User reviews

This series has moderate acting talent, a constraint that scenes need to be viewable on a mainstream channel, and a budget that doesn't allow much (any?) CGI.

It is about relatively attractive people dying 'one by one'.

So if this were a movie it would likely end up with a 5.2 rating.

Instead it is an entertaining series that very successfully keeps the basic premise ticking along nicely for thirteen episodes. There are sufficient plots twists and they keep flowing all the way through to the last episode.

In a series of this nature there is no point trying to plug EVERY possible hole in the script, but they do an admirable job. If you are prepared to go in with a positive viewpoint you will find this great fun.

I watched the show a 2nd time after 10 years, and i liked even more, probably because the genre of slasher isn't so much aprecciated today, or maybe because the shows have been so bad in the last years that i've learn how to aprecciate these classics.

Harper's island is a true slasher, nothing more, and nothing else, and for those who love movies like Scream or I Know What You Did Last Summer, you'll definetely love this show, it has all a good slasher has to have, a serial killer with a past and motive, mistery, final girl, paranoia, always misleading, more than one kill per episode, this is a classic.

The Harper's Island is an Island where 7years ago sociopath John Wakefield brutally murdered 6women. Now, Henry comes back to the island where he spent his whole childhood with his fiancée to get married there. The guests include the family from both sides, best friends and especially one, a woman whose mother was one of those 6women, then. She's the main character of the show. Soon, people are starting to get brutally killed in various ways...

As in the title, if there's one thing true about this series, it is that is totally addicting, and NO MATTER what you think of some characters and their stupid moves, no matter what you think of some twists and how predictable you may find them, no matter what you think of some of the screenwriters' ideas - you will watch it right to the end. And you will watch REAL FAST!

As the film-making goes, it's flawless, great climatic cinematography, and some special effects when needed.

As to the characters, they're all believable which is good, and all the actors do a great job, which is nowadays not that easy to find on TV.

Some great music and songs used, too!

A the plot goes, it will keep you guessing to the very end, your predictions may probe to be wrong, OR right, but the sure thing is, you will be fooled a few times before you know what's going on. And the majority of you, me including here, will be shocked by the ending. And of course, lots of twist all the way through.

It will keep you on the edge of your sits, doesn't matter if its, people becoming missing one by one, them figuring out that they're getting killed, murderer's hunt for the rest of them, or their hunt for the murderer.

It's not perfect, but it's still a very good television!

When I saw the previews I was hooked, despite my reservations that it was being shown as a series. Usually there are tonnes of side plots and involvements that are so stupid that it takes away from the main plot. But one of the plus points for Harper's Island is that it stays true to the premise. The intrigue builds from the first episode with the first grisly death and then you start to try and figure out who the killer is. Is it John Wakefield, the original killer, or is there a new player? A copycat and pretender to the throne.

But then all the tension and terror that had been building with each episode unravels in episode twelve and completely undone by the thirteenth. In fact the last episode is a lesson in utter stupidity, something that would not be out of place in a soap opera or some teen series. Even the reason for all the killing are quite absurd, as if the script writers were so thrilled with coming up with the idea of the deaths that they must have looked at each other when it came time to justify the deaths and drawn a complete blank. Watching Harper's Island is very much like getting a huge shiny Christmas present and when you finally get past the wrappings and layers to the gift it's noting more than a gift card for stationary. I haven't felt this let down for a long time.

But this is my personal rant. I'd still recommend this for the first half of the series which was excellent in building tension. The setting's very creepy and it lends credence to the terror that the characters feel. Watch it at night for the full effect!

OK, so obviously not everyone has the same taste in movies and TV series as I do, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I for one enjoy this show immensely! I think it's well directed, I like most of the characters, and those I don't like I love to hate.

Yes, there is less blood and gore than in your average horror show, but why bother with all that stuff when you can create the same suspense with well-planned plots and thorough story lines? You never know who is going to get murdered, when it will happen or who will find them, and everyone is as likely to be a suspect as anyone else... I love it! I think the casting crew has done a great job in selecting the actors, and I'm really looking forward to the rest of the season. I don't care WHAT else is on TV, I'm not missing a single episode! (Unless there is a Supernatural-special running at the same time ;o) )

When I first started watching this show, I was thinking 'yeah, sure, whatever, everyone's dying who cares.' As the season keeps going, I get more and more hooked. I thought it was slow the first two episodes, but man, was I sorrily mistaken. It's one of the best shows on TV. I would watch it over almost anything.

When the pilot was aired, I just told myself that it was a stupid show about some people who are too stupid to notice people dying. My friend convinced me to watch the second episode, and I am so glad she did! Each episode of this show draws you in more and more. It's very fast-paced and dramatic. Though it can be a little bit cheesy, the shocking murders really make up for it. The actors and actresses were also better than I thought they would be.

This show keeps you on the edge of your seat, and will always have you thinking. It is hard to point the finger at one person when there are so many people who are seemingly guilty.

I'm not even a huge fan of the blood and guts, but this show really knows what's up! I would recommend it for anyone who is into horror films in the slightest! It's well worth it.

Just watched this series over a couple of weeks and really quite enjoyed it for what it is. It's a bit like Scooby Doo really. Murders occur one by one and you are guessing who it could be. Don't take it seriously at all and it's a fun whodunnit. The setting of the island was good and added to the creepy atmosphere. It did keep you guessing and the ending was a surprise, whether you thought it plausible or not. Don't take it too seriously and it's enjoyable escapism. Apparently my review is too short so I'll have to continue! Acting abilities varied, but the leads were good and they all looked suitably terrified when necessary.

