HARPER'S ISLAND: The Whodunit Game

[Shrykespeare]

Okay, I admit it... I am a SUCKER for whodunits and murder mysteries. So when I saw the advertisement for this new show, Harper's Island, I was intrigued. There are few things that I like more than trying to solve a complex puzzle, and this one is going to prove to be a doozy.

If you haven't watched the first two episodes, you may do so here:

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/harpers_island/video/

I am going to use this board to share my (considerable) thoughts on the identity of the mysterious murderer, who will be revealed in the 13th episode (July 2). Given how the show was advertised, there are two salient points that I am going to take as read:

1. The murderer is one, and only one, person.
2. That murderer is one of the 25 people listed as main characters of the show, all of whom are listed on this page:

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/harpers_island/bio/

So, after two episodes, here is the rundown on what I know about the main characters and the victims.


Victim #1: Ben Wellington. Cousin of the bride, Trish Wellington. Died in the first five minutes of Episode 1. Was tied underneath the ferry boat that took the entire wedding party to Harper's Island. He was fitted with breathing apparatus, but when the engine blades started... And as of Episode 2, his body has still not been discovered. He is NOT on of the "25".

Victim #2: Marty Dunn. A 50-ish party animal, and the only family the groom, Henry Dunn, has besides Henry's brother J.D. Had a confrontation with the father of the bride, Thomas Wellington, when he learned that Thomas had invidted Trish's old boyfriend Hunter to try to bust up the wedding. When crossing a bridge at the end of Episode 1, he fell through with his legs dangling, and someone cut him in half. Literally. One of "The 25".

Victim #3: An elderly priest (didn't catch his name). At the beginning of Episode 2, stepped in a trap and was hoisted upside down right before the murder came along and cut his head off. Not one of the 25.

Victim #4: Kelly Seaver "The Outcast" - Lost her mother the same way Abby lost hers, at the hand of John Wakefield. Wanted off the island, and asked Abby if she could move in with her in L.A. Abby agreed, and Kelly had a romantic fling with J.D. before being found in her house a few hours later, dangling from the rafters (at the end of Episode 2). One of the 25.

Victim #5: Lucy Daramour - A childhood friend of Trish's and one of the bridesmaids. Ran after her toy dog Gigi into the woods, and fell into a pit-trap. The murderer then doused her with gasoline and set her on fire. One of the 25.


So, here is a list of the remaining 22 main characters, one of whom SHOULD be the murderer, and my odds on them actually being the bad guy.

Abby Mills - The groom's best friend growing up, and the daughter of the local sheriff, Charlie Mills. Her mother was murdered by John Wakefield along with five others when she was a child. Moved to LA to be a writer, and is only back as a favor to Henry. She is the main character, as these murders seem to be connected to her.

Why she could be the murderer - Lots of emotional baggage, possibly unstable.
Why she might not be - Has an alibi at the time of Lucy's murder.
Odds: 15 to 1.


Beth Barrington - Trish's college roommate and one of the bridesmaids. Not rich like Trish, but loves being around wealthy people. Don't know too much else about her.

Why she is: One of the few women strong enough to pull off some of the feats the murderer has.
Why she isn't: Can't think of any yet.
Odds: 7 to 1.


Cal Vandeusen - The outsider of the group. A doctor and Chloe's boyfriend, he's waiting for the right moment to pop the question. Truly a nice guy, so much so that he lets people push him around a lot. Stepped into a trap during Episode 2, and spent several hours hanging upside down.

Why he is: We don't know anything about him.
Why he isn't: Apart from being a complete wuss, he was indisposed while Lucy was being murdered.
Odds: 35 to 1.


Chloe Carter - One of Trish's bridesmaids, and an incorrigible flirt. Seems to truly love Cal, but is not above having playful fun with other men if she's in the mood.

Why she is: Who'd suspect the (often misleadlingly) dumb blond?
Why she isn't: Part of the search party for Cal that was together when Lucy was being murdered.
Odds: 25 to 1.


Christopher Sullivan - Henry's college buddy and best man. Is there more for the party than the wedding, and has his eye on Chloe.

Why he is: He's definitely strong enough to hang Kelly in her house AND cut Marty in half.
Why he isn't: Was part of the party that found Cal in the tree (several hours after telling him that he was "going for help").
Odds: 15 to 1.


