Ben Hawkins é recolhido por uma feira popular ambulante a caminho de um período nos arredores de mais uma empobrecida vila do Dust Bowl. As algemas e estranhos poderes espirituais de Ben preocupam um místico cego chamado Lodz, mas o diretor do dia-a-dia da feira popular, o diminuto Samson, insiste que Ben fique. A decisão irrita o principal montador de equipamentos Jones, que pressente que há química entre Ben e Sofie, uma leitora de Tarot de que Jones gosta. Entretanto, em Mintern, Califórnia, um pregador evangélico chamado Irmão Justin recebe um "sinal de Deus" que o deixa destroçado e atónito — e desperto para as possibilidades dos seus próprios poderes misteriosos.

Uma partida de Jones leva Ben a um pedaço do puzzle que é o seu passado. Entretanto, o Irmão Justin e a sua irmã Iris (que vive com ele em Mintern) estão a atravessar as suas próprias mudanças. Na feira popular, Sofie cuida da sua mãe psíquica e em coma, Apollonia, depois desta ter uma rixa com Ben.

Ben is the main attraction when Samson refashions the carnival as a religious revival to satisfy a town's moral underpinnings. Justin has a powerful ally in a fight against city hall. Sofie accompanies Ben on a journey into his past.

Jones looks to management when the crew turns mutinous. Appolonia is displeased with Sofie's romantic tastes. Justin faces a difficult choice between his congregations. Ben is tested by Lodz.

Samson tries to improve the troupe's spirits with a night of revelry. Ben has an enlightening experience at the bottom of a mineshaft. A group of miners is anxious for entertainment.

After a recent tragedy, Stumpy and Rita Sue debate their future in the carnival. In her brother's absence, Iris receives help from a radio reporter. Ben helps Ruthie with her act.

Lodz disagrees with Samson's decision to send Ben on a business trip for the carnival. A radio-show host tries to help find a wandering Justin. Sofie considers a career change.

Ben tries to escape his dreams by staying awake. Iris uses a radio ally to help locate Justin. Samson goes back to the drawing board to increase business.

Ben and Samson go in search of the mysterious Scudder. Sofie accuses her mother of foul play. Lodz waits patiently for Ben for fall asleep. Justin returns to Mintern with a new plan.

Rita Sue teaches a newcomer a few tricks of the trade. Balthus is nervous about Tommy Dolan's allegations. Lodz gets approval from Management to help Ben.

A distraught Ben finally meets with Management. In California, Balthus and Justin deal with the tragic undercurrents of their ministry. Stumpy and Rita Sue try to save their marriage. Samson must think fast when the law comes to the carnival.