NOW ENTERING HARPER {A Harper's Island Season 2}
Perhaps explanation is necessary here. Where oh where to begin.
The madness started on a Wednesday. My internet had been slowed so I couldn't watch my usual Wednesday night shows. So I decided to pop on my Harper's Island dvds, listen to a couple of commentaries because I'm cool like that. What was interesting was one of the creators mentioned that if there was a second season of Harper's Island, it would be completely different cast/setting/plot/everything, which was an intriguing thing. Bored out of my mind, I ask myself "what would a second season of Harper's be like?" More specifically, I asked myself, "hey, Amelia. You can write/cast/set a second Harper's. GO."
This was what resulted.
Keep in mind, this is not to be taken seriously. For starters, there is no possible way I could get all these actors. Also, the ages of everyone is clearly manipulated to suit my own shallow preferences. Also, there is a lot of 'favourite picking' happening here. As in, actors and actresses Amelia adores, therefore they're in here. But, as long as we all know that this is by no means to be taken seriously, but for enjoyment purposes only. Clear? Cool.
Now Entering...
HARPER
The town of Harper dates back to the Gold Rush. A small town in Montana, the nearby mines have since dried up, but still remain: a reminder of the town’s once and former glory. Mountain ranges to the north, it’s a town of ranches with a strong socio-economic gap bridged by one common interest - the surrounding wheat farms and the local mill. Torn between the lure of the tourist dollar and the good old days, the townsfolk are on edge with the prospect of everything changing.
In the end, everyone won’t be happy. Someone has to lose.
Kaylee Wilson hasn’t been back since graduation. Spurred on by her best friend to attend their high school reunion, she makes a return that shocks everyone. She just wants to keep her head down and hope like hell this weekend goes off without a hitch.
Meanwhile a body has been found in abandoned mine. And it’s looking suspiciously like a series of murders that occurred ten years earlier…
THE GIRL NEXT DOOR
Kaylee Wilson (played by Ellen Page)
"He's gonna find us! Don't you understand, Eric? He's not going to stop until we're all dead!"
Kaylee left Harper and never looked back. In her senior year, her father, then Sheriff, murdered five people, including her mother and then took his own life. There was no question in anyone’s mind that it was him.
Now a writer in New York, Kaylee’s got a new life, a present and a future all planned out. Her past - friends, family, exes; a place she would have preferred not to revisit.
Except for Eric. Them against the world; that’s the way it’s always been.
That’s why she came back.
Now she can’t escape.
[Why Ellen Page? She's such a versatile actor and the character needs to be vulnerable and determined and angry and a million and one emotions that come with returning home, facing a reunion and trying desperately to stay alive. And the relationships! From avoiding her brother, the verbally sparring with Alexa, joking with Eric, there's so much that can be done with this character and Page is perfect for this.]
THE BEST FRIEND
Eric Andrews (played by Bradley James)
"You're my wife and I will protect you. I will keep you alive. But sometimes, babe, sometimes I don't know if you want to live."
Eric stayed. You should know this. He stayed and watched the Wilson name dragged through the mud, watched his best friend shut herself out from the world. Watched as she left, no word, no note, no goodbye.
Ten years later and he’s made a life for himself in Harper. He married Norah Harper, daughter of Richard Harper, descendent of the founders of the town, owner of the mill and most of the surrounding farmland, which employs half the town. He has an important job at the mill, courtesy of his father-in-law. He has a life and he is content.
This new murder, well, this changes everything.
[Why Bradley James? Eric, ultimately, is a life-loving guy. He's got a good life, but not without familial...complications. He'd be a great friend, a great husband, because he is so loyal. And with that loyalty comes a fierce instinct to protect those that he loves through any means necessary. And James is super cute and maybe I thought he'd be really cute paired up with Dianna.]
THE BEAUTY QUEEN
Norah Harper-Andrews (played by Dianna Agron)
"The Harper women are cursed to die in this town. It's just the way it is and you should forget all about me and get out while you still can!"
Norah grew up with stars in her eyes in a town she knew she would never escape for. With the surname of Harper, big city ambitions were not in the cards. Destined to stand on balconies looking out at what she’ll never have, Norah made the most of what she did.
She defied her father’s wishes and married a rancher’s son. She bears no resentment to his friendship with Kaylee; she’s got complicated friendships herself. She likes riding and baking and teaching ballet. She fears her father’s anger and what he’s really capable of.
The murders, well, she’s not surprised.
[Why Dianna Agron? Aside from the fact the girl is stunning, Norah is a character that is trapped. In her instance, she's trapped by her own legacy, the expectations that come with her surname. At the same time, she is rebellious in small ways - she married Eric instead of the man she was supposed to marry, she keeps and protects so many secrets. Norah is a quiet character, sad yet beautiful window dressing and Dianna could play this role perfectly.]
THE SHERIFF
Jonathon Wilson (played by Hugh Dancy)
"What, Kaylee, you want me to be ecstatic because our father isn't a killer? It doesn't change the fact that there's a psychopath on the loose and we have no idea who or what it is!"
When his father murdered five innocent people, including his mother, Jonathon had a decision:
His family or his town. He chose Harper.
Ten years later and it’s Sheriff Wilson (thank you very much). Some still question his family name; the monthly brawls with Isaac Ashcraft are evidence, but none question his town loyalty. Jonathon is glad to see his sister again, but knows she resents him.
Jonathon has bigger things to tend to.
Like the latest murder, so, so like the ones ten years ago. And his sinking suspicion that maybe his father was framed…
[Why Hugh Dancy? For all the adorable characters he's played, this man does serious so so well. And he is serious. He's a man torn between his town and his family, and he tries so hard not to be. He tries to be a father figure for the son of the woman he's in love with, he's trying desperately to reconnect with his sister. I think apart of him is trying so hard not to become his father, because he's afraid of the chance that might happen. Now, he's just trying to stay alive and keep his town safe and what really kills him, his weakness, so to speak, is how powerless he really is. And how much he's feel like he's failing.]
THE NAMESAKE
Richard Harper (played by Jon Hamm)
"This is my town. When this man meets the barrel of my gun, he will be reminded of that fact."
The Harper’s own this town. Richard wants you to remember this.
Just like Richard never wanted his daughter to marry Eric. Just like Richard both trusts and distrusts Doug Greyson and his not so clear alliances.
On the outside, he’s honorable and trustworthy. On the outside, he’s the perfect father, the perfect husband, the perfect employer.
No one sees the sinister soul lurking beneath the surface.
[Why Jon Hamm? To be honest, I like casting him as a villain of sorts. In a town where most of it's citizens have questionable morals, Richard is, perhaps, the most questionable of all. He cheats on his wife, he is violently protective of whats his. If you cross him, there will be consequences. This is a man who honestly believes that this town is his.]
THE MAYOR
Doug Greyson (played by Rob Lowe)
"You forget easily, Richard, that my wife was killed by this monster. If you don't want to help me, I suggest you get out of my way."
It’s not easy living the life of a legacy. Doug Greyson makes it look like a piece of cake. Under a cloud of confidence, Doug, with the aid of his father who casts a watchful eye, leads the town into the future while preserving the old ways. He carefully guides his son into the shoes he’ll one day fill.
He mourns the wife he lost all those years ago and the daughter he watches slip away.