Danny Brooks - Henry's best friend from college. Sensitive and thoughtful. Haven't seen much of him so far.

Why he is: Doesn't seem the type.
Why he isn't: Can't think of anything.
Odds: 12 to 1.


Henry Dunn - The groom. Summered on the island as a youth, tending to be boat of Thomas Wellington, which is how he met and fell in love with Trish. Seems to truly love his fiancee, and will go out of his way to protect her.

Why he is: The groom is the killer? THAT would be unexpected.
Why he isn't: Can't picture him killing his own uncle, given how little true family he has. And the priest? Come on...
Odds: 30 to 1.


Hunter Jennings - Trish's college boyfriend, the one that Daddy Wellington WANTED to marry Trish. Wants to win Trish back at all costs, even though Trish has told him no repeatedly.

Why he is: A theory - killing Henry alone would bring suspicion on him, but killing Henry as part of a rash of murders he might get away with. He's strong enough to have committed all the murders, and has more motive than just about anyone.
Why he isn't: Win the bride back by traumatizing the shit out of her? What a romantic so-and-so!
Odds: 5 to 1.


J.D. Dunn - Henry's brother and only living relative (now). "The Black Sheep", has many tattoos and is a dark and brooding loner. Is not well-liked by anyone, and particularly hates Shane "the Townie". We saw him washing blood off his hands in Episode 2, probably because he was the one that put the dead deer on Shane's truck and scrawled the word "Psycho" on the windshield in blood. Was romantic with Kelly mere hours before her death.

Why he is: An obvious candidate. Looks like a serial killer beneath the surface.
Why he isn't: He's WAY too obvious a candidate. We saw him with Kelly. Abby saw him with Kelly. Suspicion is going to fall on him very soon, and accusations will follow. I'm betting his time is not far away.
Odds: 18 to 1.


Jimmy Mance - one of the working stiffs of Harper's Island and Abby's old boyfriend. Never got over her when she left, and is hoping to rekindle the flame they once had, something Abby seems to have no interest in. Seems like a nice guy, though he lets his friend Shane treat him like shit a little too much.

Why he is: Abby must have left him for a reason; we just don't know what that is yet.
Why he isn't: We've only seen the good side of him so far... maybe he really is just a nice guy.
Odds: 8 to 1.


Joel Booth - One of Henry's groomsman. A nerd and hypochondriac, he remains a loyal friend to Henry.

Why he is: One of the least likely candidates, on the surface.
Why he isn't: This is the type that usually gets picked off early.
Odds: 35 to 1.


Katherine Wellington - Trish's stepmom, who seems to be closer to Trish's age than Thomas's. Neither Trish nor Shea like her much, but tolerate her because she makes Daddy happy.

Why she is: This woman has a ton of skeletons, I can just tell.
Why she isn't: Can't think of a good reason right now.
Odds: 6 to 1.


Madison Allen - Shea and Richard's 10-year-old daughter. The only kid on the island, she is incredibly creepy. She's the one who does the "one by one" interminable voiceovers in the trailers.

Why she is: We saw her using a magnifying glass to use the sun's rays to burn a snail to death. Clearly this girl needs therapy.
Why she isn't: Hard to believe that she can tie a grown man under a boat, cut a man in half, set traps in the woods, hoist Kelly up to the ceiling, etc. all by herself. She's the creepy kid, and will probably survive to the creepy end.
Odds: 40 to 1.


Maggie Krell - The wedding planner and manager of the inn where the wedding party is staying. Don't know much about her.

Why she is: Was the last one to see the priest before his unfortunate decapitation.
Why she isn't: A middle-aged, frumpy lady the killer? That's pushing it...
Odds: 30 to 1.


Malcolm Ross - Another of Henry's college buds, he looks like the token "chubby frat guy who's favorite sport involves a beer bong".

Why he is: he is in financial trouble, and desperate people do desperate things.
Why he isn't: was part of the search party that found Cal when Lucy was being torched.
Odds: 25 to 1.


Nikki Bolton - A local girl who runs the local watering hole. A tough, sexy biker chick, she doesn't back down from anyone.

Why she is: there's a lot of pent-up anger there.
Why she isn't: can't think of a reason yet.
Odds: 8 to 1.


