Netflix’s ‘Missing You’ Is a Guilty Pleasure Series and I’m Fine With That

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  • ‘Missing You’ Is Casual Viewing and Not Much More

    • But That’s Not a Bad Thing

Netflix has added another Harlan Coben adaptation to its lineup, titled “Missing You,” which may not be the best show around, but it’s a delightfully engaging guilty pleasure that you can easily get lost in. This mystery thriller centers on Kat Donovan (played by Rosalind Eleazar), a detective inspector who excels at finding missing individuals. Despite her skills, she has never been able to locate the most crucial person who vanished from her life 11 years ago. The show takes an unexpected turn when Kat’s world becomes even more complicated following the death of her father, Clint (Lenny Henry), over a decade back. To make matters worse, her fiancé, Josh (Ashley Walters), mysteriously disappeared after he proposed, leaving without a trace or explanation—a stark contrast to Kat’s usual cases where people simply go missing.

One fateful evening as I swipe through a dating app, I stumble upon Josh’s profile, sending another shockwave through my life. Despite thinking I had left my troubled past behind, I find myself confronting the pain once more. To add insult to injury, it seems that Josh’s unexpected reappearance is linked to fresh revelations about my father’s death. Alarmingly, it looks like Josh may be connected to the events that took place 11 years ago.

In a surprising turn of events, Monte Leburne (Marc Warren), the man serving life in prison for my friend Clint’s murder, confesses to me that he didn’t actually commit the crime. He claims he was paid to take the fall. Withholding crucial information, he piques my curiosity as I start piecing together the mystery behind Josh’s disappearance. It’s evident in this suspenseful drama, Missing You, that nothing is as it seems, especially when it comes to Josh’s online profile.

‘Missing You’ Is Like Many Harlan Coben Adaptations

As a passionate fan of Harlan Coben’s previous adaptations like “Fool Me Once,” “Hold Tight,” and “The Innocent,” I can confidently say that if you loved those series, you’ll be captivated by the latest addition to your Netflix queue – “Missing You.” Just like its predecessors, this new series is brimming with the same intricate twists and turns that keep us on the edge of our seats until the very end. While it might not appeal to every viewer, for those who appreciate Coben’s signature style, “Missing You” delivers on all promises.

Despite some critics being overly harsh towards Missing You, it’s worth mentioning that this short-lived series, consisting of only five episodes, doesn’t drag on unnecessarily after the mystery has been solved. Although the storyline may be confusing, filled with inconsistencies, and seemingly ignoring legal boundaries even for a detective inspector like Kat, the show isn’t marketed as groundbreaking or award-winning. Instead, Missing You delivers precisely what it promises – an intricate mystery that primarily caters to its viewers on Netflix, following in the footsteps of other Coben adaptations.

‘Missing You’ Is Casual Viewing and Not Much More

But That’s Not a Bad Thing

For those Netflix subscribers seeking an intense, intellectually stimulating thriller, “Missing You” may not be their cup of tea. The show lacks depth and complexity, instead offering straightforward entertainment, which can sometimes be all viewers crave. It’s designed for a relaxing, casual viewing experience, making it a delightful escape, or as some might say, a guilty pleasure. However, labeling it as such doesn’t imply a negative review. Not every show needs to push boundaries or provoke deep thought. Sometimes, the audience simply wants to be entertained, and “Missing You” certainly delivers on that front.

While it’s true that the series has its flaws, this doesn’t necessarily mean it should be dismissed. Instead, consider it as a delightful indulgence to savor in the comfort of your own home. The acting isn’t poor and the production quality is decent, making it an effortless choice for entertainment if you appreciate it for what it aims to deliver.

In line with other adaptations by Coben, it’s often the unexpected twists and turns in the story that receive criticism, not the acting abilities of those involved. On the contrary, the actors contribute significantly to the quality of the series, enhancing the overall enjoyment for viewers. Regardless of whether one enjoys similar shows or not, it’s hard to dispute that Missing You is a delightful indulgence that should be appreciated. At present, all episodes of this series can be streamed on Netflix.

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2025-01-09 01:01