Nine years as Mayor, going off without a hitch. Until the latest murder, so it happens.
And it also just happens to be an election year.
[Why Rob Lowe? Ummm, I love Rob Lowe? Is that a good enough excuse? In all seriousness, however, Greyson's desire for revenge is greater than his responsibility to his town. He is a good man who loved his wife, his daughter; both taken from him in different ways. The Doug and Richard relationship is perhaps the most intriguing - here we have two powerful men who could either be each others greatest enemy or greatest ally. The coin could go either way.]
THE BUDDY
Isaac Ashcraft (played by Steven Strait)
"The mountains aren't safe anymore. The valleys and the plains are marked with blood. There's no way out."
The Ashcraft’s have been in Harper for generations, long living off the reservation and cementing themselves as an intricate part of the town’s history. Best friend of Eric, Isaac is regarded as somewhat of a horse whisperer. His aunt is the town psychic and runs the crystal shop. His father was one of five victims, all those years ago.
Once regarded as a ‘troubled soul’, Isaac has since cleaned up his act, thanks to Eric’s father who employed him as horse wrangler at his ranch. Though he lives a quiet life in Harper, he and the local Sheriff often come to blows.
[Why Steven Strait? Kid definitely has a free-spirit, in touch with nature sort of vibe about him. I'd love to see the contrasts he could play; the fun nature of his friendship with Eric, the disliking of the Sheriff, his affection for Jezabelle. He's a guy who had his life planned out; had a good job and a home and a girl he wanted to marry and, like most of the characters in this, he's fighting to protect what's his.]
THE DREAMER
Jezabelle Lucas (played by Jessica Szohr)
"I don't want this town to be the only place I've ever known. I love you, Isaac, but I don't want to die here."
Jezabelle dreams of big lights and bigger ambitions. But isn’t this always the case? Her friend Kaylee left, all those years ago, childhood pacts left forgotten in the sandboxes in which they once played. Working in the local bar, with her half-sister, townsfolk have a way of assuming they’re one and the same. This is not the case.
Isaac sees this. Because Isaac knows her - there’s a ring in their not-too distant future to prove this.
They just have to survive.
[Why Jessica Szohr? I apologize for the CW casting, but come on, girl is stunning and perfect here. Small town dreamer, she could leave but she doesn't. There's nothing keeping her here, but she stays. The only person she really has ties to are Isaac, her half-sister and her nephew. Kaylee was her good friend until she left, so there's some tension there. Back to the whole trapped thing, I think her greatest enemy is herself, that as much as she wants to leave, she'll take any excuse to stay.]
THE SCARLET WOMAN
Caroline Lucas (played by Emmanuelle Vaugier)
"I haven't been that woman for a long time. You of all people should know why."
Proprietor of the local bar, The Mine Shaft, Caroline is as straight as they come. Straight talker, straight shooter; she wields her words just as well as she wields a gun (which is very well, she’ll have you know). The Scarlet Woman of Harper, Caroline earned her reputation through the destruction of many marriages and is the topic of much controversy.
These days she’s less about the men and more about the boys. Well, one boy in particular; her son, Sam.
The child does not have a father (as much as the Sheriff yearns for that role). She thinks it’s best to keep it that way.
[Why Emmanuelle? Another favourite casting of mine. Girl can play badass perfectly. And, you know, I love redemption. I love people who can turn their lives around, and that's exactly what she did. Caroline went from being the town whore, to straightening her life out for the sake of her son. While the talking didn't bother her back then, it does now. She doesn't want her son to know what she once was. Also the reason she keeps the Sheriff at arms length; she doesn't want her son to get hurt. With a murderer on the loose, her main priority is protecting her son at all costs.]
THE CHILD
Sam Lucas (played by Max Burkholder)
"He lives in the mountains, Mommy. He's not a monster, he's my friend."
Eight years old and terribly precocious, Sam’s always known he was different from other kids. Spends more time in the bar than outside; schoolyard fights commonplace as he begins to understand the meaning behind the insults kids hurl at him about his mother.
Smarter than most, he’s got to wonder why he looks a lot like Nathaniel Harper when he was his age.
Jonathon takes him fishing every weekend. Sam likes the feel of the wind through his hair and getting muddy and how this might be how having a real life dad feels like.
[Why Max? I really enjoy this kid in Parenthood, but, honestly, I was looking for a kid that would kind of look a bit like Caroline and Richard, who, if you haven't guessed it, is the father of this child. It's one of those badly kept small town secrets; no one has the hard evidence, but they all suspect it. Even Mrs. Harper. The only person who denies it is Richard himself. But I like the idea of him being raised in that bar, and making friends with our shadier Harper citizens. People who, again, have questionable morals (this is a fucked up town, now that I think about it), but would protect that little boy to the end.]
THE REBEL WITH A CAUSE
Dom Adams (played by Taylor Kitsch)
"You think I spent all these years pinin' after you? That's some big city ego you've got, sweetheart."
Dom was your typical rebellious teen. Motorcycles and leather jackets; he could hunt before he could walk.
Dom dated Kaylee before the murders. The day she left, his world went to hell.
Now, the town criminal. One too many bar fights, his gun pointed at the Mayor’s son in a drunken haze, Dom keeps to himself, residing in his dad’s old hunting shack for the most part, visiting his sister from time to time in town.
Kaylee’s back for a high school reunion he didn’t even want to attend. Looks like he’ll be spending a bit more time in town.
How about that.
[Why Taylor Kitsch? Do we need to look at the pictures again? Dude is fine. And still a bit in love with Kaylee, clearly. He's somewhat of a main suspect when the murders happen, scattered alibis and timelines that don't match up. There's also some severe rivalry going on here with Eric - they both cared for Kaylee, albeit in different ways, but when she left Eric was the one to get his life together, whereas Dom never could. And, you know, Kitsch plays the strong, silent type so well.]
THE LOOSE CANON
Alexa Adams (played by Evangeline Lilly)
"Me, a suspect? Sheriff, if you wanted me in cuffs, all you had to do was ask."
There’s a wild streak in the Adams line that runs wilder in the women. Alexa laughs, because this is true.
Protective older sister of Dom, she causes trouble so he can’t; never slow to start a fight or draw a gun, living her life like a western because that’s all she’s been taught. And, you know, maybe she doesn’t mind the inside of the jail cell, what with the cute looking Sheriff and all…
But the murder’s start and Kaylee returns and any good-natured trouble making flies out the window as she protects her little brother with everything she’s got.
[Why Evangeline? The first couple of seasons, Kate was pretty badass and I loved that. And Alexa is seriously badass. Like, you don't want to mess with this girl at all. You don't want to cross her or her friends and especially her brother, Dom. Which is why she does not like Kaylee at all. And you know, back in the day, Alexa and Caroline would have been a force to be reckoned with. Now, I think there's a bit of resentment there, underneath a rock solid friendship; Alexa gets what she wants and what she wants is the Sheriff, who is in love with her best friend. Ultimately, when the murders escalate, Alexa is determined to go down fighting.]
THE GOOD WIFE
Ellie Harper (played by Elizabeth Mitchell)
"Don't look so surprised, Richard. You've got your infidelities, I've got mine. And I love him just as much as I hate you."
