Episode 6 of Carnival Row commences with a jarring revelation: Rycroft's arrival at Morange's abode, only to stumble upon the gruesome sight of his mutilated corpse. Haunted by fleeting glimpses of the past, he's tasked with unearthing a nefarious connection amidst these gruesome remains, lest it be too late. Concealing Morange's true fate, Rycroft finds himself under intense scrutiny as fellow officers uncover that Morange was last seen outside the Pix brothel, shrouded in mystery.
Amidst the aftermath of Ritter's tragic demise, Jonas spies Sophie, his daughter cloaked in grief, engaging in a poignant discussion about the town's dwindling state. Meanwhile, Absalom remains engrossed in his duties, oblivious to the intricate dance of deception unfolding around him. Sophie, her mournful facade slipping when alone, confesses her false sorrow, revealing a calculated charade. Jonas's sudden appearance forces them into a tense interrogation, their words weaving a web of subterfuge until she boldly declares her liberation from parental bonds, a liberty he lacks.
Determined to be candid with Portia, Rycroft ventures home, where he sits beside her on the bed, baring his soul. He unburdens himself, confessing the weight of his secret—that he is half-fae. Her reaction is a stark contrast of shock and revulsion, as she recoils from him, demanding his departure. With no other haven in sight, he seeks solace with Darius, who immediately detects the lingering scent of the fae upon him. Upon learning of Rycroft's confession to Portia, Darius's anger boils over, cursing his friend's impulsive honesty. For if she were to divulge this truth, it would not only shatter Rycroft's career but also condemn him to a fate far worse—death.
Vignette, fueled by a yearning for answers, ventures into an exhibition, a sanctuary strictly forbidden to faes. Within its confines, she stumbles upon paintings and artifacts, each a poignant reminder of wars long past. As painful memories resurface, a group of humans enters, their laughter echoing through the halls until Vignette, fueled by righteous indignation, confronts them, rising as a beacon of defiance. Yet, her bold stance lands her in the clutches of the law, arrested amidst the chaos she sought to confront.
As Agreus gracefully arrives by Imogen's side, the duo strides into the exhibition, their entrance echoing anticipation. Amidst a bristly exchange with a wealthy duo, Agreus outmaneuvers the man in a bidding war for a painting, subsequently divulging to Imogen the profound reason behind his action. As their bond deepens, Imogen's defenses crumble, and the gentle whispers of nascent romance flutter through the air, invigorating the moment.
Elsewhere, Rycroft's heartfelt discourse with Runyan about Aisling and the bygone era is punctuated by his sorrow over the stringent immigration laws that have led to the deportation of his cherished puppets. A glimmer of hope arises as he learns of a benevolent watchmaker who might hold the keys to his questions. However, the shadows betray him as one of the police officers sneaks after him, curiosity burning bright.
Dombey's direct approach to Portia unravels the truth about Rycroft's lineage, and the police swiftly deduce his guilt in the murders, using the Darkarsher as a veil for his nefarious schemes. With vengeance in their hearts and weapons at their sides, they descend upon the streets, unbeknownst to Rycroft who is abruptly apprehended and handcuffed by the authorities. As he's led away, Rycroft dares to confront his captors, a showdown that underscores the drama's newfound urgency.
This episode marks a triumphant departure from the previous installment's leisurely pace, replaced by a taut narrative that propels the story forward with finesse. Though the characters' individual arcs may still be in their nascent stages, and the portrayal of racism, particularly Agreus' aura, could have been handled with subtler strokes, Carnival Row once again delivers an exhilarating chapter, culminating in a breathtaking twist that widens the horizons for the series' future trajectories.
