Customer Reviews

Harper's Island Season 1

5 star:		(54)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

We are so hooked on this show it isn't funny, which must be a tribute to the writing and the direction. The producers certainly know how to get you going, though it takes a few episodes before they can start reeling you in and playing you the way they want to.

At the very beginning there are too many characters--if you have ever seen Robert Altman's film A Wedding some of this will look familiar, but add into it a maritime setting, a fantastic yacht, and a culture of working class people trained to anticipate the needs of the wealthy, and you have a recipe for tension right there, and that's before you get the murders going. The families of Trish Wellington (Katie Cassidy) and Henry Dunn (Christopher Gorham, often looking oddly like lean, lanky, nutty Anthony Perkins) invite you to a destination wedding, one held at Harper's Island somewhere in the Puget Sound, where you will be staying at the incredibly glamorous Candlewick Inn, but there will be plenty of time for slumming and seeing how the other half live.

Chief among the main characters is our heroine, played by Elaine Cassidy, the Irish actress who made a splash in Atom Egoyan's Felicia's Journey ten years back. As Abby, the daughter of the local sheriff (Jim Beaver), Cassidy plays the tragic survivor of a mass murder that rocked the island seven years ago. Could the killer, John Wakefield, thought to have been shot down by Abby's dad, still be alive? Has he gone back to his ways of hanging his victims from the trees? For many episodes Fate and the unseen killer arrange it so that one by one, victims die but nobody really realizes it, thinking they have just gone back to Seattle and will return for the wedding ceremony. That got a little hard to swallow, but during this period we began to sort out who was who, who's sleeping with who, who resents the power of who, who seems irretrievably scarred by the earlier murders, and something of the sociology. Now we know the characters and it hurts when one of them dies.

The show's gory in spots, soapy in others. So violent is it that the individual episodes are named after comic book signifiers ("Ka-Boom," "Thwack," etc) and after a few weeks you learn to wait for the act of violence each one stands for. The "Sizzle" is particularly gruesome, though nothing yet matches the shocking death that takes place in the island's lovely old church. I still get headaches when I think about that one! Every cliché of this kind of slasher film is rehearsed here, but expertly and often with a twist. Even the one where a medium reads the heroine's Tarot cards and suddenly sees something in them too horrible to put into words and she runs out of the room mumbling, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." -Like the beginning of Agnes Varda's Cleo from 5 to 7!

"Harper's Island" mimics the basic plot of Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None" with a heavier emphasis on gore. This slasher series was a gamble for CBS that may not have been a ratings success, but it's enjoyable nonetheless providing some genuine thrills, episodes jam-packed with suspense, and more surprisingly, endearing character development.

The series is a self-contained 13-episode murder mystery event, which means all loose ends are tied up and most questions answered within its thirteen episode run. Networks should embrace this formula more often as it discourages the many filler episodes that plague so many other shows that have been on air for seasons. Since there is no second or third season, producers don't feel the need to continually provide more questions (and no answers) to string viewers along for years. More often than not, these shows often get canceled before viewers get a chance to have their loyalty rewarded with a satisfying conclusion. "Harper's Island," while flawed, is an extremely enjoyable, and intense series with more heart than you would expect from a slasher television show. Sure this isn't Shakespeare, but there is more to the characters than your typical "Friday the 13th" installment.

The show revolves around a wedding party held on an island--eventually, characters (and wedding guests) start dying off in gruesomely creative ways, while those remaining are either fighting for their survival or serve as suspects. Episode titles are in onomatopoeia form, which gives viewers a hint at how one or more unlucky character will bite the dust in any given episode (i.e. Thwack, Splash). CBS billed this series as a Survivor-esque meets "Scream" format--meaning, each week one (or more) character is murdered, narrowing down the field of potential suspects before the ultimate reveal at the end.