Richard Allen - Shea's husband and Trish's bro-in-law. Married into the Wellington family and apparently gave up his 'nads while doing so, as Daddy Wellington has him completely under his thumb.

Why he is: I'd want revenge too.
Why he isn't: Doesn't have the stones.
Odds: 10 to 1.


Shane Pierce - one of the locals. Hates pretty much everyone, and is a terrible bully who likes to pick fights. His only friend seems to be Jimmy, and hates that he might lose him to Abby now that she's back. Got into a dustup with J.D. in Episode 1. Suspected that J.D. was the one who put the dead deer on his truck, and left that same deer's head in J.D's/Henry's bathroom, prompting Henry to slug Shane at a party later that night.

Why he is: He's a serious asshole, knows how to set traps, and is strong enough to be the killer.
Why he isn't: how often is the serious asshole the killer?
Odds: 12 to 1.


Shea Allen - Trish's sister and maid of honor. Mother of Madison. Is under a lot of stress within her marriage (and having a creepy kid).

Why she is: This much pressure can make people crack.
Why she isn't: I think she loves Trish too much to put her through this.
Odds: 15 to 1.


Sheriff Charlie Mills - Father of Abby. Allegedly shot and killed John Wakefield after his wife had been butchered by Wakefield. Is estranged from Abby, but hopes to patch things up with her now that she's back.

Why he is: Knows the island, and guilt can make a man do crazy things. Probably has no love for the Wellingtons.
Why he isn't: Kililng people serial-killer style ain't the way to patch things up with daughter, dude.
Odds: 6 to 1.


Thomas Wellington - Father of Trish. A wealthy real-estate mogul who wants only the best for Trish, which means ain't marrying Henry, which is why he brought old boyfriend Hunter back into the picture.

Why he is: had a motive for killing Marty and possibly the priest.
Why he isn't: the first victim was his own nephew, and he doesn't seem like the type who likes to get his hands dirty.
Odds: 18 to 1.


Trish Wellington - The Bride. Loves Henry unreservedly, and doesn't care that he's not well-to-do. She seems weak, but that's probably far from the truth.

Why she is: She might have... nah, there's no way.
Why she isn't: The Bride is the killer? I don't believe it.
Odds: 20 to 1.


So there you have it. Who will die next? Tune in on Thursday!

[J.I.]

I read And Then There Were None by Agatha Christe for school and it was exactly like this. Is there copying going on?

[undeadmonkey]

ooh, I want to watch this show, but I've been hesitant, I almost want to wait till its done, then watch it all at once, but what if I accidentally read some spoiler somewhere, that's no fun... I guess i should just watch it every week, ok you convinced me

[Shrykespeare]

I read And Then There Were None by Agatha Christe for school and it was exactly like this. Is there copying going on?

This is my favorite Christie story. It has been made into a movie no less than four times, and I have seen many different variations of it over the years. You can't deny that it's a formula that works. Just when you think you have it figured out, you don't.

ooh, I want to watch this show, but I've been hesitant, I almost want to wait till its done, then watch it all at once, but what if I accidentally read some spoiler somewhere, that's no fun... I guess i should just watch it every week, ok you convinced me

Good. I didn't want to be the only one posting on this thread. Watch the first two episodes on the link provided and then we can discuss who's the killer and who's next. (New ep tomorrow night.)

[NSpan]

i probably won't ever watch this.. but i'll throw out a completely random guess: Jimmy and Abby are in cahoots, and they are the murderers.. Shane might be in on some of it, but there's plenty they aren't telling him..

[IPKI$$]

I was really interested when I saw the commercials...I've been wanting to get into more TV but everything that's on is too far along for me to catch up, and I have off tomorrow night. Yeah, I think I'm gonna give the link a try and if I like it, you've recruited me as well.

[undeadmonkey]

I watched the episodes, I 'm hooked. As for suspects, Hunter definitely has motive, as does the bride's dad. He seems like he runs the family or tries to anyway and if it doesnt go his way he'll kill, that could explain his nephew. These are kinda the obvious ones though. We havent seen much of the others, so it could be someone else. JD is just too obvious to be the killer so I dont think it's him. Also I think there's something fishy about jimmy. Shane is almost too obvious too, I think he'll die in the next ep. As for the creepy girl, I think she'll be the last to die, or maybe almost die at the end. darn, I cant wait for thursday, hey that's tomorrow!