She was young when she married Richard. Too young, the older townsfolk tut over their morning papers. Married for love, she’d tell you, back when she wore her heart on her sleeve.
Now a days, with her husbands side of the bed frequently empty, she’ll say she never really had a choice.
Dedicated wife, loving mother; her future looks bleak, but she’s putting an end to that. Bags packed, money withdrawn, goodbye notes written without smudged ink, she’s making a new life for herself. She’s finding her happiness.
Then the murders happen. Every plan has a hitch.
[Why Elizabeth Mitchell? LOVE THIS WOMAN. Seriously she does badass and vulnerable so well, which is exactly the type of woman Ellie is. She's done being some sort of trophy wife, the murders are as good an opportunity to escape that life. So she grabs her gun and shacks up with Abraham while everything goes to hell. I love the idea of her trying to change her fate and her family is just so tragic. A husband she can't stand, a daughter she feels like she's failed, a son she's terrified will turn into his father. And, you know she has totally known all this time that Max is her husband's.]
THE EXILED
Abraham Stevens (played by Viggo Mortensen)
"Same old story, ain't it Wilson? Gonna try and pin this on my like your old man? Go on, kid, take your best shot."
They were so quick to accuse him, back when the bodies were still warm and the Sheriff didn’t have blood on his hands
He doesn’t forget so easily. And he certainly doesn’t forgive.
Years have passed. He runs a mechanics workshop just outside of town. It’s there, the outskirts, he meets Ellie Harper. It’s there, he offers her an escape.
Screwing Lord Harper’s wife, taking all them god fearing folks money, well, let’s just say he’s quite content with the situation.
Then the murder’s start. Abraham waits for the accusations. (He does not forget.)
[Why Viggo? As I mentioned earlier, impossible casting is impossible. BUT a girl can dream. I like Abraham. He's a man that keeps to himself and, in true small town fashion, people fear what they don't understand. And what they don't understand, they accuse of murder. When in town, he spends most of his time at The Mine Shaft, to the point where little Max probably hero-worships him. (Because you know Caroline's probably more suspicious of the blueblood types than the shady types.) I think his relationship with Ellie would be one of the sweetest here; he's quiet and gentle and offers her what she yearns for; a new life. But when it gets down to it, as much as him and Richard are different, they are the same. That's interesting.]
THE GOLDEN BOY
Nathaniel Harper (played by Sean Maher)
"We're all running, Laurie. The difference between us and everyone else is that we have nowhere to run to."
Nathaniel’s not sure he’s ready for this. Father tells him of course you are and all Nathaniel sees is false confidence from a man that is everything the Harper name embodies.
Truth is, Nathaniel’s angry. Angry that his future is set in stone. Angry that his father let his sister marry townie scum. Angry that Laurie dumped him all those years ago. Angry that he is what he is.
He has his father’s disposition but his mother’s eyes. The townsfolk see greatness in him.
Nathaniel sees nothing.
[Why Sean Maher? He always looks so stern and, as you can see in these photos, a little angry, which is what this character is. An interesting thing about this story is the 'groups', so to speak. Say you've got Eric and his lot, and Caroline and hers - something you should know, before the murders, Eric and Norah didn't even talk. It was the Greyson kids and the Harper kids, ruling the town with the names they were born with. Then the murders happened and friendships, relationships were ruined. Laurie and Nathaniel broke up, as did Norah and James and these friendships just fell apart to the point that these adults now are practically strangers. And I think Nathaniel honestly thought that he would marry Laurie one day. With everything he'd ever known taken from his so suddenly, he's got a reason to be angry.]
THE BLACK SHEEP
Laurie Greyson (played by Allison Brie)
"We've all changed, Norah. We're not little girls and our Daddy's can't save us. That's the real truth and you'd be best to realize that."
Laurie’s Grandfather was the mayor of Harper. Her Father is the Mayor of Harper. One day, her brother, too, will be the Mayor of Harper. Greyson and Harper go hand in hand and there’s nothing she could ever do about it.
These days, everything is past tense. She used to be best friends with Norah. Used to date Nathaniel Harper. Used to be a lot of things, but the murders changed everything. She works at the newspaper, searching for answers to questions she doesn’t know. Like who really killed her mother.
She doesn’t want to ask that question, just yet.
[Why Allison Brie? She's such a versatile actress. Laurie's like a lot of the women in this town, headstrong and determined. And very much like Nathaniel in the sense that she's angry. I'd love to see their relationship; they're soul mates that have hurt each other so much throughout the years that any affection has turned to bitterness. I think she'd feel like her friends, her family had abandoned her, so she's somewhat of a loner. And she's vital to the investigation - she hasn't been hoarding research and evidence for all those years for no reason.]
THE PRODIGAL SON
James Greyson (played by Ian Somerhalder)
"Any fool could see that the Sheriff as the killer made no sense, so why didn't you? If you had made sure there was a formal investigation, we might not be in this mess!"
James completed a political science degree out of fear. This was his future; unlike the others he grew up with, he accepted this, encouraged this. Looked forward to this.
He wants to prove that he’s competent. He wants to prove that he’s the deputy mayor not because of his father, or his grandfather, but because he has the skills necessary to lead and put Harper on the map.
Penny is all encouragement. His father is not.
This town does not like change.
James is beginning to realise that this is not his place.
[Why Ian Somerhalder? Now, I don't watch Vampire Diaries, so my main reason for casting him as the Mayor's son is the fact that, omg, look like Rob Lowe much? I like the idea of him playing such a serious character - because James is. We have all these people running round with guns and looking for revenge and James just wants to keep his fiance safe and make sure the local law enforcement is doing all they can bring the killer to justice. He's probably the most by the book person in this town.]
THE DOCTOR
Dr. Penny White (played by Alexis Bledel)
"Believe it or not, James, but we've got bigger things to worry about than a serial killer."
Harper’s not quite so easy to leave. It calls you back like a siren song. Penny had an out. She had no reason to return.
She came back all the same.
Penny does not fit in here; people see this and wonder why. The town adores her nonetheless and she has no idea as to why.
James dreams about leaving. His father does not approve of her, (a man shattered by the fact his son did not marry his high sweetheart, the Harper daughter herself). James is promises and vows and, baby, this will work.
Penny almost believes him. (There’s a life inside her; she cannot feel it, but she knows it’s there.)
[Why Alexis? I like, in her own way, the character is somewhat of an outcast. People are wary of her, she doesn't exactly fit in. She has a tentative friendship with Norah, but really, James is the only person she's really close to. And people look at her curiously because she's lived here her whole life, but they have no idea who she is. Then suddenly she's engaged to the future Mayor and it's like she much have an agenda they don't know about. And the murders happen and she's pregnant. I think Alexis could play the character with the seriousness, the vulnerability and the determination that is needed.]
THE HEADCASE
Gregory Scott (played by James Franco)
"I understand science, Sheriff. People have always been a mystery to me."
He left town for college, a Harper rarity if ever you saw one. Degrees in biochemistry and geology (a minor in forensic science), Gregory came back after seven years and no one knew why.
No one bothered to ask.
Working at the mill, the only employee in their science department, Gregory lives and works a quiet and solitary life in Harper. Until the murders, that is.
A badge at his hip, (Deputy, you’re now my Deputy) and Gregory doesn’t know which way is up anymore.