The show does it have its flaws--the first few episodes are a bit uneven in quality as the producers try to set up character motives and various plot points. There are too many characters that only serve as slasher fodder in the beginning, but it doesn't take long, before the series dives into a suspenseful tour-de-force that never eases up until the last reel. Those characters who manage to live past the first five episodes or so, grow on viewers who will find themselves genuinely interested in the various characters' fates.

A keen viewer will most likely be able to guess the killer's identity before the reveal, but it doesn't make this show any less enjoyable. The cast is pretty much superb offering stellar performances, my favorite being Katie Cassidy of "Supernatural" fame. Slasher series in the past have been derailed by critics who have denounced the films' lack of character development. The advantage of this series is that the characters and stories evolve over a 13 episode timespan, which gives the viewers at home more than enough time to bond and become attached to the various characters. For example, one character may seen vapid and uninteresting in episode one, but towards the end, he or she is fully fleshed out and sympathetic to those watching at home.

The island locale is also very engaging. The scenary is beautiful to look at, with any normal person not hesitating to spend a great vacation there--yet once the characters realize they're in danger, they're stranded on the island and must fight for survival. Pretty soon, the island's most valuable assets--the beautiful woods, the various tunnels and hiding places, and overall seclusion--become the characters' nightmares come true. In the beginning, the deaths of minor supporting characters don;t resonate much with viewers--however, as the series progresses, likable and viewer favorites meet their demise, which I guarantee will prompt an emotional reaction from those watching at home.

While there are flaws scattered throughout the show, and while not every plot twist and turn is original or even unpredictable, I can't bring myself to rate this show less than 5 stars because it was ambitious and extremely enjoyable from beginning to end--the editing is tight and suspensful with never a boring moment in sight, and with a show that's billed a slasher murder mystery series, no right-minded viewer goes in with expectations that they're about to witness a philosophical character study of John Malkovich proportions. Simply pop your popcorn, lay back on the couch and enjoy this awesome guilty pleasure show.

The biggest turn on? Well, I found myself actually sad when the very last scene ended, which reminded me of two things: a) I had become emotionally invested in characters of a slasher series and b) a good show, even if it's flawed, will always leave you wanting more and not less. I couldn't ask for much more. I recommend "Harper's Island" with high enthusiasm.

Just finished watching the finale and this show was amazing. I was originally concerned with the pre-reviews saying too bloody for the Agatha Christie crowd not bloody enough for the Friday the 13th crowd. Well what about the crowd that just appreciates a well written murder mystery. The characters were all very endearing. The story grew darker each week. The "soap opera" element only helped to create characters that the viewer cared about. Alot of the deaths were creative and the plot twists were intriguing. Ultimately, the payoff was tense and thrilling. I can hardly wait to rewatch this excellent show on dvd. Thank you to CBS for airing this outstanding show!

I apologize in advance for a lengthy review, but I feel there's a lot that needs to be said about this. For starters, I would give this much higher than 5 stars if the option were available.

I watched this show on television from week to week, hating the long weekly wait before I got my Harper's fix. I admit the first few episodes are very characteristic of a soap opera with all the typical "good-looking" characters and back stories and just the way it played out overall. So yes, at first it was a guilty pleasure. What can I say though, the characters were very likable from the start and I was intrigued with the premise and promise of weekly murder that would add to the mystery. However, after a few episodes it stopped being a guilty pleasure as it was a truly suspenseful (and yes, violent) murder mystery. Every week we got a more in depth look at the characters and were constantly trying to figure out who the killer might be. I honestly can't recall having so much fun watching television in...well forever.

I know some would say this is a Friday the 13th ripoff, but please don't insult this series by comparing it to the likes of F13. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Friday the 13th movies ever since I was younger, but this isn't very much like those at all. This is more complex with a well scripted story. Yes, there is a deranged killer on the loose dispatching the wedding guests in various, gruesome ways. But that's as far as the similarities go. If you go to see Friday the 13th, expect some mindless fun with some cheap scares and pretty pathetic acting and script. If you watch Harper's Island, expect a fantastic story, fantastic character drama, and exceptional acting (for the most part) that would rival if not surpass most of what you could even see in movies that make it to theaters.

