Harrow

A nice piece of Australian entertainment with fine acting, engaging storylines, bright visual effects and smooth, entertaining flow.

It doesn't quite know whether it is all forensic pathology or it is "soap" melodrama; whereas the first season was the best IMO.

Each season drifts more toward not-credible melodramatic plots surrounding Harrow's personal life. That's not really good and weak. It shows that the writers are almost out of idea, which strongly showed itself in season 3.

Nevertheless, it is quite entertaining and the charismatic Ioan Gruffudd never disappoints. He's one of my favorite actors.

• Screenplay/story: 8
• Development: 8.5
• Realism: 8.5
• Entertainment: 8.5
• Acting: 8.5
• Filming/cinematography: 8.5
• Visuals/special effects: 9
• Music/score: 8.8
• Depth: 8
• Logic: 7
• Flow: 8
• Thrill/drama: 7.5
• Ending: 8.

While I can't speak to the authenticity of Australian location portrayal, as other reviewers have, I think the show was great. Acting, camera work, jokes, and banter between coworkers, all served to create a believable environment. And that dark past of his, just waiting to be revealed and possibly destroy everything, hovers in the background, creating tension. I find myself waiting for the next episode. One reviewer complains about there being a personal story behind the main character, but that's how we end up finding out about that mysterious past of his. And, seriously, what do they want? A cardboard cutout character with minimal lines and no home life? The added drama keeps the show interesting, adds extra levels to the character as it goes, and family members are always potentially at risk when there's a hero character involved, so there's that. Give the show a chance and don't pay attention to bad reviews if you already think you might like something.

The first episode of Harrow was a fun watch in my opinion. I like how there seems to be a crime-of-the-day element with the overarching plot lines. Looking forward to seeing what comes next! Not sure what the negative reviews on here are about. There's cliches and common ground in most crime dramas. I think some can't see past their own biases and assess this on its own merit. I'd avoid trying to compare the show to anything else and simply watch with an open mind!

If it doesn't get you in straight away then persist a little. The characters develop nicely as the writers find their stride and the stories gain momentum. Definitely worth a watch.

The main stories are great, but why the objectionable teenagers are in it is beyond me.