I will not reveal any death or deaths that occur in the first episode, but all the characters are pretty stock ones and it's not to hard to pick out who will be picked off. And that, even if it is just the premiere, is a massive disappointment. On the upside, if the killer continues to go about his/her task in future episodes as he/she did in this one, we are in for some pretty swell killings.
Perhaps I shouldn't complain about the stock nature of the characters as they were clearly intended to be stock –- the info sheets CBS sent about the show not only give the characters' names (and who they're played by) but also handy little identifiers so that they can easily be figured out. For instance, the other man, the one Trish's dad would rather her marry, he's titled “The Other Man.” He has a name too, but it's easier just to call him “The Other Man.” It's not to hard to work out these titles without them being provided, but that fact does give the show more of a dime-store pulp mystery feel than the feel of a show that has been well-crafted.
I am, however, a reader of cheap dime-store novels. And, taking this television series as a 13-chapter novel, while the first chapter wasn't quite as gripping as I would like, I am very curious about whodunit, and if the show can have the characters and mystery grow into something more. The show has enough creepy backstory and a big enough oddball assortment of characters that with some judicious murdering we could be left with a truly fascinating plot.
Just remember, some dime-store novels can be great, exciting reads. This too could be a very exciting show.
Article comments
1 - Crazy Eddie
It has been a long time since I have fast forwarded through a show but I was so bored last night watching this that I just wanted to see who died. I understand "stock" cardboard characters but could they at least give these actors interesting lines? There is nothing interesting going on on Harpers Island. How difficult is it to find creative writers who can give depth to characters, even though they are only on the screen 20-20 seconds? What will ultimately doom this show, will be the lack of "replay value". And by that I mean, the viewer will not have any joy in thinking about the show and anticipating the next episode. Because there is nothing to care about except seeing grim death scenes.