I absolutely had to read the one star reviews on this to see how ANYONE could possibly consider this ONE STAR. The general consensus between ALL of those reviewers was either that this was too violent, or that reality television is better. Reality television is better?!?!?!? Need I say more? As far as the violence goes, YES, this is extremely violent compared to what viewers would normally see on prime-time television. There's no excuses for that, and the producers didn't try to make any. They were simply making it more horrific and suspenseful by showing just how deranged the killer is to be setting up such elaborate killings for the guests. I for one didn't think it was overboard, especially considering the other kind of muck they allow on television. It's rather hypocritical to say this was too violent and not have a problem with other shows that flaunt promiscuous behaviors, foul language, 2/3 butt/breast visibility, and a whole host of other things that are too far removed from what should be allowed on network television. And that's just standard channels. I won't even describe the kinds of filth I've seen on cable channels like Comedy Central or the likes.

That argument aside, I truly can't say enough good things about this show. It actually plays a lot less like a show and more like a nine or ten hour movie. So yes it's lengthy, but it's only one season long and you know the whole time there will be closure at the end of the story. As far as the horror genre goes, I actually like this SHOW better than almost ANY horror MOVIE I've ever seen. It's truly amazing. And yes, there are some plot holes and a few moments where you're wondering just what those fodder-worthy characters are thinking, but what movie/show doesn't have some moments like that?

I thought the cinematography, writing, directing, setting, and most of the acting was about as perfect as any horror outing can hope to achieve. There were a few characters who weren't quite up to par with the rest as far as acting, but then there were some truly exceptional performances that you just don't expect to see on a television show. Among those with great performances were the characters of Henry, Trish, Shane, Richard, Mr. Wellington, Sully, Cal, Shea, etc... I was also pretty impressed (though to a slightly lesser extent) with Chloe, Abby, Malcolm, Danny, etc... Like I said though, there were a few weaker performances, but I won't go into that cause they weren't AWFUL, and when you're watching you'll be able to spot them rather easily anyway.

In case you're not aware already, the setting is Harper's Island. More specifically, the Candlewick Inn and surrounding areas for the most part. The wedding for Henry And Trish is being held and all the guests have arrived. However, someone is killing the guests and other members of the wedding party one by one in the same manner that the notorious serial killer John Wakefield killed his victims on the same island just seven years before. You as the viewer have 13 episodes (actually 11 or 12 since the killer is revealed before the finale) to figure out who the killer is. Maybe less if you're good at that sort of thing. Or maybe not at all if you just want to enjoy the mystery as it goes along.

I watched this once when it first aired and loved every minute of it. I watched it again on Netflix last month over the course of a week. It was just as good as I remembered, if not better the second time around. I can see myself watching this many more times to come as it is just THAT good. It's the kind of show you want to not only watch over again, but tell others about and share the fun with them too. This is truly destined to be a cult classic, though to some it's already an instant classic.

Initially, the thought was to renew this for a second season if it did well, just with a different cast and setting and of course a new murder mystery to solve. However, ratings weren't great and so that idea went right out the window. Taken as it is; a one season spectacle; I'm more than happy with the end result. Of course, I certainly wouldn't argue if there were to be a Harper's season 2, so long as they could put together another finely crafted murder mystery. Maybe the producers/networks will realize that ratings aren't everything and if you give a show time it WILL eventually catch on (unless of course it's just dreadfully awful). Long story short, give this a shot if you can stomach the ample violence because it's well worth the watch. Television (and cinema in general) at it's finest. 10/10

Why is it that shows like Harper's Island and Supernatural are so fantastic and yet so little hyped. Even TV Guide, in their review of Harper's Island, panned it so badly that I almost didn't watch episode 1. Boy, am I glad I did, as this has become our Saturday night "must see" TV.
It's a bit slow going at first, because there are so many characters to sort out and learn to know. However, be patient. By episode 3 or 4, things start coming together and it's a gory thrill ride from then on out. Now with only a 2 hour season finale left to watch, the character's we've come to know and love are even more special to us viewers, so that when the kill comes, it's very gut-wrenching to watch.

