (Caroline Ford).

Tourmaline (Karla Crome) inherits supernatural powers that threaten her fate and the future of The Row. And, after escaping The Burgue and her vengeful brother Ezra (Andrew Gower), Imogen Spurnrose (Tamzin Merchant) and her partner Agreus Astrayon (David Gyasi) encounter a radical new society which upends their plans.

With humans and fae folk divided and freedom on the line, each hero will face impossible dilemmas and soul-defining tests in the epic conclusion of Carnival Row.

I was quite surprised that Carnival Row was given a second series I thought the first series was a bit bland.

The fae homeland is called Tirnanoc, which in Celtic mythology, the land of Tír na nÓg translates to land of the young, is a magical land of eternal youth.

Some of the effects in this were pretty poor especially in the flying scenes, they might as well have left the green screen behind them it was quite poorly blended together given the quality, we are used with seeing.

The storyline is pretty good and most of the acting is okay, Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne are particularly good in the lead role and add a touch of Hollywood class to the series.

This series is sort of like Jack the Riper in a fantasy setting, with a lot of political intrigue and class struggles.

I even think people who are not fans of fantasy generally can relate to these struggles.

It feels quite relevant that the series has been released with the racial tensions in the US and immigration issues in the UK in the headlines recently.

Carnival Row is based on the novel A Killing on Carnival Row by Travis Beacham.

My Rating: 7/10