[Shrykespeare]

"Fishy". Bad joke, intentional or not.

And I doubt Madison will die. Kids die very infrequently in these things, unless it's essential to the story line.

[IPKI$$]

Man! That's some good stuff! It's actually much better than I'd expect something like this to be. The acting is pretty solid for the most part, I love the fact that they're taking their time to really flesh out these characters, and there are a lot of good tongue-in-cheek references and clues to who the killer is...I have a few theories of my own.

I agree with Shryke and think JD will most likely be named as a suspect as he is the last person to have seen Kelly alive (that we know of) and will probably be offed in the next episode which is a shame because I like him. If he lives however, I feel like Shane will get it tomorrow as he could also be linked to Kelly's murder as the jealous ex-lover. I think one or the other of those two, but definitely not both as that would be too obvious, will be gone tomorrow.

The Dad paying Hunter to come and murder Trish's Husband-to-be and marry her seems WAY too obvious to me, I mean they're really playing that angle up quite a bit. I think there will be a surprising shift in motive as to exactly why Daddy brought Hunter along. But I don't think either of them is the killer.

We still haven't learned a whole lot about some of the characters, but at this point I'm almost CERTAIN that we've been introduced pretty well to who the killer is.

Some thoughts and questions for anyone else watching.

I think the killer has got to be someone who knows the Island fairly well and is also fairly close to Henry and Abby...That text from Uncle Marty was just too convenient. Given the back story and some creepy things the Madison has said, my instinct is to say that she's possessed by John Wakefield who has returned to finish what he started, but again seems a little too perfect. Jimmy seems like he's hiding something but he also comes off as genuinely smitten with Abby, so maybe there's nothing to that. I think Abby's dad has a VERY high likelihood of being the killer. He's a hunter, he's familiar with the island and it's past...I think he's my main suspect as of right now.

Other than that, I'm very excited to watch this whole thing unfold...Can't wait for tomorrow night!

[Shrykespeare]

God in Heaven, I hope this doesn't end up being something as trite and hackneyed as "possession". This is a good-enough story without adding unnecessarily supernatural crap into the mix.

I like JD too, he seems to have gotten a raw deal in life. I hope they don't kill off Henry's only living relative.

[IPKI$$]

Yeah, I hope I'm wrong about that part...BUT when you boil it down, there are so many cliche's in the series in just two episodes already that I wouldn't be totally surprised if the possession thing becomes an issue at some point if not the actual ending. But, it looks like it's going to be lot of fun however it turns out. Like I said, I'm really liking the characters even if they are traditional horror film archetypes...Here's hoping the rest is just as good as the beginning!

[Buscemi]

I've never watched the show but I'm guessing it's going to be like Clue in which everyone is the murderer.

[packpaljs]

I watched the 1st episode last night. Not really sold yet. I'm not much of a TV watcher but I love games and since Shyrke started this game I want to play, only way to play is to watch. I'll try to watch the 2nd and possibly 3rd episode tonight.

[IPKI$$]

The first episode was kind of eh...but the second one definitely moves it along better. And I'm gonna be pissed if it turns out like clue...

[Shrykespeare]

Clue had its moments, mostly in the slapstick. Tim Curry was brilliant.

"Will you STOP THAT??"

"No!"


And I see what you mean, Ipki$$, about the characters being traditional horror movie archetypes. Hell, on the TV show's "Bio" page, all of the characters are packaged into neat little boxes with their cursory descriptions. It's almost like they're chess pieces, or, to be more accurate, Clue. But I think in thirteen weeks of watching this show, we'll go much more in-depth into the characters (those that survive, anyway).

If you watched the "sneak preview" of future episodes at the end of Episode 2, you'll note the following:

1. The sheriff finds a body, or at least a head. Probably Cousin Ben.
2. The sheriff will walk into a trap and get pierced in the leg.
3. JD will run through the woods, apparently being chased by someone.

Five deaths in two shows. If I had to put money on who will buy the farm tonight, I'd bet on one of Henry's college buds, perhaps Malcolm or Booth; someone not essential to the plot.