This show is definately a DVD purchase I will be making on September 8th!

Wow! This is three (or four) years in a row that that CBS took a chance on unique, well written, well acted shows and failed to find an audience.

They had the sensational Jericho (brought back for a limited 2nd season) the fantastic Swingtown, and this year, the exciting Harpers Island.

None of them found an audience in the numbers needed to continue production, which is truly too bad. Harpers is great, if a bit gory - the storyline was created to be a bit of a puzzle. It will keep you guessing!

I look forward to enjoying all the episodes again, when this arrives on DVD - I can easily imagine enjoying this with friends and family over a long weekend!

Top-notch all the way!

In the summer of 2009, CBS tried its hand at some original programming by airing HARPER'S ISLAND. The concept of the show was that of a murder mystery that would last for only 13 episodes and by the end of the 13th episode a complete story would be told. The cast of characters was large, but each week one by one the characters would be killed by a murderer who was one of the characters on the island; basically it's an updating of Agatha Christie's 10 LITTLE INDIANS with a little bit of gore & sex thrown in for good measure as well as a few clichés of the horror genre.

Trish Wellington (Katie Cassidy) and Henry Dunn (Christopher Gorham) are getting married at the place the met as kids, Harper's Island. Henry came from a working class family and only spent his summers on the island while Trish was from the very wealthy, prestigious, and respected Wellington clan. It's the classic story of the poor boy from the other side of the tracks falling in love with the well-to-do uptown girl. The wedding couple has decided to be married at Harper's Island because that is where they first met. However, Harper's Island isn't the happy place of their childhood. Seven years ago a serial killer named John Wakefield murdered six people on the island before being shot by the local sheriff. One of his victim's was the mother of Abby Mills (Elaine Cassidy), Henry Dunn's best friend. The wedding party and guests arrive one by one to the Wellington yacht in the Seattle harbor that will ferry them away to Harper's Island. However, before the boat leaves we discover one guest has not yet arrived and before the first commercial break the missing guests meets his doom and becomes victim #1. As the show progresses, we learn that almost everyone in the wedding party has a secret. These secrets are revealed throughout the 13 episodes and as they are uncovered the number of possible suspects increases. Of course, this only lasts so long as one by one the possible suspects are killed off, too.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed HARPER'S ISLAND. I recently watched the entire series over a two-day period while I was sick and recuperating in bed. I had intended to take more time to watch the series, but after the first few episodes, I was completely sucked in. I was most impressed by the deep level of character development for most of the characters in the series. The horror genre is not known for having great characters; in most horror stories the characters are staple caricatures or archetypes: the boyfriend, the beauty queen, the jock, the good girl, the outcast, etc. Initially, since there's such a larger cast (there are 25 major characters at the beginning), HARPER'S ISLAND begins this way. However, things don't stay this way for long. After the first three episodes or so, each of the characters evolve from being a caricature into a fully-formed character that acts like a real life person. Some of the character arcs that take place are extremely emotional and moving.

There's a little gore and some sex, but since the show aired on network television, it's relatively light. Until later in the show most of the deaths occur off screen; people are killed in violent ways, but through the magic of sound effects you don't see what actually happens but you know what happened. Sound is a huge element as illustrated by the title of each episode being onomatopoeia; for example "Twack", "Ka-Boom", etc.

I really enjoyed HARPER'S ISLAND. The show does contain some of the basic horror clichés and there's a little bit of typical horror cheese-dialogue in each episode. However, the overall story and the development of the characters makes for a great viewing experience. CBS would have had a major hit on their hands if they had aired the show in the fall instead of trying to use it as summer filler. It's a show that I think as time goes on, more and more people will be wondering why another variation of the series has never aired.

