Ranking Every Major Performance In Carnival Row

While Andrew Gower’s Ezra Spurnrose was a bit of a wasted villain, Jamie Harris’ (brother of co-star Jared) Sergeant Dombey definitely wasn’t. A proper, pantomime style boo-worthy villain, Dombey is the racist, authoritarian police officer who first needles at protagonist Philo’s investigation before outright arresting him for murders he didn’t commit.

Again, the racial symbolism of Carnival Row’s Critch = Immigrant themes are a little heavy, but Harris is completely believable in his caricature. The anti Critch meeting Philo catches him at has the nasty undertones of an EDL style gathering, and Harris mixes ignorance, smugness and brute force together brilliantly.

Harris’ villain grows in stature as the series goes on, going from a background nuisance to a major force for evil. After Piety’s death in the finale and the newly created Critch internment camps (again, the metaphor is not subtle), Dombey will likely have an even greater role next season.

Though he does lay it on a little thick at times, that’s perfect for Carnival Row’s sensibilities. With less screen time than many of the cast and a limited impact on the story, Harris still turns in one of the best performances.