[Donte77]

Sounds fun but I have no way of watching episodes other than at work and that could be bad for bidness.

[IPKI$$]

I hope it's one of the people we already know fairly well, only because I want to get a chance to really know Henry's friends as they seem like fun guys...But, you're most likely right. Tonight's victims will have to be supplemental deaths, as they'll just be starting investigating in this episode after Kelly was found. I think maybe JD or perhaps Nikki will go...Should start getting really good about now.

Also, I'm thinking maybe Henry's blonde friend who was trying to get with chloe could be the killer...possibly. Just kinda convenient that he just so happened to run into cal in the woods and forget about him.

[undeadmonkey]

I hope it's one of the people we already know fairly well, only because I want to get a chance to really know Henry's friends as they seem like fun guys...But, you're most likely right. Tonight's victims will have to be supplemental deaths, as they'll just be starting investigating in this episode after Kelly was found. I think maybe JD or perhaps Nikki will go...Should start getting really good about now.

Also, I'm thinking maybe Henry's blonde friend who was trying to get with chloe could be the killer...possibly. Just kinda convenient that he just so happened to run into cal in the woods and forget about him.

You got a good point, but he was there with the others while the killer was setting the pooch lovin blonde on fire

[packpaljs]

Sounds fun but I have no way of watching episodes other than at work and that could be bad for bidness.

Speaking of work Donte, you need to be hitting me up for packaging supplies at your company. It is what I do for a living, sell the supplies your using all day. Tape, bubble wrap, etc and I'm only in MO, you know the state that sit on top of yours.

Whoa! Sorry to mix business with pleasure but in this economy I'm looking for all the leads I can find.

[packpaljs]

Shryke,

I see you've given alibi's to those to were helping Cal during Lucy's death. But just because it was edited to have happened at the same time doesn't mean that it did. It could be they were several hours apart. I wouldn't count out anybody on that party just yet, if that's the only reason.

[undeadmonkey]

Shryke,

I see you've given alibi's to those to were helping Cal during Lucy's death. But just because it was edited to have happened at the same time doesn't mean that it did. It could be they were several hours apart. I wouldn't count out anybody on that party just yet, if that's the only reason.

I think they were trying to show that it did happen at the same time, but that what you say can be true too.

[packpaljs]

I definitely don't think it's Hunter. Ha Ha!

No seriously, I think we can count the Sheriff out due to the first murder, he was on the island and would have stood out like a sore thumb. I think the first murder also excludes Abby since she wasn't even on the scene yet. What are other's thoughts?

[Shrykespeare]

Well, you're right, it's not Hunter, since he is now dead. Oops, hope I didn't spoil it for anyone.

Hmmm, you're right about the sheriff having an alibi for Murder #1, I should have picked up on that.

So, some developments on the characters from Ep 3:

1. Abby - convinced Kelly was murdered, which was later confirmed by the sheriff and the island's coroner. Together with Charlie, convinved Shane not to kill JD, who he blamed for Kelly's death (along with himself).

2. Beth - no developments.

3. Cal - got back at Chris, big time. Used his attraction for Chloe to lure him to a spa with her, where he was covered in honey before Cal covered him with feathers. Wanted to mess Cal up, but Henry pointed out that turnabout is fair play.

4. Chloe - Made up with Cal (boink!) after the tiff they had in Ep 1. Helped Cal put one over on Chris, so I guess everything's okay between those two.

5. Chris - see above.

6. Danny - no significant insights.

7. Henry - found out not only that Hunter was on the island, but that Daddy W. paid his way. Tested Trish by inviting him to Hunter's hotel room by pretending to be Hunter, but Trish didn't show. Confronted Dad on it, who is just seething mad now.

8. JD - walking alone in the woods, was hit by Shane in his truck, taken prisoner and almost hanged in Shane's shed until Abby and Charlie came to the rescue.

9. Jimmy - didn't see him this episode.

10. Joel - No significant insights.

11. Katherine - Ooh nelly. Is apparently having an affair with her daughter-in-law's husband Richard. I gather neither Daddy nor Shea knows about it.

12. Madison - no developments, though we saw her destroying a flower bed.

13. Maggie - didn't appear in this episode.

14. Malcolm - no significant insights.

15. Nikki - broken up over Kelly's death. Didn't believe she killed herself, and confirmed that Kelly was obsessed with John Wakefield, so much so that she had his name tattooed on her body (courtesy of Shane).