For a tv show that only lasted for 13 episodes, the DVD includes a ton of extras including four episodes with commentary from the producers and actors, tv promo spots, four featurettes, and the entire 16 webisodes of the "Harper's Globe" series that parallels the story of HARPER'S ISLAND. "Harper's Globe" isn't anywhere near the quality of the tv show, but it does provide a little bit of exposition (we actually get to meet the 1st victim of Harper's Island) and increase the overall body count. There's also at least one deleted or extended scene for six of the episodes. One of the most interesting things that I discovered in watching the series was that other than a few exceptions, none of the actors knew when they would be leaving the show until the week the script that their character was killed off was released. There are regular tv shows that have been on for years that don't have as many extra features in all of their season sets combined as HARPER'S ISLAND has in its one season.

First off, I will agree with the people who said that this show was very bloody. But, it's a murder mystery and being someone who watches CSI and Bones on a regular basis, I guess that fact didn't bother me that much (as scarey as that sounds to people...I know, it scares me too).

But, this show was very entertaining to watch. I love Agatha Christie books and this show just resembled And Then There Were None so much (my favorite one) that it just added to my enjoyment.

The not-so-lucky 13 episode show follows the story of a group of friends and family that returns to Harper's Island, years after John Wakefield committed a horrible mass murder, for the wedding of Henry (Christopher Gorham Ugly Betty - The Complete First Season) and Trish (Katie Cassidy When a Stranger Calls). Slowly, however, members of their group start being killed off by something unknown...or could it be the ghost of John Wakefield, back to finish what he started all those years ago?

It felt like the show was dragging on and on and it took people too long to realize that there were people actually dying all around them...not leaving the island to go back home (as they like to keep telling themselves).

Excellent and kinda creepy twist at the end and I was very happy that I watched the whole show, despite the drop in ratings. The fact that the actors, while filming the episodes, didn't even know who the killer was just made it seem even more believable. They were all scared and wanted answers.

Okay, I'll start off with the clear acknowledgment... this is NOT Masterpiece Theatre. There. Now with that admission out of the way, I cannot emphasize enough how much we all loved this show! Let me define "we": my junior high aged daughter, my 2 high school sons, my 20-something year old male co-worker, my 30-something year old fiance who HATES scary movies, an assortment of middle-aged ladies who work in my office, and me who loves reading thrillers and true-crime but hasn't watched a slasher movie since the Nightmare on Elm Street era of my youth.
Harper's Island had enough gore for my kids to be riveted and enough character development (after the first few episodes) for those of us who covered our face when Uncle Marty crossed the bridge! Like an old-fashioned serial, you truly spent the week between each show wondering what that last plot twist could possibly mean and all of us had a slew of opinions on "whodunit".
We had most of the episodes DVR'd since CBS did such an abysmal job of scheduling, promoting, and supporting this show. It was like playing "hide and seek" with the viewers just to watch each episode... very unfair! However, the recorded episodes let us go back after the finale and watch for things we missed or, more often, misinterpreted! We are so glad to have the entire series in one place. Love it, love it, love it!

Despite the bad reviews Harpers Island has gotten,and the appauling time slots it was put in, hence making people think it is again a bad series, I found it to be THE best series I have viewed. From episode 1 I was hooked, and I couldnt wait every week for it to air, I downloaded them all in a week. The last 4 episodes I watched back to back, I just couldnt stop watching! The suspense, thrill, horror and scare it provided every episode were amazing. Supernatural has come close, but I have never seen a tv show as scary as Harpers Island. This kind of scare quality I have only seen in movies. The story line was so intriguing and well written, so suspensful, your guessing every second, sitting on the edge of your seat. The last episode I found really sad, especially the last 5 minutes! I ended up feeling sorry for the killer!
This purchase is money well spent!