“Missing You”, the latest Harlan Coben adaptation to hit Netflix, had all the makings of an intriguing mystery. The series is about a detective (Rosalind Eleazar) who stumbles upon her estranged fiancé (Ashley Walters) on a dating app after he mysteriously disappeared for 11 years. The series promises suspense, drama, and shocking revelations. The fact that the series is a quick 5-episode watch only added to the anticipation, suggesting a fast-paced, tightly woven narrative that would keep viewers engaged from start to finish.
Unfortunately, “Missing You” fails to live up to the high expectations set by its storyline. While the initial concept is intriguing, the series struggles to deliver the intensity and suspense that fans have come to expect from Harlan Coben’s adaptations.
A Disappointing Reunion
The most telling moment of the show is the reunion between the detective (Rosalind Eleazar) and her fiancé (Ashley Walters). After 11 years of silence, you’d expect a dramatic, emotionally charged confrontation or at least a significant moment of shock and confusion. Instead, the two meet again as if nothing has happened. The lack of emotional gravity in this vital scene sets the tone for the entire series underwhelming and somewhat disconnected. The fiancé’s sudden reappearance, after such a long absence, should have been a turning point filled with tension and curiosity, but instead, it feels like a missed opportunity.
This flat approach to what should have been a dramatic reunion takes away from the potential excitement of the plot, making it hard for viewers like me to invest in the characters or the story. What should have been a gripping moment instead becomes just another scene that lacks the emotional touch it desperately needs.
Clichés and Plot Holes
As the series progresses, “Missing You” falls into familiar clichés and suffers from significant plot holes. For a show that’s supposed to revolve around a decades-old mystery, specifically the murder of the detective’s father (Lenny Henry) the narrative never quite picks up the necessary dynamics to create any real suspense.
For instance, the detective’s investigation into her father’s murder doesn’t feel urgent or compelling enough to carry the narrative forward. As she unravels layers of her father’s past, there are moments where the revelations could have been exciting, but instead, they are delivered with little spectacle. The lack of real emotional stakes and the predictable progression of the plot prevent the show from reaching the tension-filled heights one might expect from a Coben adaptation.
Ultimately, “Missing You” can be summed up by the detective’s reaction to her fiancé’s sudden return: a flat, underwhelming encounter that sets the tone for the entire series. With clichés, plot holes, and a lack of real suspense, the show fails to deliver on its initial promise. In a streaming world overflowing with high-quality content, “Missing You” is easy to pass over in favor of more engaging, satisfying options. If you’re craving a gripping mystery with deep emotional stakes and a tightly woven plot, there are plenty of other titles worth exploring, and “Missing You” simply doesn’t cut.
Unfortunately, the truth about “Missing You” is that it’s a disappointing addition to the Harlan Coben adaptation collection.
