There are two types of viewers for “We Were Liars”: those who have read E. Lockhart’s novel of the same title, thus knowing the narrative (or are acquainted with someone who spoiled it for them), and those who haven’t. Readers of the book are likely to appreciate the series, as it closely mirrors key plot twists toward the conclusion. However, those not familiar with the book may become frustrated with the show’s initial episodes. This is the show’s dilemma; its clarity and engagement grow as it progresses, but by the time clarity is achieved, many viewers might have lost interest. Conversely, those who have read the book might find satisfaction as the series unfolds, although they too must endure early episodes that feel like filler before reaching the pivotal moments.

The storyline initially appears straightforward: Cadence Sinclair (Emily Alyn Lind), the eldest granddaughter of multimillionaire Harris Sinclair (David Morse), is discovered on the beach, clad only in her underwear, with no recollection of recent events, including the past two months. Complications arise when we delve into her family dynamics. Before her brain injury, Cadence enjoyed a life seemingly enriched by wealth and privilege. Along with her cousins, Mirren (Esther McGregor) and Johnny (Joseph Zada), she epitomized the classic image of blonde overachievers spending their summers on Harris’s Beechwood Island off Martha’s Vineyard, constructing sandcastles and hosting parties.

Gat (Shubham Maheshwari) enters the scene as the nephew of Ed (Rahul Kohli), whose brother, Gat’s father, has passed away. Gat joins the island visits because Ed is dating Johnny’s mother, Carrie (Mamie Gummer). Although Gat initially finds the setting unfamiliar, he quickly grows to love it, even though his life at his mother’s place contrasts sharply with Beechwood. Subsequently, Gat is welcomed yearly alongside Ed and becomes part of Cadence, Mirren, and Johnny’s close-knit group — a group dubbed the “Liars” within their family due to a few small deceptions they’ve crafted to bond.

But now Cadence can’t remember what happened to her at the end of the summer of her 16th year, and she’s full of foreboding and angst. Her mother, Penny (Caitlin FitzGerald), has explained that she can’t tell her what happened, that she has to figure it out on her own — and Cadence doesn’t understand why. It’s in pursuit of that truth that Cadence decides to go back to the island — and she’s dyed her hair black to prove she means business.

The trouble is that Cadence spends most of the early storyline spinning her wheels. Whole episodes go by without much forward momentum, and that kills the show early on. Without the specter of the ending hanging over “We Were Liars,” there wouldn’t be much reason to watch at all.