'Harper's Island' review and 10 tips for enjoying the show

CBS' "Harper's Island" murder mystery series is a gruesomely good time that will activate your latent (albeit guilty) thirst for blood.

Young couple-in-love Henry (Christopher Gorham) and Trish (Katie Cassidy) take their wedding guests to their childhood island for the nuptials, even though seven years ago, six people were brutally murdered there. Oh, and one of them happens to be the mother of Abby (Elaine Cassidy), Henry's best friend. As the big day approaches, a mysterious killer picks off the guests and locals one by one.

A little disclaimer: I'm not the biggest slasher movie fan and don't like the formula. So I was pleasantly surprised that I got a kick out of the show.

Therefore, in lieu of a review*, I thought I'd share the best ways to get the most out of your "Harper's Island" viewing experience, even if you're not a slasher movie fan.

Zap2it's 10 tips to enjoying 'Harper's Island':

1. Expect the unexpected.

Although many slasher film conventions are honored, they're not always followed through. Saying "I'll be right back" may or may not lead to a imminent death. Same with sexy frolicking in the water.

There's also a progression to the show. Early episodes certainly fall into the "I Know What You Did Last Summer" genre, but as the series deepens, the tone shifts, becoming grimmer and more jaded.

And who's to say only one person has to die per episode?

2. Dim the lights and fire up the big screen TV.

Although there's a schlocky feel to the action, the show is well-produced and well-shot. There's atmosphere a-plenty, and the island is certainly a character in itself. Interior scenes are often appropriately moody and claustrophobic.

No, the show isn't necessarily scary per se, but getting into the mood certainly enhances all the surprises.

3. Watch with a group.

This show encourages making snarky comments and jabbing your honey in the ribs in the moment, not saving it all up for the water cooler the next day ... although if you and Pat from accounting like to rehash, that's okay.

4. Guess the manner of death.

Each episode is titled some form of onomatopoeia that indicates how someone is offed. Have fun figuring out what "thrack" or "sploosh" means.

5. Have a drink on hand.

There are so many possibilities for drinking game rules (any glimpse of lingerie or bathing suit, meaningful stares, the word "wedding," cryptic statements, each death), so it's up to you. Bloody marys might be a nice touch.

6. Have a strong stomach.

Although the show is on regular network television and the violence is cartoonish, the aftermath is not pretty. The deaths range from elaborately planned and gory to sudden and mundane. Oddly enough, you'll start to feel cheated if you're not treated to a good ol' fashioned murder in an expected period of time.

 7. Give the characters nicknames.

If they're going to die, it's best not to get too attached. So Jimmy (C.J. Thomason) becomes Hottie Fisherman Guy, Madison (Cassandra Sawtell) is Psycho-creepy Kid and Cal (Adam Campbell) is Ineffectual British Fop. Oh, but Harry Hamlin is just Harry Hamlin.

8. Pick a favorite.

This may be counterintuitive to the rule above, but at least it will give you someone to root for. Feel free to change your favorite though once more character traits are revealed or if your person gets bumped off.

9. Keep a death chart.

Although CBS provides a handy list of 25 suspects on the show, that's just a good place to start. Some victims aren't on there. You've been warned.

10. Pick a killer.

Make sure to announce him/her so you can bask in the glory when you're proven right (or sulk if you're wrong). The killer and your favorite need not be mutually exclusive.

Overall, "Harper's Island" can be a lot of fun if you don't take it too seriously (you really don't have to follow the tips). It's a unique experience because it promises 13 episodes and then it's out.

The mystery will be revealed. The killer will get his/her comeuppance. Happy ending ... well, except for all those dead bodies and the inevitable feeling of betrayal some of the characters will experience.

What did you think of the show? Will you give it a chance? Who do you like/hate?

Related:

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'Harper's Island' details page

*Disclaimer: Okay, there are a few review-like comments in there.