16. Richard - Being the Wellington's whipping boy has apparently made him very very angry. The fact that he's diddling Daddy's trophy wife makes him jump way up on the suspect list.

17. Shane - See above.

18. Shea - No developments, other than having her husband prove to be an unfaithful jerk.

18. Sheriff Mills - was fond of Kelly (no, not in that way), and wants to make sure that her murderer pays dearly. Found a newspaper clipping at the end of the episode, which featured his photo with he's eyes covered in red ink, the same red ink that the coroner found in Kelly's eyes.

19. Thomas - was blackmailed by Hunter to the tune of $50K; either he pay up, or Hunter goes to Trish with proof that he summoned him to break up the wedding. He paid up, just before Hunter left the island in the dead of night.

20. Trish - fended off several advances from Trish, but seems to have truly made her choice in Henry, despite Hunter's and Daddy's efforts to keep them apart.


Odds Board:
Abby: 15 to 1.
Beth: 10 to 1.
Cal: 30 to 1.
Chloe: 25 to 1.
Christopher: 12 to 1.
Danny: 12 to 1.
Henry: 30 to 1.
JD: 20 to 1.
Jimmy: 8 to 1.
Joel: 35 to 1.
Katherine: 5 to 1.
Madison: 40 to 1.
Maggie: 30 to 1.
Malcolm: 25 to 1.
Richard: 8 to 1.
Shane: 15 to 1.
Shea: 15 to 1.
Sheriff Charlie: 10 to 1.
Thomas: 12 to 1.
Trish: 20 to 1

This week's victim: Hunter Jennings. Cornered trish in a dressing room while trying on lingerie, but she resisted his advances. Told Daddy that he could still win Trish back, but Daddy told him to beat it, in order to hide his own involvement. Hunter blackmailed Daddy for $50K, which Daddy paid before Hunter sped off in a boat. The boat stalled however, and died when he sprang a shotgun-booby trap in one of the boat's compartments.

So that's six murders. So far, none of the other bodies have been found.

Who will cop it next week?

[Shrykespeare]

You know, when this show was being advertised, I picurted the setting as an island (duh) that would be in the middle of nowhere, and when the murders started happening, the entire wedding party would be cut off, with no means of escape or communication with the outside world.

As it turns out, this is far from the case. Harper's Island is much larger than I thought it would be: it is home to a few hundred people at least, and is large enough to warrant it's own sheriff. It's only seven miles off the coast of Washington. It seems unlikely that the killer, no matter how astute, would be able to completely cut the place off - telephone, e-mail, cell phones, etc.

Therefore, that being the case, the murderer only has one recourse if he/she wants to continue his/her killing spree without panic and an almost certain mass exodus occurring, and that's what's happened so far.

Through three episodes, six people have been murdered, and of those six, only one body has been found:

1. Ben's body, presumably still under the boat, is not being searched for because nobody knows he's missing. I think the sheriff will find his head in a future episode, though.
2. The killer texted Henry in Uncle Marty's guise so that no one would wonder where he was, saying that he would be back "in time for the wedding"... if anyone's still alive, that is.
3. Lucy and the priest have not been found. No one has even mentioned that they're missing at this point, but that may change.
4. Hunter was killed at the very end of the last episode, and his body will be found this week, I think. The presence of a bag full of money and a gun will throw suspicion on him, so much so that someone (Malcolm?) comments that it looks like a drug deal gone bad.
5. Though Kelly's murder looked like a suicide, we knew differently. And now, the sheriff and the coroner know differently as well. Abby, Shane and JD can believe whatever they want about Wakefield "returning", but it's only a matter of time before this leaks out as well.

This week's ep features a bachelorette party for Trish, so presumably the wedding plans are on schedule... for now. With ten episodes left, I wonder how long it will take for the rest of the party to catch on... not to mention when some of those cool-looking booby traps will be sprung.

Can't wait! Has anyone else seen Episode Three? (If not, go to the link on Page 1, it will take you straight there.)

[undeadmonkey]

I'm sure there isn't much to be found regarding Lucy, they could find the dog however. As for who will get offed, I'm suspecting one of Henry's friends

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