I had heard good things about Harper's Island so I sat down one day and started watching. A few days later I was finished with all 13 episodes and it was time to evaluate. The premise of the show is fairly similar to the well known Agatha Christie novel: "And Then There Were None" but the story is a bit more complex.
The story is one of the better aspects of the show. Although it drags out at times the overall experience is very good. At first glance it seems as though there are story elements that are not explained very well or overlooked, but almost all loose ends are explained in later episodes. The episodes are also filled with clues and hints and I think a second viewing will be just as rewarding. I have been told that many people guessed the murderer pretty early on, but for me it came as a surprise when it was revealed. The plot is not very realistic, but that did not ruin the show in my opinion.
The acting is more average with big differences between the good and bad ones. Elaine Cassidy and Katie Cassidy are both great in their roles and a real pleasure to watch, but the rest of the cast are more average and pull down the overall experience.
Harper's Island has it's fair share of action and violence and I was satisfied with the amount shown. There is always a undertone of horror in the scenes. The directing is very good quality throughout most of the show.
Harper's Island is a great mini-series that will keep you entertained from start to finish. It has it's slow parts that pulls the overall score down and certain elements of the story are a bit far fetched. Still, the plot is well written and I was always guessing who the murderer could be. My overall score is 7/10