First, i'd like to congratulate CBS for showing us this great series!

Seriously, this series is really awesome. The casting, the soundtrack, the producing, editing, everything went perfect in these short, but great 13 episodes. I mean, it's by far, one of the best TV shows ever. The deaths were really smart and at the end of each episode, we'd be overwhelmed by the quality of the series and waiting, really hard, for another episode.

Episode by episode, death by death, the series gained a lot of tension and interest.

And we have to see this point: it's better to have a unique season of great quality, in spite of having a lot of seasons, with poor quality episodes and no story to tell!

Congratulatins, Harper's Island! You made it.

I have enjoyed watching Harper's Island. I think it's fresh and a step in the right direction for TV. I find the characters likable and I prefer writers that dig a bit deeper than some 2 dimensional characters in shows over the past decade. The writing shows strength in bringing out human characteristics that sometimes are only revealed in extremes (as in episode 5 over the money). It isn't spoon fed nonsense but has enough twists and turns to find yourself wishing for more.

My comment is it's a step in the right direction for fictional writing and a lot of shows including reality I am just over. I think it is brave to present something in a new vein of thought. Keep it coming I'm loving it and thanks to the writers for something fresh and not just regurgitated rubbish (like my brain doesn't work and I can't tell the difference). A big big thank you for an enjoyable mystery show.

This is the greatest show! It's about time something different and exciting airs on TV! Reminds me of the old mini-series they used to run... only ten times better! We got hooked after the first episode, and look forward to seeing it every week. This week watching was like being on a roller coaster...a thrill a minute! Held your interest all the way through! I see some serious withdrawal coming our way when it is over! If they cancel this program before the end, CBS will be in for some serious boycotting! All we can say is, bring on more super shows like this for all of us that would rather stay home and watch than go out on a Saturday night... and there are lots of us out here! Thanks CBS! Here's hoping you will release it on DVD so we can see it over and over again!

Actually I'm not that big on dramatic TV series and the market is awash with them lately - monsters, serial killers, vamps, islands etc. However I am strangely drawn to Harpers Island, aided not a little by the fact that the BBC shows two episodes back-to-back so we don't have to wait a week between them!

Elaine Cassidy is a pretty face and manages to hold the story together, although there are no real stars and no real passengers here - it's just an all-round competent show, which is how I like it. The events may be predictable in the sense we know there's a killer on the loose, but they are sufficiently disguised to provide some nice (or nasty) surprises. Young Cassandra Sawtell's chilling portrayal of the very odd child Madison Allen is particularly entrancing.

I'd have preferred more humour and maybe a pinch of salt, but overall Harper's Island is a worthwhile diversion from the usual humdrum TV.

At some point have to do a search for a body-count, it's gonna be way-way up there. After about eight episodes of this suspense-horror-drama, you start asking yourself how could they possibly keep this up for another five shows... there won't be anyone left standing. And once they begin to knock-off favorite characters, you then wonder who'll be next to go. It takes all the way near the end of a dozen episodes before the bolt out of nowhere hits. All in all, it's a pretty good show, and the cast performs well, with an odd exception or two. Elaine Cassidy anchors the ensemble group with an exceptionally fine performance.. bit.ly/19508pd .. And sure, the story's totally absurd, but pretty much has to be. Would have to imagine there's a huge following watching it over and over, not caring they know exactly what happens next. Once you by-in, Harper's Island produces a surprisingly good slasher-fest for horror aficionados. .. PS.. one site said it was 29 killed off during the 13 episodes... did seem like a lot more, right?

Loved this. Lush setting, decent acting with completely and unexpected storyline. I was expecting a classic whodunnit but it's more of family & friends drama / whodunnit mystery / slasher movie. Excellent.

Quite an interesting cast this has assembled. But more interesting than the actors (some of whom you may know or not) is the story itself. At least at the beginning. The first couple of episodes I'd rate higher for sure. But as I've said before, a TV show has to be rated as a whole. Or do rate the specific episodes you liked/disliked. Don't watch half of it and then "review" the whole thing.

Even more true here, where you just have one season with 13 episodes! Even before the final episode though this jumped the shark as the kids say (or whoever invented the term)! Too many convenient things happening, too many coincidences and too many flaws and holes. While one of the major things of the show was that you couldn't tell who might be the next victim, once we see the bad guy (or do we?), everything almost comes to a stop. Shame especially because the later twists don't work as good as the show might think they do ... then again, maybe you give this more slack then I did ... suspend your disbelief is the one thing I'll say and be willing to like murder mystery .. and some vivid/violent content! (not in the realm of unrated Saw stuff, but still quite gruesome)

One season of all of this? You must be kidding me. This is good stuff here. A nice preset ending. A genius storyline. It has it all. Though sometimes it doesn't seem to fit. Or the time line is a little "out there". Apart from that, it is great and full of suspense. It applies creativity yet when things float too far away and you begin to hesitate, it yanks the strings of boring writing strongly back to immense fear and excitement! No characters in this show are just filler spots. Because they all have a meaning. Or a dark side, or even a light side. This show has many secrets within the lines that are very interesting.Can't wait for the more soon to come episodes. Its simply genius.PLEASE CBS HEAR ME OUT AND MAKE ANOTHER SEASON. OR A SPIN-OFF. OR SOMETHING. Thank you for your time.

An Excellent Series from beginning to end. Keeps you guessing throughout and by far one of the best acted series of all time.

Absolutely Brilliant!