Episode 2 of Carnival Row's captivating second season, aptly titled "New Dawn," kicks off with Agreus reassuring Imogen with a steely confidence that their wealth would shield them from the Pact's wrath, turning a blind eye to the looming danger. Their optimism remains unbroken as they approach Ragusa, a port marred by war's scars, its skies cluttered with the ominous presence of warships.
As they venture forth, the stark contrast of Ragusa's facade unfolds before their eyes, where rebels skulk about their ship, their leader's voice echoing with a chilling familiarity as he addresses Imogen as "Majesty," commanding her abduction.
Meanwhile, Vignette and Philo's heated debate over Anders' murder escalates, Vignette insistent that the Black Raven had no hand in it. Philo, fueled by a resolve to expose the truth, reveals his plan to out himself at the state banquet, to which Vignette pleads for him to reconsider, warning of imprisonment or worse. Her pleas fall on deaf ears as Philo turns away, determined, leaving Vignette to plead one final time, only to be met with a stern admonition to stay hidden.
In the heart of Ragusa, Imogen finds herself ushered through a clandestine portal, where the veil of prejudice is lifted, revealing a harmonious tapestry of supernaturals and humans coexisting with joy and vibrancy. The sight of a loving fae-human couple leaves her bewildered, until she's ushered into a house where Leonora, a faun cook with a broken horn and a cynical demeanor, awaits. Imogen voices her concerns about the Pact's sinister nature, but Leonora dismisses them, boasting of a revolution that has transformed the country's heart.
In a moment of taunting, Leonora mocks Imogen's affection for Agreus, prompting a fierce defense from Imogen who demands to see him. Back at the port, Agreus finds himself in a confrontational standoff with a rebel, branded a class traitor, who liberates the human crew members from their servitude. The aftermath is grim; Agreus is apprehended and sentenced to execution, while the ship's officers perish, save for a timely intervention by a maid that spares Agreus' life.
In the bustling city of Burgue, Jonah extends a warm welcome to the esteemed Pact ambassador, who brings grim tidings. The ambassador divulges that a formidable resistance, dubbed the New Dawn, a coalition of humans and supernatural beings, is mounting a relentless campaign to seize control of their nation. Millworthy's keen eye instantly recognizes a Major Vir among their ranks and inquires about the Pact's strategies, which chillingly unfold as a plot to eradicate the New Dawn with the aid of Burguish rifles, their deadly long-range precision weapons.
Jonah's annoyance simmers as Sophie, ever the pragmatic voice, urges him to lend support to the Pact, arguing that in times of war, a chancellor's position is unassailable. She further proposes arming the resistance, a cunning move that would occupy the Pact's attention, allowing Burgue to seize Tirnanoc from their grasp while they are distracted. Jonah is both impressed and torn, pondering the likelihood of Parliament's approval for such a daring plan.
Meanwhile, Philo embarks on a mission to Boz, seeking a favor that he believes will turn the tide. Boz, enigmatic as ever, presents him with a key to an enigmatic locked cart and vanishes into the shadows. Inside, Philo's shock is palpable as he beholds Darius, transformed into a werewolf in broad daylight, a grotesque sight that defies all natural laws.
Elsewhere, Vignette's indignation boils over as she rails against Philo's perceived flawed plan to Kaine, her companion. Her concerns deepen when Kaine inquires about Anders' whereabouts, and he drops a hint that Dahlia might have orchestrated Anders' demise, framing Vignette in the process.
Sophie hurries home, navigating through a labyrinth of locked doors, her mission to bring sustenance to her faun friend, Nilly. She shares their financial status, assuring Nilly that with the sale of more assets, they possess the means to execute their plan. Sophie's voice is laced with hope as she reveals their quest to find Nilly's brother, a journey they embark upon with unwavering conviction that all will be well in the end.
At Boz's treacherous pit, Philo confronts a human form of Darius, his mood soured by the delay in his escape from prison. Darius reveals that the officers' experiments, fueled by their discovery of his Pact-weapon inflicted bite, have left him scarred. Their initial animosity gives way to a tentative alliance as Philo outlines his daring strategy, igniting a spark of hope amidst the darkness.
Sophie convenes with the factory proprietors within her party's ranks, men who harbor a deep resentment towards Jonah's policies, viewing the fae as mere cheap labor. She artfully proposes to augment her stake in their enterprises, dangling the prospect of a substantial investment as bait. With a subtle wink, she implies that she wields the influence to sway Jonah's decision, allowing the fae to resume their roles in the factories—a vital necessity as they embark on arming the Pact with rifles, a task that craves their skilled labor.
At the clinic, hidden away in the Row, Vignette's heart wrenches at the sight of Oona's agony, spurring her into action. Conjuring a daring strategy, she enlists Kaine in what could be their final stand against the oppressive Burgue. Just as their plan takes shape, Tourmaline's world lurches once more, plunging her into a vivid vision. In it, Dahlia's voice echoes, scornfully labeling Vignette a fool, before a chilling scene unfolds: one of her soldiers is slain by an unknown, ominous force. Tourmaline snaps back to reality, horrified to discover that her unwitting hand has once again claimed the life of an innocent creature within Aoife's sanctuary.
In the Pact, Agreus shudders with dread as soldiers usher Imogen towards him, announcing their intention to house them with two other families as a makeshift arrangement until a ransom can secure their freedom. Imogen's revelation about Leonara and her devious test involving the whispers of New Dawn stuns Agreus, his eyes widening in surprise at the mention of the enigmatic figure.
Elsewhere, Tourmaline seeks solace at the feet of a wise Mima, confiding in her the strange occurrence of Aoife's spirit inhabiting her own. The Mima's gaze delves deep into Tourmaline's psyche, uncovering the truth: Aoife's powers have been bestowed upon her. With a solemn warning, the Mima counsels Tourmaline to tread carefully, mindful of the weighty responsibilities that now rest upon her shoulders.
Elsewhere, Vignette boldly ventured into the lair of the Black Raven, advocating for a daring strike during the state banquet, even at the cost of lives. Dahlia concurred, yet she asserted her intention to spearhead the operation, misunderstanding Vignette's attempt to shield her from harm as a challenge to her leadership. Heartbroken, Vignette retreated to her abode, only to find Philo's absence, tears streaming down her face as she realized he was gone.
Meanwhile, Philo and Millworthy converged at the grand state banquet, their paths diverging once more. In a separate corner, Ezra weaved a tale of Imogen's abduction by a mischievous faun, eliciting empathy from all who listened. Just as Philo prepared to make his announcement, the Black Raven burst in, Dahlia at their forefront, delivering a scathing speech that exposed the deplorable conditions of the Row. They unveiled the tragic fate of Oona and the Bas Dubh illness, causing Jonah's revulsion as Oona's ailing wings were revealed. In a fit of rage, Dombey ended Oona's suffering, igniting Kaine's fury, which Dahlia swiftly quelled.
Amidst the turmoil, Major Vir caught sight of Millworthy interrupting Philo and slipping away. As Philo finally arrived home, Vignette rushed to embrace him, her relief palpable. He queried her about Dahlia's involvement, revealing it was her scheme. His anger flared momentarily, only to be extinguished by a tender kiss. Yet, under the cover of night, Philo lay awake, tracing the ominous Black Raven mark on Vignette's skin, his thoughts heavy. Suddenly, Kaine appeared, leading them to a chilling sight—Dahlia's and her guard's heads mounted on the wall, mirroring the grim vision Tourmaline had witnessed.
