User reviews

Every once in a while, a show comes along that promises to be a break from the norm - a show that makes you think and second guess your assumptions with each scene. Sometimes, these shows can be annoying because they tend to be plot less efforts at eye candy. But Happy Town wasn't one of them. It was one of the good ones - and ABC executives have decided in their infinite wisdom that shadows over the common man to pull the plug on this show.

This is why I don't trust the broadcast network hierarchy, and why I stick to satellite television reception. And it really doesn't matter which one you watch, either. ABC, NBC, and CBS all have the same mantra - premier a great show on a bad night, show two episodes, wait a few weeks until everyone forgets what happened, show a few more episodes, then cancel the show due to "bad ratings." Hello? What did you think was going to happen? Happy Town never had a chance. And it's a shame that good writing is wasted on the netherworld of broadcast stuffed-shirt politics.

For those sad about the retirement of LOST and a hankering for some Twin Peaks-like action, Happy Town may fill that gap. It certainly doesn't hold anything back as far as serving its inspirations. It's a strange, humorous, and quirky affair with mysteries abound. The town has its own personality and one that is Lottery-esquire (in reference to the short story) and quite two faced. However, you'll know how interested you are in the series once they start to talk about The Magic Man and M.C. Gainey starts spouting off some weird mumbo jumbo that no one seems to be able to make sense of. You'll either take to the Twin Peak aspirations and obvious mysteries, or you'll want something much more grounded.

However, with genre shows having their peak at the moment, Happy Town may be worth sticking around for. The pilot is entertaining enough and the actors all do a fairly decent job of playing their respective parts. Hats off to Gainey and Sam Neill, both of whom stand out, with Gainey being a REAL Mr. Friendly here (with a seeming split in personality that I'm sure will be explained) and Sam pulling off being creepily British oh so well. For Sam alone and to see what they do with his character alone, it may be worth sticking around. As far as everything else, it's an ABC show with a slight Steven King, David Lynch twist (of which the creators stated was a huge inspiration for the show anyway). So, you can expect some gruesome details, although only two particular appeared in the pilot.

So, if you've got a soft spot for Twin Peaks and want something to get going with as LOST winds down, Happy Town may be your cup of Chamomile Tea, or whatever tea you prefer.

HAPPY TOWN had no small amount of potential. The setting was great, the plot was fairly strong, or at least layered enough to create the solid beginning to a mystery, and there were some interesting, well played characters, specifically Same Neill and M.C. Gainey. Oh, and the guy who played Root Beer. Love him.

That's about it. The dialogue in this show is atrocious. I mean really, really bad. Just about everyone speaks in total clichés. Sometimes, in order to sound "mysterious" and "quirky" the writers will give someone a line so cryptic that it's just silly. Example: "Just call me Gazpacho. 'Cause I like my soup cold." Huh? I know the show was cancelled in midstream, but the ending is terrible. Obviously it would be impossible to wrap up multiple seasons worth of loose ends in a single episode, but there was in ton of extraneous garbage in the last episode that could have been spent on something worthwhile. Instead they chose to blindside the audience with a bizarre, unsatisfying ending.

In the end, HAPPY TOWN desperately tries to be unique and original, something in the vein of the excellent TWIN PEAKS, but succeeds only in being derivative and silly.

Still, I watched every episode and was then motivated enough to write a long winded review. So, if you like dark mystery shows with hints of comedy (even when it doesn't totally work), check it out. You'll be no more disappointed than if you just watched TWO AND A HALF MEN instead.

Its been almost 10 years and I am still hanging on to a revival of this show. I just read an article on shows cancelled too soon and couldn't believe this wasn't on it! I was hooked right away and couldn't wait for more then boom. Gone.

I got a sneak peak at the first two episodes of this show at a friend's house (who worked on the show) and it's really great.

It's very different from the original 2 hour pilot from May that other people have mentioned. The characters are quirky and fun, and the world they set up is an interesting one that definitely balances mystery with the intrigue of small town politics, and leaves a lot of room to grow in future episodes.

