The Missing (2014-2016)
Synopsis
The Missing is an English language anthology crime drama series that intertwines tragedy with a mystery. Released on Starz and created by Harry and Jack Williams, there are two seasons within the series where each season has its own storyline. The show revolves around the theories of the missing and the complexity of loss and how it shapes people’s grief and hope.
- Season 1 (2014): Follows Tony Hughes (James Nesbitt) who is looking for his son Oliver (Hadia DeMichael) who went missing at the age of 5 during a family trip in France.One day asked the investigative Reporter’s his story with a 6 year old boy who ha been abducted whilst planning a French trip. This case shifts utterly as the years pass and the child is never returned ever.
- Season 2 (2016): Focuses on the abduction of Alice Webster by a seemingly fired terrorist on the high demands, this further leads her to an astonishing twist that she has been missing for 11 long years. A fan favorite detective character named Julien Baptiste (Tchéky Karyo) played a major role in finding out what had really happened all these years.
Each and every season is a very personal experience, which is an insight into psychological drama that intertwines with the plot beautifully knitted.
Awards & Wins
Golden Globe Nomination: Best Miniseries or Television Film, 2015 Season 1 : 1.
BAFTA Awards: Best Leading Actor James Nesbitt and Best Drama Series.
Emmy Nomination: Not just awarded for writing but for performance too All According To Hordernes.
Peter Kosminsky drew unanimity of the reviewers for his script and directing works together with James Nesbitt and Tcheky Karyo for their acting jobs.
Cast & Crew
: Harry & Jack Williams (Creators)
Main Cast
: James Nesbitt as Tony Hughes (Season 1)
: Frances O’Connor as Emily Hughes (Season 1)
: Tcheky Karyo as Julien Baptiste (both)
: David Morrissey as Sam Webster (Season 2)
: Keeley Hawes as Gemma Webster (Season 2)
: Abigail Hardingham as Alice Webster (Season 2)
IMDb Ratings
- Season 1 : 8.2/10.
- Season 2 : 8.4/10.
The ratings are high as anticipated since the series are highly charged with engaging stories.
Personal Insights
The Missing is a memorable crime drama that features cleverly constructed story lines with strong emotional weight. The series is effective at showing the almost siempre agony and expectancy of families of disappeared people.
In Season 1, we get to see an impressive performance from James Nesbitt but the other actor winning the praises of audiences is Tchéky Karyo, who plays the strong and warm-hearted Julien Baptiste.
The fragmented narrative structure and progression of the characters over time is always a spectacle but in the end offers a great experience for the audience. Season 2 furthers the plot by introducing topics of self and rehabilitation, which broadens the horizons of the show but does not stray from its theme.
Cultural Importance
The series brings into perspective the effects that the cases of missing people portray on families and societies, and so it is relatable to the audiences of varying cultures across the world. It also gives a balanced view of the difficulties that law enforcement agencies have in such circumstances. It was because of the popularity of the character Julien Baptiste that a spin-off series ‘Baptiste’ featured him in the title role.
For those attracted by intricate and complex and psychological issues, violence and strong storylines – The Missing presents the investigation of loss and defeat at the same time, presenting an excellent crafted plot.