Carnival Row: Season 1, Episode 5 “Grieve No More” – Recap, Review (with Spoilers)

Read our Editorial Guidelines regarding how posts are written and rated and our use of affiliate links.

The truth behind Philo’s parentage is revealed as things begin to come to a boil in Imogen and Absalom’s life.

---

Network
Amazon Prime
Director(s)		Andy Goddard
Writer(s)		Ian Deitchman, Kristin Robinson
Air Date		8/30/2019
Introduced This Episode
Dr. Mornage	Gregory Gudgeon
Runyan	Simon McBurney
Young Philo	Ilian Gergisak
Young Aisling	Veronika Mackova

Images and text in this post may contain affiliate links which, if a purchase is made, we’ll earn money or products from the company. Affiliate links and external links have an upward facing, superscript, arrow.

Recap

How Low Our Family Has Fallen: Ezra, Imogen, Agreus

Imogran has been taking the lead on the Agreus deal, and Ezra has been still pursuing alternatives. Specifically a loan. However, with Imogen refusing, and him unable to bring himself to killing his sister, originally, he lets Imogen just tarnish her reputation. She wants to invite Agreus to the house for tea and invite the neighbors? That’s on her.

But, later on, he humbles himself. At a good time too. Agreus, after feeling pandered to by Imogen’s guests, he begins to get indignant, raises his voice even, but Ezra’s presence calms things. Thus leading to a partnership he may not have wanted, but one far better, and safer than with a banker.

Never Underestimate A Longerbane: Sophie, Jonah, Piety, Absalom

Because of the strange rules of the parliament system, a person’s child can inherit their position. So, Sophie steps in her father’s place and, based off the way she was in the last episode, you may think she is going to preach progressive values, integration and the likes – nope! She doubles down on what her father has said and, in front of his son, embarrasses Absalom like the election is but a month or two away.

This display? Oh, it makes Jonah fall in love. Maybe because his rebellious nature finds the idea of Sophie being a two for one special? She is his dad’s political adversary, and his mother would never approve? Also, considering he has an inkling feeling that his mom kidnapped him, it’s clear that her love is selfish and conditional. Never mind he may not be safe. So an ally in the opposition wouldn’t be a terrible idea. Much less, it would also provide him an escape from this prophecy which his mother dare says could make him king.

A Mother’s Lullaby: Young Aisling, Young Philo, Philo, Runyan, Dr. Mornage

With his former headmaster meeting the same fate as Aisling, so comes a trigger of memories for Philo. Be it, as a child, pretending he could fly, maybe the pain of losing his wings. However, the big thing is remembering a voice singing to him, Aisling’s voice, when he was a child. Leading to a series of events which lead to Philo learning Dr. Mornage was likely the one who cut his wings and part of the reason was to help him pass. Just as much as he, Dr. Mornage, and the headmaster, worked to pass as heterosexual males.

Leaving Runyan. At this point, Philo is sure Aisling is his mother, but who is Runyan? He was close to Aisling so what does he know? Well, unfortunately, between fines and his performers being deported, the two men don’t really get to speak this episode.

Oh, and we should note Dr. Mornage is killed by the Darkasher.

Review

Question(s) Left Unanswered

1. Is Runyan the father of Philo?
2. Were there ever issues over skin tone or did people never care?
3. What is life like outside of Burgue? Is it as tense with the fae migration?
4. When is the election?

Highlights

Philo’s Discovery Of His Past

The song young Aisling sang, for reasons I can’t fathom, got me emotional. Mind you, it isn’t like I’m heavily invested in Philo’s emotions or stories. He is just the de facto lead, and I follow his story because there is no choice in the matter. Yet, I’m starting to believe that my investment in Philo might be beyond him being one half of a relationship with Vignette. Though, with that said, I would say Gergisak and Mackova may deserve more credit than bloom for carrying the weight.

Sophie May Bring A Interest To This Political Angle

Politics on this show has been a necessary evil. We have to see those in power who allow Philo’s peers to be as they are and for the horrible conditions of citizens on Carnival Row. However, Sophie brings intrigue since she seems like a woman of action, someone who has something to prove. Likely for twisted, or selfish reasons. So maybe this will create a much-needed shot of adrenaline to this aspect of the show.

On The Fence

Agreus’ Pursuit Of Status

Where is this going? Is this supposed to be an up-close and personal view of how hard it is for fae to rise in human society? Is Agreus supposed to be seen as someone who only cares about himself and is a “Pick yourself up by your own bootstraps” kind of guy? What’s the end game since this storyline is sputtering a bit and Agreus making members of high society uncomfortable is already a mixed bag, and we just started.

[ninja_tables id=”38730″]

Follow, Like and Subscribe