[Why James Franco? Again, one of those versatile actors. The character isn't one of those 'completely oblivious to the actions/moods/feelings of others'. Simply he just doesn't understand people and what he does he's learned through text books. Somewhat of a town novelty, he's important, but doesn't play the politics game, preferring to keep to himself. When the murders start, his science skills come in handy - he's another one of those characters that prove themselves to be surprisingly useful.]
THE DEPUTY
Smith Owens (played by Aaron Stanford)
"I've seen things no one should ever see. You can't fix me, Olivia. I don't know who you're trying to fool."
His mother died in childbirth and his father, brutally murdered ten years ago, Smith had no choice to sell his fathers ranch to Richard Harper. Hundreds of thousands of dollars gone before he hit 21; on booze and drugs and god knows what. He returned to Harper an example -
- this is the aftermath. This is what your child could become.
Jonathon was only a Deputy when he convinced Smith to join up with the Sheriff’s department. Gave the kid a gun and a purpose. Gave the kid a future.
Smith doesn’t know where he’s going, doesn’t know where he’s been. Prefers to say nothing and let them fear him.
The murder occurs on a Sunday. Olivia is the first person he warns.
[Why Aaron Stanford? Honestly, I like the kid. He does brooding well, which is the best way to describe this character. He's a man looking for redemption, who lost everything and hit rock bottom. His whole world went to hell all those years ago and he's slowly trying to rebuild the pieces and make sure it never happens again. Which includes not letting anyone close to him. I think his relationship with Olivia is interesting; he wants to let her in and he's certainly protective of her. And the Sheriff, who gave him a fresh start, he'd follow him to the end. To me, such unwavering loyalty is a real strength of character and a trait I find intriguing.]
THE SCHOOL TEACHER
Olivia Patterson (Zooey Deschanel)
"No one really sees the warnings in bible stories. Just like no one ever really learns from their mistakes."
She might teach third grade and be the daughter of the Preacher, but she is not meek.
You’d best remember that.
Before the murders, she was set to leave this town. But her mother went mad and her father couldn’t deal with a town in shock and a crazy wife so she had to stick around.
Hard liquor and harder men: this month’s preferences? Whiskey and a silent Deputy who she just can’t crack.
There’s black lace beneath those schoolmarmish dresses. (A pistol next to her bible, these are the cold hard facts.)
[Why Zooey D? Besides my blind love for all thing Deschanel, I think she's really great for this role. (Again, impossible casting is impossible.) The character, despite her family and occupation, is sarcastic and cynical and hates this town more than anything. I think she'd be cool - you know, she's a good teacher but a bad role model (I do think, however, Caroline might see something of a kindred spirit in her wild ways). Good friends with Jezabelle (kind of like the ying to the other's yang, they've both got bigger dreams than this town has to offer) and has a thing for men that need fixing. I enjoyed her and Aaron in Flakes - they've got good chemistry.]
THE PREACHER
Frankie Patterson (played by Jason Bateman)
"Is this the part where you ask for my advice, or the part where I say 'I told you so'? Or, better yet, the part where I tell you that you should have listened to me from the start?"
The town is cursed. These words, uttered by old man Ashcraft on his deathbed, he thought to be the murmurings of a dying man. He knows better.
His wife saw the killer, nearly became a victim herself. Miraculously (and it was a miracle) she survived. Again, he knows better.
Left with her life, the killer took her mind. She wanders the house; a sanctuary, not a prison, silent footfalls and nervous ramblings.
After the murder, he starts to take heed.
[Why Jason Bateman? Man plays moralistic to a 'tee'. And he can do serious, also a plus. The preacher and the moral police rolled into one; he can tell which of his congregation are there because they believe and which are there for appearances. He's helpful in the sense that he has a valuable insight into people. A slightly wry character, he faces the difficult task of consoling a fear stricken town and looking out for his disturbed wife and wayward daughter. Ultimately, it's his unwavering faith, even in the face of gruesome murders, that gives him strength.]
THE MAD WOMAN
Molly Patterson (played by Julianna Margulies)
"Don't look at me like that, Frankie, like I'm crazy. I know what I saw and it kills me that you don't believe me."
Some days, it’s like he killed her. Her memory is broken; she sees his face around every corner, in every mirror. Every time she closes her eyes.
Some days are better than others. Some days she ventures into town, her husbands church, her daughter’s classroom where she teaches and it’s almost as if everything was normal.
She see’s his face (He’s back, she cries) and the murders start and she can’t breathe at all.
[Why Julianna? She's such a tremendous actress, clearly, and if anyone could pull off Molly, it's her. She's not crazy, per se, but frightened. With good reason - this guy tried to kill her. Her husband doesn't know how to help her, her daughter has given up on helping her. This is something Molly needs to do on her own. And the murders start and she's faced with the fear of this monster coming after her and being the only one in the town that really knows what this guy is capable of.]
THE PSYCHIC
Jemima Ashcraft (played by Gina Torres)
"You think I can read your tea leaves and tell you if you're going to die? I'm sorry, honey, but that's not how this works. Not how this works at all."
Call her a crackpot, call it voodoo magic, call it what you like.
Jemima knew it would happen again.
Never believing the Sheriff the murderer of her brother, Jemima stays to protect her nephew. Stays to protect her own legacy.
On the morning of the murders, the sun rises red over the mountains. A glass falls from her hands and shatters.
No one can stop it now.
[Why Gina? Can you say HBIC? Because Jemima, in her own mystical way is the HBIC of Harper. People fear and respect her and she is not intimidated by anyone. She goes about her business, paying no attention to town gossip or the ridiculously melodramatic lives of the Harper's and the Greyson's. Period. Regardless, she loves this town, wants to keep her nephew, Isaac, safe from harm. And I think what's interesting is that no one really knows what her 'gifts' entail. Or what her part in all this is.]
THE OLD TIMER
Jackson Greyson (played by Craig T. Nelson)
"This town has its secrets. You'd do well to remember that."
The murders may have shook the town of Harper to its core, but not as much as it shook old Mayor Greyson. An early retirement, he handed the reigns to his son, with his confidence and trustworthy smiles. His son was the Mayor his beloved town needed.
There’s something that doesn’t sit right with him, those murders that feel like just yesterday. First thing; why would Sheriff Wilson, a family man, kill his wife? Kill, Ashcraft, his best friend? Kill Jackson’s sweet, innocent, daughter-in-law.
Jackson Greyson is a man with questions. He’s intent on getting them answered.
[Why Nelson? And again, impossible casting at work here. Regardless, think of how awesome he could make this character? A no-nonsense type of guy; he may not be Mayor, but he still has major clout in what goes on in Harper. And you know, all those years have passed and people might have pushed the murders to the back of his mind, but not this man. To many pieces of a puzzle that does not fit; it doesn't make sense and he worries that people have become to complacent. He serves as reassurance and a reminder; like, evil still lurks but we will do our best to protect you.]
----
[AND I'm done. This took way too long, but was, like, sooo much fun. I'm glad I got this out of my system too, because I need to focus on assignments and I'm sure as hell not going to fail my classes like this time last year when I was obsessing over Harper's Island. ANYWAY, what I'm trying to say here is I hope you enjoyed this and your feedback/blind praise/constructive compliments would be adored. OH AND NO ONE DIED IN THE MAKING OF THIS SEQUEL. Ahem.]