Geoff Stults is great as Tommy, and all the other characters are compelling to watch, especially Sam Neil as Merritt Grieves, and the guy who plays Dan Farmer (Peter Outerbridge). Lauren German is lovely as Henley (the new girl in town), and Steven Weber and Frances Conroy are wonderfully menacing as the heads of the town-founding Haplin family.

Saying it's 'the next Twin Peaks' sets an impossibly high bar, but it really does look like a worthy successor and will be a lot of fun to watch.

I can't wait to see the rest of the episodes!

I have never been one to judge a TV show until I've watched at least three or four episodes. I like the quirky characters in Happy Town, and the acting is good. I see potential here and intend to keep watching it just in case it turns out to be "must see TV."

I don't trust many reviewers, including Matt Roush at TV Guide. He tends to jump to quick conclusions that make you decide not to watch the show, and then, all of a sudden, six episodes later, he says it's "starting to pick up," and then he's raving about it, and I've missed the beginning episodes.

He's done this with a couple of shows and I'm not going to trust him anymore. This time, I'll judge on my own, and now that some shows are moving toward their season finales, I'll watch this one online.

It may not ever rise to Twin Peaks level, but it IS quirky. Give it a chance. Of course, since I'm 60 years old, I tend to be more easily impressed than the younger folk. >grin<

Billed as the new 'Twin Peaks' but with more on par with 'Harpers Island' comes the eerie 'Happy Town'.

The town of Haplin is named after the Haplin family who own the Bakery that employs most of the town inhabitants. Five years earlier the Haplins 8 year old daughter vanished, believed to be the last victim of a serial killer called the Magic Man. For five years in the aftermath of the last disappearance the town has managed to perfect its manners and idyllic setting creating a welcoming facade. Two things happen that begin to tear apart this weak illusion, a vicious murder which opens the show and the arrival of a young woman intent on opening up a candle shop in the town yet clearly has another agenda.

As we become woven into the plot and introduced to some of the towns inhabitants many freaky characters begin to emerge mainly the owner of the boarding house in which reside a group of 'golden girls'. On the outskirts of town are a family of rednecks with a simpleton brother (definitely influenced by Twin Peaks) but the most creepy character is that of an English gentleman Merritt Grieves played by Sam Neill. With his character they could move away from serial killer land established in 'Harpers Island' and go more with the weird and wonderful that was Twin Peaks. The pilot raises interesting questions, is the blue door significant, what lies on the forbidden top floor of the boarding house, what is Chloe up to and is the magic man a supernatural killer as opposed to a human one.

As well as the acting talents of Sam Neill we have the beautiful star of 'Angel and Dollhouse' Amy Acker with Steven Webber and 'Men in Trees' star Abraham Benrubi.

Filmed in Canada this is definitely one to keep watching.

This is the most entertaining show I've seen in a long time. Now I can only hope that they can keep what the creators of HAPPY TOWN have done up and running.

The similarity to TWIN PEAKS is obvious, with a huge commercial bakery standing in for the mill. The action starts out with a (surprisingly graphic) murder and then begins introducing the cast of very strange characters.

Better yet, this is clearly an homage to the giallo genre, the Italian slasher films. Young woman on her own trying to solve a mystery? Check. Creepy settings? Check. A man lacking in self confidence trying to act as an authority figure and restore order? Check. Story element tied to the arts? Check. Long running disputes with hidden motives going way back? Check. Smart people doing stupid things that violate all the rules of common sense? Check. Elderly women, who sometimes act as a chorus in commenting on the action? Check.

Better yet, the camera work is pure giallo. The lightning is atmospheric, creating a sense of lurking menace. And the color is as saturated as can be. Scenes are often bathed in blue or green light to heighten the mood.

Since the network has given us this show and FLASHFORWARD this year, ABC can be officially forgiven for having created and unleashed DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and GREY'S ANATOMY on an unsuspecting world.

