Harry is a gripping New Zealand crime drama that follows the life of Detective Harry Anglesea, played by Oscar Knightley. The show is set in Auckland, New Zealand and unfolds over the course of six intense episodes. Harry is a superbly crafted character, and his journey over the course of the series is a truly captivating one.
The show opens with Harry, a seasoned detective, being arrested for the murder of a young prostitute. The evidence seems damning, and Harry insists that he is innocent. Despite his claims of innocence, the case against him appears to be a strong one, and Harry is forced to confront the possibility that he may never make it out of prison.
But Harry is a complex and tenacious character, and he refuses to give up. As the series unfolds, we learn more about Harry's difficult past and his current personal struggles. We see how he's capable of being a fiercely loyal friend, especially towards his longtime partner in the force, Detective Jim "Stocks" Stockton (played by Sam Neill). We also see how he has struggled with addiction and mental illness in the past, and how these issues have made him a more empathetic detective.
Throughout the series, Harry's case becomes more and more complicated. As the evidence against him mounts, he becomes convinced that he is the victim of a conspiracy. He starts to investigate the case against himself, using his considerable detective skills to poke holes in the prosecution's case.
Meanwhile, Stocks is working his own angle, trying to uncover new evidence that might help Harry's case. But as the two detectives delve deeper into the case, they begin to uncover a web of corruption and deceit that goes all the way to the top. They discover that their coworkers in the police department may not be as trustworthy as they once thought, and they face danger at every turn.
As the series reaches its climax, tensions mount and the stakes get higher. Harry and Stocks become increasingly desperate to prove Harry's innocence, even as their own lives are put in danger. The finale is a masterful piece of storytelling, with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
One of the greatest strengths of Harry is its cast. Oscar Knightley is the perfect choice to play Harry, bringing a nuanced and deeply felt performance to the role. Sam Neill is equally excellent as Stocks, delivering a performance that is both understated and powerful. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, and their friendship is the emotional core of the series.
The writing and direction of the show are also top-notch. The series was created by author and screenwriter Tom Scott, and it shows. The dialogue is sharp and the plot is tightly constructed, with every detail serving a larger purpose. Director Peter Burger brings a cinematic eye to the show, filming the action in a way that is both stylish and grounded in reality.
Overall, Harry is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas. It's a gripping, character-driven show that will keep you guessing until the very end. With strong performances, tight writing, and expert direction, it's one of the best crime dramas to come out of New Zealand in recent years.
Harry, Series 1 is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between May 8, 2013 and on Acorn TV