The madness started on a Wednesday. My internet had been slowed so I couldn't watch my usual Wednesday night shows. So I decided to pop on my Harper's Island dvds, listen to a couple of commentaries because I'm cool like that. What was interesting was one of the creators mentioned that if there was a second season of Harper's Island, it would be completely different cast/setting/plot/everything, which was an intriguing thing. Bored out of my mind, I ask myself "what would a second season of Harper's be like?" More specifically, I asked myself, "hey, Amelia. You can write/cast/set a second Harper's. GO."
This was what resulted.
Keep in mind, this is not to be taken seriously. For starters, there is no possible way I could get all these actors. Also, the ages of everyone is clearly manipulated to suit my own shallow preferences. Also, there is a lot of 'favourite picking' happening here. As in, actors and actresses Amelia adores, therefore they're in here. But, as long as we all know that this is by no means to be taken seriously, but for enjoyment purposes only. Clear? Cool.
Now Entering...
HARPER
The town of Harper dates back to the Gold Rush. A small town in Montana, the nearby mines have since dried up, but still remain: a reminder of the town’s once and former glory. Mountain ranges to the north, it’s a town of ranches with a strong socio-economic gap bridged by one common interest - the surrounding wheat farms and the local mill. Torn between the lure of the tourist dollar and the good old days, the townsfolk are on edge with the prospect of everything changing.
In the end, everyone won’t be happy. Someone has to lose.
Kaylee Wilson hasn’t been back since graduation. Spurred on by her best friend to attend their high school reunion, she makes a return that shocks everyone. She just wants to keep her head down and hope like hell this weekend goes off without a hitch.
Meanwhile a body has been found in abandoned mine. And it’s looking suspiciously like a series of murders that occurred ten years earlier…
THE GIRL NEXT DOOR
Kaylee Wilson (played by Ellen Page)
"He's gonna find us! Don't you understand, Eric? He's not going to stop until we're all dead!"
Kaylee left Harper and never looked back. In her senior year, her father, then Sheriff, murdered five people, including her mother and then took his own life. There was no question in anyone’s mind that it was him.
Now a writer in New York, Kaylee’s got a new life, a present and a future all planned out. Her past - friends, family, exes; a place she would have preferred not to revisit.
Except for Eric. Them against the world; that’s the way it’s always been.
That’s why she came back.
Now she can’t escape.
[Why Ellen Page? She's such a versatile actor and the character needs to be vulnerable and determined and angry and a million and one emotions that come with returning home, facing a reunion and trying desperately to stay alive. And the relationships! From avoiding her brother, the verbally sparring with Alexa, joking with Eric, there's so much that can be done with this character and Page is perfect for this.]
THE BEST FRIEND
Eric Andrews (played by Bradley James)
"You're my wife and I will protect you. I will keep you alive. But sometimes, babe, sometimes I don't know if you want to live."
Eric stayed. You should know this. He stayed and watched the Wilson name dragged through the mud, watched his best friend shut herself out from the world. Watched as she left, no word, no note, no goodbye.
Ten years later and he’s made a life for himself in Harper. He married Norah Harper, daughter of Richard Harper, descendent of the founders of the town, owner of the mill and most of the surrounding farmland, which employs half the town. He has an important job at the mill, courtesy of his father-in-law. He has a life and he is content.
This new murder, well, this changes everything.
[Why Bradley James? Eric, ultimately, is a life-loving guy. He's got a good life, but not without familial...complications. He'd be a great friend, a great husband, because he is so loyal. And with that loyalty comes a fierce instinct to protect those that he loves through any means necessary. And James is super cute and maybe I thought he'd be really cute paired up with Dianna.]
THE BEAUTY QUEEN
Norah Harper-Andrews (played by Dianna Agron)
"The Harper women are cursed to die in this town. It's just the way it is and you should forget all about me and get out while you still can!"
Norah grew up with stars in her eyes in a town she knew she would never escape for. With the surname of Harper, big city ambitions were not in the cards. Destined to stand on balconies looking out at what she’ll never have, Norah made the most of what she did.
She defied her father’s wishes and married a rancher’s son. She bears no resentment to his friendship with Kaylee; she’s got complicated friendships herself. She likes riding and baking and teaching ballet. She fears her father’s anger and what he’s really capable of.
The murders, well, she’s not surprised.
[Why Dianna Agron? Aside from the fact the girl is stunning, Norah is a character that is trapped. In her instance, she's trapped by her own legacy, the expectations that come with her surname. At the same time, she is rebellious in small ways - she married Eric instead of the man she was supposed to marry, she keeps and protects so many secrets. Norah is a quiet character, sad yet beautiful window dressing and Dianna could play this role perfectly.]
THE SHERIFF
Jonathon Wilson (played by Hugh Dancy)
"What, Kaylee, you want me to be ecstatic because our father isn't a killer? It doesn't change the fact that there's a psychopath on the loose and we have no idea who or what it is!"
When his father murdered five innocent people, including his mother, Jonathon had a decision:
His family or his town. He chose Harper.
Ten years later and it’s Sheriff Wilson (thank you very much). Some still question his family name; the monthly brawls with Isaac Ashcraft are evidence, but none question his town loyalty. Jonathon is glad to see his sister again, but knows she resents him.
Jonathon has bigger things to tend to.
Like the latest murder, so, so like the ones ten years ago. And his sinking suspicion that maybe his father was framed…
[Why Hugh Dancy? For all the adorable characters he's played, this man does serious so so well. And he is serious. He's a man torn between his town and his family, and he tries so hard not to be. He tries to be a father figure for the son of the woman he's in love with, he's trying desperately to reconnect with his sister. I think apart of him is trying so hard not to become his father, because he's afraid of the chance that might happen. Now, he's just trying to stay alive and keep his town safe and what really kills him, his weakness, so to speak, is how powerless he really is. And how much he's feel like he's failing.]
THE NAMESAKE
Richard Harper (played by Jon Hamm)
"This is my town. When this man meets the barrel of my gun, he will be reminded of that fact."
The Harper’s own this town. Richard wants you to remember this.
Just like Richard never wanted his daughter to marry Eric. Just like Richard both trusts and distrusts Doug Greyson and his not so clear alliances.
On the outside, he’s honorable and trustworthy. On the outside, he’s the perfect father, the perfect husband, the perfect employer.
No one sees the sinister soul lurking beneath the surface.
[Why Jon Hamm? To be honest, I like casting him as a villain of sorts. In a town where most of it's citizens have questionable morals, Richard is, perhaps, the most questionable of all. He cheats on his wife, he is violently protective of whats his. If you cross him, there will be consequences. This is a man who honestly believes that this town is his.]
THE MAYOR
Doug Greyson (played by Rob Lowe)
"You forget easily, Richard, that my wife was killed by this monster. If you don't want to help me, I suggest you get out of my way."
It’s not easy living the life of a legacy. Doug Greyson makes it look like a piece of cake. Under a cloud of confidence, Doug, with the aid of his father who casts a watchful eye, leads the town into the future while preserving the old ways. He carefully guides his son into the shoes he’ll one day fill.
He mourns the wife he lost all those years ago and the daughter he watches slip away.
Nine years as Mayor, going off without a hitch. Until the latest murder, so it happens.