Happy Town came as a pleasant surprise, however I just could not help but wonder if the writers dipped their hands into one of Stephen King's creepy classic "NEEDFUL THINGS". Sam Neil's role as "Merritt Grieves", is so seemly similar with Max Von Sydow's sinister "Leland Gaunt". Hey, as long as the formula produces a creepy yet delicious dish for TV. M.C. Gainey who played the Town Sheriff (he also played as the pilot in the movie CON-AIR) was my MVP for the 1st episode, great acting, I would have given it to Sam, but, his role in this series looks wickedly good.The pilot episode started slow BUT soon picked up pace, I am looking forward to next week's show....The ladies living in the B&B resembles a coven, don't you think?

I watched the show last night with hopes for a new favorite show. I haven't written it off yet, but I have some concerns. I don't think anyone denies the similarities to a number of past shows, books and movies. "Twin Peaks", "Lost", and "Witches of Eastwick", to name a few. I am excited that one poster, like me, saw some rumblings of Stephen King's "Needful Things." When we learn that Sam Neil (who I have admired since "The Omen III", has a movie memorabilia store that nobody frequents, I immediately though of Leland Gaunt and his little store in Castle Rock, Maine. Above his store is a sign that reads, "caveat emptor" which means "buyer beware". I think Sam Neil could have the same. I'll keep watching until I have more reason not to. How long can the plot hold up? We'll see.

Saw a sneak peek at the pilot this evening. While the pilot is typically long and attempts to set up a story, it is slightly boring and overdone. The writers attempt to introduce you to every character in the town in a matter of 90 minutes. They give just enough information of the past crime that the viewers interest is peaked, however, the writers work too hard to make too many suspect. While the show has an interesting premiss, I am unsure how it will make an ongoing series. T.C. is by far the best character and carries the show. I understand a good mystery contains forshadowing and unknown facts, but with weird cuts the writers leave the audience with too many questions for a pilot. Lies are being spread as to characters whereabouts, mysterious alzheimers symptoms, creepy stalkers. The show has potential, but they are going to have to pick up the speed and start developing an ongoing story.

The last two episodes were great because they moved like a Lost episode. Something was revealed every episode and this put each one over the top. I could have enjoyed these even with out the big conclusions at each ending, but I'm sure the episodes were extra great because the creators had to finish filming the entire show since it got canceled.

Anyway great show. I was really in the mood for something new and different than the trends and this hit the spot.

Next time though, it might benefit to make a show like this either darker or happier. Or maybe ABC just needs to believe a little bit in something besides the crap, pardon my language, they are putting out now.

Great show!! Bring it back!! Hit the spot.

This is a great thriller/mystery who done it that takes time to develop, its so good that by the 4th episode I knew right away it was just a matter of time before ABC would cancel it. Why do you ask? because it slow(giving you tiny tidbits weekly that keeps you guessing) people are too impatient these days, its also too complicated for the simple minded people who prefer romance, cartoons and reality shows where they don't have to use their brains because they can't or won't.

Its the same reason Harper Island, Flashforeword and Damages to name a few shows that have been now been officially canceled, if you have watched those shows you know what they have in common they all keep you guessing waiting to watch the following week. Unlike show like Glee, Pretty little liars, Entourage and many more that are all romanced based eye candy shows that are all aimed for female viewers or cartoons for the kid minded Adult.

Don't get me started on Reality trash which I avoid like the plague they are on only to save Networks money from paying great actors and actresses. If like like those types of shows then TV as we know it is bound for doom and gloom

