Review of Freakshow

When Todd and Danielle Ray agreed to allow the Venice Beach Freakshow to be filmed for television, little did they know of the positive and inspiring effect that they would have upon the world. This show is beautiful, its magical, its wondrous and inspiring. It centers around the Ray family and their "extended" family, the performers. The Freakshow itself is magnificent: sword swallowers of many different varieties, fire-eaters, contortionists, fakirs, strongmen, beautiful little people, a bearded lady, Grady III (also known as Lobster Boy), a beautifully tattooed/pierced gentleman who has to be seen to be believed, and many other living wonders of the world. If that isn't enough, the show also boasts the largest collection of two-headed animals on the planet, and a two-headed baby (displayed with respect and awe for the gentleman from whom they acquired it). Respect is a very important theme throughout this show. Todd and Danielle promote love and self-acceptance. They embrace the word "Freak" and try to instill a sense of pride in their performers. Its all about nurturing your own special gifts and feeling good about being unique. I cheer for their triumphs, and cry right along with them when they're hurting. The situation with Creature and his daughter was very emotional for many of us, as was Morgue's social anxiety, Asia's determination to learn sword-swallowing, Ali and Matt's beautiful wedding, Jessa and George's journey to self-acceptance, and much more. I cannot stress how truly BEAUTIFUL this show is. Its a triumph of the human spirit.