And it also just happens to be an election year.
[Why Rob Lowe? Ummm, I love Rob Lowe? Is that a good enough excuse? In all seriousness, however, Greyson's desire for revenge is greater than his responsibility to his town. He is a good man who loved his wife, his daughter; both taken from him in different ways. The Doug and Richard relationship is perhaps the most intriguing - here we have two powerful men who could either be each others greatest enemy or greatest ally. The coin could go either way.]
THE BUDDY
Isaac Ashcraft (played by Steven Strait)
"The mountains aren't safe anymore. The valleys and the plains are marked with blood. There's no way out."
The Ashcraft’s have been in Harper for generations, long living off the reservation and cementing themselves as an intricate part of the town’s history. Best friend of Eric, Isaac is regarded as somewhat of a horse whisperer. His aunt is the town psychic and runs the crystal shop. His father was one of five victims, all those years ago.
Once regarded as a ‘troubled soul’, Isaac has since cleaned up his act, thanks to Eric’s father who employed him as horse wrangler at his ranch. Though he lives a quiet life in Harper, he and the local Sheriff often come to blows.
[Why Steven Strait? Kid definitely has a free-spirit, in touch with nature sort of vibe about him. I'd love to see the contrasts he could play; the fun nature of his friendship with Eric, the disliking of the Sheriff, his affection for Jezabelle. He's a guy who had his life planned out; had a good job and a home and a girl he wanted to marry and, like most of the characters in this, he's fighting to protect what's his.]
THE DREAMER
Jezabelle Lucas (played by Jessica Szohr)
"I don't want this town to be the only place I've ever known. I love you, Isaac, but I don't want to die here."
Jezabelle dreams of big lights and bigger ambitions. But isn’t this always the case? Her friend Kaylee left, all those years ago, childhood pacts left forgotten in the sandboxes in which they once played. Working in the local bar, with her half-sister, townsfolk have a way of assuming they’re one and the same. This is not the case.
Isaac sees this. Because Isaac knows her - there’s a ring in their not-too distant future to prove this.
They just have to survive.
[Why Jessica Szohr? I apologize for the CW casting, but come on, girl is stunning and perfect here. Small town dreamer, she could leave but she doesn't. There's nothing keeping her here, but she stays. The only person she really has ties to are Isaac, her half-sister and her nephew. Kaylee was her good friend until she left, so there's some tension there. Back to the whole trapped thing, I think her greatest enemy is herself, that as much as she wants to leave, she'll take any excuse to stay.]
THE SCARLET WOMAN
Caroline Lucas (played by Emmanuelle Vaugier)
"I haven't been that woman for a long time. You of all people should know why."
Proprietor of the local bar, The Mine Shaft, Caroline is as straight as they come. Straight talker, straight shooter; she wields her words just as well as she wields a gun (which is very well, she’ll have you know). The Scarlet Woman of Harper, Caroline earned her reputation through the destruction of many marriages and is the topic of much controversy.
These days she’s less about the men and more about the boys. Well, one boy in particular; her son, Sam.
The child does not have a father (as much as the Sheriff yearns for that role). She thinks it’s best to keep it that way.
[Why Emmanuelle? Another favourite casting of mine. Girl can play badass perfectly. And, you know, I love redemption. I love people who can turn their lives around, and that's exactly what she did. Caroline went from being the town whore, to straightening her life out for the sake of her son. While the talking didn't bother her back then, it does now. She doesn't want her son to know what she once was. Also the reason she keeps the Sheriff at arms length; she doesn't want her son to get hurt. With a murderer on the loose, her main priority is protecting her son at all costs.]
THE CHILD
Sam Lucas (played by Max Burkholder)
"He lives in the mountains, Mommy. He's not a monster, he's my friend."
Eight years old and terribly precocious, Sam’s always known he was different from other kids. Spends more time in the bar than outside; schoolyard fights commonplace as he begins to understand the meaning behind the insults kids hurl at him about his mother.
Smarter than most, he’s got to wonder why he looks a lot like Nathaniel Harper when he was his age.
Jonathon takes him fishing every weekend. Sam likes the feel of the wind through his hair and getting muddy and how this might be how having a real life dad feels like.
[Why Max? I really enjoy this kid in Parenthood, but, honestly, I was looking for a kid that would kind of look a bit like Caroline and Richard, who, if you haven't guessed it, is the father of this child. It's one of those badly kept small town secrets; no one has the hard evidence, but they all suspect it. Even Mrs. Harper. The only person who denies it is Richard himself. But I like the idea of him being raised in that bar, and making friends with our shadier Harper citizens. People who, again, have questionable morals (this is a fucked up town, now that I think about it), but would protect that little boy to the end.]
THE REBEL WITH A CAUSE
Dom Adams (played by Taylor Kitsch)
"You think I spent all these years pinin' after you? That's some big city ego you've got, sweetheart."
Dom was your typical rebellious teen. Motorcycles and leather jackets; he could hunt before he could walk.
Dom dated Kaylee before the murders. The day she left, his world went to hell.
Now, the town criminal. One too many bar fights, his gun pointed at the Mayor’s son in a drunken haze, Dom keeps to himself, residing in his dad’s old hunting shack for the most part, visiting his sister from time to time in town.
Kaylee’s back for a high school reunion he didn’t even want to attend. Looks like he’ll be spending a bit more time in town.
How about that.
[Why Taylor Kitsch? Do we need to look at the pictures again? Dude is fine. And still a bit in love with Kaylee, clearly. He's somewhat of a main suspect when the murders happen, scattered alibis and timelines that don't match up. There's also some severe rivalry going on here with Eric - they both cared for Kaylee, albeit in different ways, but when she left Eric was the one to get his life together, whereas Dom never could. And, you know, Kitsch plays the strong, silent type so well.]
THE LOOSE CANON
Alexa Adams (played by Evangeline Lilly)
"Me, a suspect? Sheriff, if you wanted me in cuffs, all you had to do was ask."
There’s a wild streak in the Adams line that runs wilder in the women. Alexa laughs, because this is true.
Protective older sister of Dom, she causes trouble so he can’t; never slow to start a fight or draw a gun, living her life like a western because that’s all she’s been taught. And, you know, maybe she doesn’t mind the inside of the jail cell, what with the cute looking Sheriff and all…
But the murder’s start and Kaylee returns and any good-natured trouble making flies out the window as she protects her little brother with everything she’s got.
[Why Evangeline? The first couple of seasons, Kate was pretty badass and I loved that. And Alexa is seriously badass. Like, you don't want to mess with this girl at all. You don't want to cross her or her friends and especially her brother, Dom. Which is why she does not like Kaylee at all. And you know, back in the day, Alexa and Caroline would have been a force to be reckoned with. Now, I think there's a bit of resentment there, underneath a rock solid friendship; Alexa gets what she wants and what she wants is the Sheriff, who is in love with her best friend. Ultimately, when the murders escalate, Alexa is determined to go down fighting.]
THE GOOD WIFE
Ellie Harper (played by Elizabeth Mitchell)
"Don't look so surprised, Richard. You've got your infidelities, I've got mine. And I love him just as much as I hate you."
She was young when she married Richard. Too young, the older townsfolk tut over their morning papers. Married for love, she’d tell you, back when she wore her heart on her sleeve.
