The Daily Bros. Circus

Last night's episode of Carnivále, which featured (among its many subplots) a troupe of stranded carnie performers whose show had been burned down, will forever be known to fat admirers as The One With the Sideshow Fat Lady. Co-starring Lisa Brounstein in the small speaking role, the ep took advantage of her exuberant proportions in several camera shots, most memorably in a round table discussion between her (unnamed?) character and some of the show's female carnie regulars (including Debra Christoffersen's zaftig and unapologetically sexual bearded lady, Lila). In another scene, we see her holding onto a guy who, one can't help hoping, is her character's lover. A good number of sideshow fat ladies found husbands over the course of their careers on the road – FAs long before the term came into existence – so it's not at all unlikely.

With two exceptions, the troupe of stranded performers leaves for parts unknown at the end of the episode – tough news for those of us hoping to see a bit more of Lisa in the weeks ahead. You'd really think management would appreciate a good fat lady on the bill, though regular viewers know that the business of show takes second place in the world of Carnivále to broader, more apocalyptic concerns. So let's take what little footage of the divine Miz B. that we can get. I read where she has a role in an upcoming C.S.I.: let's hope that it isn't too Se7en-ish. . .