Really? This looked like somewhat of a promising series. I tuned in possibly because my 62-year-old mother was very excited about it, or maybe because it seemed to have the same tone as Harper's Island. Harper's Island was an eerie murder mystery show that did everything write. The writers knew how to form realistic characters and the emotional aspect of the show was, I'm sure, felt by any person who viewed it. In response to what akingofcomedy said "But it could fall pry to the same fate as 'Harper's Island.' A quick death from lack of sustainable viewers." Harper's Island has many viewers, it did not fall to a "quick death" but was a miniseries. Many murder mysteries such as this can only be miniseries. Happy Town is striving to be something more, and it does not look promising. The plots are cliché, the dialogue so dramatic, deliberate and over-written that I can't help but sigh about 10 times an episode. Sometimes I just look at the screen and ask the writers "Really, do you actually think someone would say that in real life?" Cliché, cliché, and cliché. I don't know what college these writers went to but I can't believe their lack of vision on this. I don't understand how they can't see the number of things wrong with what they are writing. I am possibly most annoyed at the depiction of the first-grader in this show. She's seven, not three. The parents treat as if she's a toddler and she acts as if she is one. I doubt the writers know a seven-year-old because they are writing Michelle Tanner lines. I haven't heard "you got it dude" yet but I am seriously expecting it. Good luck not scoffing while you watch this show.

One of the great things about this series is the depth of the plot. Sure, there is plenty of character development and great acting from the cast but this would have been moot if not for the dark underbelly the town of Haplin has. After seeing the first 7 episodes I am happy to say that I can't wait to see more, which is sadly something I cannot say for most of the new shows coming out this season. My favorite characters are Farmer and Grieves, two intriguing dude with their own unique back-story. Their are other characters that offer their own wackiness, but these two help drive the plot forward. In this sense these two are great tools for the writers, allowing the story to move forward and other characters to learn more about what is going on. One of my only annoyances in this story is how bad the police of Haplin are. Sure, it is a small town, but you'd hope that the cops would be competent enough not to compromise a crime scene and corrupt evidence. Perhaps it is more a reflection on the nature of small-towns, but I think I'd prefer to move out if the police were as incompetent as those guys. In spite of this, it does add a certain amount of comedy to the story. In conclusion, I love this series because of the numerous mysteries yet undiscovered. It is these mysteries that give the story life and a place for the series to go after the first season is over.

Overly written dialogue, campy characters and multiple mysteries inhabit Haplin, Minnesota (where everyone has a secret, and a silly nickname.) Reminiscent of CBS's recent 'Harper's Island,' this plays as only the latest 'Lost'-inspired darkly-woven tale which may or may not include something supernatural.

'Twin Peaks' did this far better before it de-evolved into weirdness for the sake of weirdness. This one has trouble with its tongue-in-cheek humor simply because too much of it is spent trying to be funny.

It could easily improve, as many shows struggle in their early episodes. But it could fall prey to the same fate as 'Harper's Island.' A quick death from lack of sustainable viewers.

Shoulda been called Not so Happy Town. I love it. It's weird, intriguing, can't stop watching. Everyone seems peculiar, guilty, idiotic. Everyone in this town is insane. I don't understand why it ended so soon, you're left with a lot of unanswered questions.

There are several shows that networks have produced that were way far ahead of its time. Shows like this, Reunion, and American Gothic come to mind. If this show, alongside the other aforementioned ones mentioned, were produced today on a different network it would have lasted four to five seasons. This show is a more adult version of Riverdale. I think they need to bring a second season on another network.

It was a good mystery until the very end. Imagine yourself reading a good thick mystery and the last chapter has blank pages until the last page. The last page tells you who, but it doesn't tell how, where or when. It leaves more questions unanswered than answered. Shame on ABC! I won't be trusting anything first run on their network.

Note to viewers: This isn't a miniseries. There is only one season, made in 2010, ended on a cliffhanger and no season 2. While it's an interesting watch with some odd characters, it never develops anything beyond "WHAT?"

Another case of network executives getting paid big bucks for having no clue what they're doing when it comes to airing shows on consistent days and times. For that they deserve no more than one star. I'll admit the 8 episodes they produced were unusual, quirky and held my interest... all of which is negated by a story with no conclusion.

Sometimes I wish there was a law requiring Network TV to finish a series once they begin it. Maybe that would impel them to better consider broadcasting times, consistency, and actually finish a project they start instead of just leaving millions of viewers hanging with no story closure. Imagine going to a theater and the management just decides to shut down the movie halfway through... with no legal responsibility to deliver what they promised. That's this series in a nutshell.