Now a days, with her husbands side of the bed frequently empty, she’ll say she never really had a choice.
Dedicated wife, loving mother; her future looks bleak, but she’s putting an end to that. Bags packed, money withdrawn, goodbye notes written without smudged ink, she’s making a new life for herself. She’s finding her happiness.
Then the murders happen. Every plan has a hitch.
[Why Elizabeth Mitchell? LOVE THIS WOMAN. Seriously she does badass and vulnerable so well, which is exactly the type of woman Ellie is. She's done being some sort of trophy wife, the murders are as good an opportunity to escape that life. So she grabs her gun and shacks up with Abraham while everything goes to hell. I love the idea of her trying to change her fate and her family is just so tragic. A husband she can't stand, a daughter she feels like she's failed, a son she's terrified will turn into his father. And, you know she has totally known all this time that Max is her husband's.]
THE EXILED
Abraham Stevens (played by Viggo Mortensen)
"Same old story, ain't it Wilson? Gonna try and pin this on my like your old man? Go on, kid, take your best shot."
They were so quick to accuse him, back when the bodies were still warm and the Sheriff didn’t have blood on his hands
He doesn’t forget so easily. And he certainly doesn’t forgive.
Years have passed. He runs a mechanics workshop just outside of town. It’s there, the outskirts, he meets Ellie Harper. It’s there, he offers her an escape.
Screwing Lord Harper’s wife, taking all them god fearing folks money, well, let’s just say he’s quite content with the situation.
Then the murder’s start. Abraham waits for the accusations. (He does not forget.)
[Why Viggo? As I mentioned earlier, impossible casting is impossible. BUT a girl can dream. I like Abraham. He's a man that keeps to himself and, in true small town fashion, people fear what they don't understand. And what they don't understand, they accuse of murder. When in town, he spends most of his time at The Mine Shaft, to the point where little Max probably hero-worships him. (Because you know Caroline's probably more suspicious of the blueblood types than the shady types.) I think his relationship with Ellie would be one of the sweetest here; he's quiet and gentle and offers her what she yearns for; a new life. But when it gets down to it, as much as him and Richard are different, they are the same. That's interesting.]
THE GOLDEN BOY
Nathaniel Harper (played by Sean Maher)
"We're all running, Laurie. The difference between us and everyone else is that we have nowhere to run to."
Nathaniel’s not sure he’s ready for this. Father tells him of course you are and all Nathaniel sees is false confidence from a man that is everything the Harper name embodies.
Truth is, Nathaniel’s angry. Angry that his future is set in stone. Angry that his father let his sister marry townie scum. Angry that Laurie dumped him all those years ago. Angry that he is what he is.
He has his father’s disposition but his mother’s eyes. The townsfolk see greatness in him.
Nathaniel sees nothing.
[Why Sean Maher? He always looks so stern and, as you can see in these photos, a little angry, which is what this character is. An interesting thing about this story is the 'groups', so to speak. Say you've got Eric and his lot, and Caroline and hers - something you should know, before the murders, Eric and Norah didn't even talk. It was the Greyson kids and the Harper kids, ruling the town with the names they were born with. Then the murders happened and friendships, relationships were ruined. Laurie and Nathaniel broke up, as did Norah and James and these friendships just fell apart to the point that these adults now are practically strangers. And I think Nathaniel honestly thought that he would marry Laurie one day. With everything he'd ever known taken from his so suddenly, he's got a reason to be angry.]
THE BLACK SHEEP
Laurie Greyson (played by Allison Brie)
"We've all changed, Norah. We're not little girls and our Daddy's can't save us. That's the real truth and you'd be best to realize that."
Laurie’s Grandfather was the mayor of Harper. Her Father is the Mayor of Harper. One day, her brother, too, will be the Mayor of Harper. Greyson and Harper go hand in hand and there’s nothing she could ever do about it.
These days, everything is past tense. She used to be best friends with Norah. Used to date Nathaniel Harper. Used to be a lot of things, but the murders changed everything. She works at the newspaper, searching for answers to questions she doesn’t know. Like who really killed her mother.
She doesn’t want to ask that question, just yet.
[Why Allison Brie? She's such a versatile actress. Laurie's like a lot of the women in this town, headstrong and determined. And very much like Nathaniel in the sense that she's angry. I'd love to see their relationship; they're soul mates that have hurt each other so much throughout the years that any affection has turned to bitterness. I think she'd feel like her friends, her family had abandoned her, so she's somewhat of a loner. And she's vital to the investigation - she hasn't been hoarding research and evidence for all those years for no reason.]
THE PRODIGAL SON
James Greyson (played by Ian Somerhalder)
"Any fool could see that the Sheriff as the killer made no sense, so why didn't you? If you had made sure there was a formal investigation, we might not be in this mess!"
James completed a political science degree out of fear. This was his future; unlike the others he grew up with, he accepted this, encouraged this. Looked forward to this.
He wants to prove that he’s competent. He wants to prove that he’s the deputy mayor not because of his father, or his grandfather, but because he has the skills necessary to lead and put Harper on the map.
Penny is all encouragement. His father is not.
This town does not like change.
James is beginning to realise that this is not his place.
[Why Ian Somerhalder? Now, I don't watch Vampire Diaries, so my main reason for casting him as the Mayor's son is the fact that, omg, look like Rob Lowe much? I like the idea of him playing such a serious character - because James is. We have all these people running round with guns and looking for revenge and James just wants to keep his fiance safe and make sure the local law enforcement is doing all they can bring the killer to justice. He's probably the most by the book person in this town.]
THE DOCTOR
Dr. Penny White (played by Alexis Bledel)
"Believe it or not, James, but we've got bigger things to worry about than a serial killer."
Harper’s not quite so easy to leave. It calls you back like a siren song. Penny had an out. She had no reason to return.
She came back all the same.
Penny does not fit in here; people see this and wonder why. The town adores her nonetheless and she has no idea as to why.
James dreams about leaving. His father does not approve of her, (a man shattered by the fact his son did not marry his high sweetheart, the Harper daughter herself). James is promises and vows and, baby, this will work.
Penny almost believes him. (There’s a life inside her; she cannot feel it, but she knows it’s there.)
[Why Alexis? I like, in her own way, the character is somewhat of an outcast. People are wary of her, she doesn't exactly fit in. She has a tentative friendship with Norah, but really, James is the only person she's really close to. And people look at her curiously because she's lived here her whole life, but they have no idea who she is. Then suddenly she's engaged to the future Mayor and it's like she much have an agenda they don't know about. And the murders happen and she's pregnant. I think Alexis could play the character with the seriousness, the vulnerability and the determination that is needed.]
THE HEADCASE
Gregory Scott (played by James Franco)
"I understand science, Sheriff. People have always been a mystery to me."
He left town for college, a Harper rarity if ever you saw one. Degrees in biochemistry and geology (a minor in forensic science), Gregory came back after seven years and no one knew why.
No one bothered to ask.
Working at the mill, the only employee in their science department, Gregory lives and works a quiet and solitary life in Harper. Until the murders, that is.
A badge at his hip, (Deputy, you’re now my Deputy) and Gregory doesn’t know which way is up anymore.
[Why James Franco? Again, one of those versatile actors. The character isn't one of those 'completely oblivious to the actions/moods/feelings of others'. Simply he just doesn't understand people and what he does he's learned through text books. Somewhat of a town novelty, he's important, but doesn't play the politics game, preferring to keep to himself. When the murders start, his science skills come in handy - he's another one of those characters that prove themselves to be surprisingly useful.]
THE DEPUTY
Smith Owens (played by Aaron Stanford)
"I've seen things no one should ever see. You can't fix me, Olivia. I don't know who you're trying to fool."
His mother died in childbirth and his father, brutally murdered ten years ago, Smith had no choice to sell his fathers ranch to Richard Harper. Hundreds of thousands of dollars gone before he hit 21; on booze and drugs and god knows what. He returned to Harper an example -
- this is the aftermath. This is what your child could become.
Jonathon was only a Deputy when he convinced Smith to join up with the Sheriff’s department. Gave the kid a gun and a purpose. Gave the kid a future.
Smith doesn’t know where he’s going, doesn’t know where he’s been. Prefers to say nothing and let them fear him.
The murder occurs on a Sunday. Olivia is the first person he warns.
[Why Aaron Stanford? Honestly, I like the kid. He does brooding well, which is the best way to describe this character. He's a man looking for redemption, who lost everything and hit rock bottom. His whole world went to hell all those years ago and he's slowly trying to rebuild the pieces and make sure it never happens again. Which includes not letting anyone close to him. I think his relationship with Olivia is interesting; he wants to let her in and he's certainly protective of her. And the Sheriff, who gave him a fresh start, he'd follow him to the end. To me, such unwavering loyalty is a real strength of character and a trait I find intriguing.]
THE SCHOOL TEACHER
Olivia Patterson (Zooey Deschanel)
"No one really sees the warnings in bible stories. Just like no one ever really learns from their mistakes."
She might teach third grade and be the daughter of the Preacher, but she is not meek.
You’d best remember that.
Before the murders, she was set to leave this town. But her mother went mad and her father couldn’t deal with a town in shock and a crazy wife so she had to stick around.
Hard liquor and harder men: this month’s preferences? Whiskey and a silent Deputy who she just can’t crack.
There’s black lace beneath those schoolmarmish dresses. (A pistol next to her bible, these are the cold hard facts.)
[Why Zooey D? Besides my blind love for all thing Deschanel, I think she's really great for this role. (Again, impossible casting is impossible.) The character, despite her family and occupation, is sarcastic and cynical and hates this town more than anything. I think she'd be cool - you know, she's a good teacher but a bad role model (I do think, however, Caroline might see something of a kindred spirit in her wild ways). Good friends with Jezabelle (kind of like the ying to the other's yang, they've both got bigger dreams than this town has to offer) and has a thing for men that need fixing. I enjoyed her and Aaron in Flakes - they've got good chemistry.]
THE PREACHER
Frankie Patterson (played by Jason Bateman)
"Is this the part where you ask for my advice, or the part where I say 'I told you so'? Or, better yet, the part where I tell you that you should have listened to me from the start?"
The town is cursed. These words, uttered by old man Ashcraft on his deathbed, he thought to be the murmurings of a dying man. He knows better.
His wife saw the killer, nearly became a victim herself. Miraculously (and it was a miracle) she survived. Again, he knows better.
Left with her life, the killer took her mind. She wanders the house; a sanctuary, not a prison, silent footfalls and nervous ramblings.
After the murder, he starts to take heed.
[Why Jason Bateman? Man plays moralistic to a 'tee'. And he can do serious, also a plus. The preacher and the moral police rolled into one; he can tell which of his congregation are there because they believe and which are there for appearances. He's helpful in the sense that he has a valuable insight into people. A slightly wry character, he faces the difficult task of consoling a fear stricken town and looking out for his disturbed wife and wayward daughter. Ultimately, it's his unwavering faith, even in the face of gruesome murders, that gives him strength.]
THE MAD WOMAN
Molly Patterson (played by Julianna Margulies)
"Don't look at me like that, Frankie, like I'm crazy. I know what I saw and it kills me that you don't believe me."
Some days, it’s like he killed her. Her memory is broken; she sees his face around every corner, in every mirror. Every time she closes her eyes.
Some days are better than others. Some days she ventures into town, her husbands church, her daughter’s classroom where she teaches and it’s almost as if everything was normal.
She see’s his face (He’s back, she cries) and the murders start and she can’t breathe at all.
[Why Julianna? She's such a tremendous actress, clearly, and if anyone could pull off Molly, it's her. She's not crazy, per se, but frightened. With good reason - this guy tried to kill her. Her husband doesn't know how to help her, her daughter has given up on helping her. This is something Molly needs to do on her own. And the murders start and she's faced with the fear of this monster coming after her and being the only one in the town that really knows what this guy is capable of.]
THE PSYCHIC
Jemima Ashcraft (played by Gina Torres)
"You think I can read your tea leaves and tell you if you're going to die? I'm sorry, honey, but that's not how this works. Not how this works at all."
Call her a crackpot, call it voodoo magic, call it what you like.
Jemima knew it would happen again.
Never believing the Sheriff the murderer of her brother, Jemima stays to protect her nephew. Stays to protect her own legacy.
On the morning of the murders, the sun rises red over the mountains. A glass falls from her hands and shatters.
No one can stop it now.
[Why Gina? Can you say HBIC? Because Jemima, in her own mystical way is the HBIC of Harper. People fear and respect her and she is not intimidated by anyone. She goes about her business, paying no attention to town gossip or the ridiculously melodramatic lives of the Harper's and the Greyson's. Period. Regardless, she loves this town, wants to keep her nephew, Isaac, safe from harm. And I think what's interesting is that no one really knows what her 'gifts' entail. Or what her part in all this is.]
THE OLD TIMER
Jackson Greyson (played by Craig T. Nelson)
"This town has its secrets. You'd do well to remember that."
The murders may have shook the town of Harper to its core, but not as much as it shook old Mayor Greyson. An early retirement, he handed the reigns to his son, with his confidence and trustworthy smiles. His son was the Mayor his beloved town needed.
There’s something that doesn’t sit right with him, those murders that feel like just yesterday. First thing; why would Sheriff Wilson, a family man, kill his wife? Kill, Ashcraft, his best friend? Kill Jackson’s sweet, innocent, daughter-in-law.
Jackson Greyson is a man with questions. He’s intent on getting them answered.
[Why Nelson? And again, impossible casting at work here. Regardless, think of how awesome he could make this character? A no-nonsense type of guy; he may not be Mayor, but he still has major clout in what goes on in Harper. And you know, all those years have passed and people might have pushed the murders to the back of his mind, but not this man. To many pieces of a puzzle that does not fit; it doesn't make sense and he worries that people have become to complacent. He serves as reassurance and a reminder; like, evil still lurks but we will do our best to protect you.]
----
[AND I'm done. This took way too long, but was, like, sooo much fun. I'm glad I got this out of my system too, because I need to focus on assignments and I'm sure as hell not going to fail my classes like this time last year when I was obsessing over Harper's Island. ANYWAY, what I'm trying to say here is I hope you enjoyed this and your feedback/blind praise/constructive compliments would be adored. OH AND NO ONE DIED IN THE MAKING OF THIS SEQUEL. Ahem.]