As a movie connoisseur who’s had more than my fair share of binge-watching sleepless nights, I can confidently say that “Missing You” is a hidden gem among British crime dramas. The six-episode run offers just the right balance of tension and character development, with performances that are both captivating and relatable.

The adaptation from Harlen Coben’s novel has taken the story to new heights, delving deep into themes of racial drama, queer identity, and the intricacies of small-town police departments. While I still question some of the plot holes, like Titus’ motivations or the inexplicable actions of his henchmen, I can overlook these minor flaws for the sheer thrill of watching suburban mom Debra wield an axe with such finesse.

The finale was particularly gripping, with its unexpected twists and turns that left me reeling. The revelation about Parker’s gender identity added a layer of complexity to the story that I didn’t see coming, and it made their relationship with Clint even more poignant. The exploration of Josh and Aqua’s involvement in Clint’s death was heart-wrenching, if not a bit far-fetched. But hey, can you really have a crime drama without some unbelievable twists?

In the end, Kat’s decision to reconcile with Josh, despite his lies and actions, felt authentic. It’s a testament to the complexities of human relationships and the human capacity for forgiveness. And as for Stagger’s involvement in Calligan’s plot, well, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see… or not, since it’s never explicitly confirmed.

One final note: I was a bit disappointed when the dog subplot didn’t turn out to be a revenge storyline. But hey, at least Clint’s dog got a loving home with Titus. It just goes to show that even in the darkest of dramas, there can still be some light-heartedness. After all, who doesn’t love a happy ending for man’s best friend?

As a long-time fan of British television, I find a certain allure in the tightly woven, five to six episode crime dramas that hail from across the pond. Having grown up watching these series, I have come to appreciate their unique blend of intrigue and intensity, without resorting to the overused shootouts so prevalent in many American productions. The British police force’s lack of firearms gives these stories a more personal feel, as the tension builds through wit, strategy, and subtle hints rather than relying on gunplay.

Furthermore, the talented cast members who often appear in these shows are a joy to watch, with many familiar faces that I’ve come to recognize from various roles throughout my years of viewing. This recognition adds an extra layer of enjoyment as I become invested in their performances and the stories they bring to life. All in all, watching a well-crafted British crime drama feels like a journey into another world, one that I am always eager to explore.

Initially, Harlen Coben didn’t envision the novel “Missing You” as a slow-paced British crime drama, but rather starring Kat Donovan as a hard-boiled NYC detective. However, the Netflix adaptation has transformed the book into something deeper. It delves into British racial issues, the experiences of being queer and belonging to a different generation, and life within a compact metropolitan police department. While “Missing You” was an enjoyable read, its TV series version is even more captivating.

It’s clear that not everything was flawless, there are still some puzzling aspects. For instance, I can’t fathom why Titus acted as he did, or why those suspicious henchmen were involved and remained, nor do I understand how they managed to stick around. The question also arises about the missing funds – where did they vanish? Instead of dialing Brendan repeatedly after his capture, one might have expected Debra to contact the police. Lastly, whatever happened to the dogs? Surely someone should consider their welfare!

In another version:
Despite the usual abundance of guns, it was still intriguing to see suburban mom Debra wield an axe against those who harmed her son. (You rarely encounter such scenes in areas where guns are common.) The tension between Titus and both Kat and Debra was captivating, as he struggled with shotgun shells. I find it hard to believe that Titus and his crew would risk burning down the entire location along with hostages, when they could simply kill them first and then destroy the place. However, it seems that every crime drama needs a touch of absurdly complex explanations leading to the villain’s demise. Titus took his time with his adversaries, which ultimately led to his downfall, so to speak.

Despite the Titus plotline being intriguing and fulfilling (except for the lengthy process of transporting Brendan, who’s been shot in the leg, to the hospital), it was the other surprises in the finale that truly captivated us. For example, we learn through Calligan that Parker resides in a council flat, and when Kat visits there – bam! – Parker is revealed as a man. Not only that, but he’s a man who instantly recognizes Kat, lived with Clint, and yearns for just one more moment with him. They had been together for 14 years, and while it’s clear their relationship wasn’t without flaws, with secrets, hiding, and denial, it was theirs, and that was enough. Kat lost her father, but as it turns out, she never truly knew all of him. Parker, however, seems to have known everything about Clint, and so when he was killed, Parker lost the love of his life.

The complexities surrounding Clint’s death deepened when it was discovered that both Josh and Aqua were involved. Aqua felt threatened by seeing Clint with Parker and intended to expose them to Kat. Josh, on the other hand, witnessed Clint attacking Aqua, fearing he might lose everything, but not fully considering the consequences. The situation is heart-wrenching for both Clint and Aqua, yet it was ultimately Clint who couldn’t handle his problems, crossed boundaries, and ended up with the knife that Josh inadvertently turned on him. It’s shocking how Stagger took Clint’s last words about protecting Kat so literally, making someone else pay for the crime and deceiving her for over a decade. Perhaps police bonds are incredibly strong. I remain skeptical that Stagger isn’t on Calligan’s payroll, but we may never know the truth.

As the episode concludes, Kat learns about Josh’s involvement in her father’s death. This revelation leaves her visibly shaken, not just because Josh took her father’s life, but also because he had been dishonest with her throughout the past week, even though he claimed she could ask him anything. (It seems she never asked if Josh knew who killed her dad…) In the end, Kat appears to accept Josh’s actions, recognizing that her father was far from perfect and is now deceased. However, her relationship with Josh – and what might follow – remains uncertain. She decides to embrace hope and optimism instead of vengeance and hatred, a choice that, despite its complexities, seems appropriate given their history. Reuniting with the man who vanished 11 years ago after killing her father and then deceiving her about it may seem odd, but in this situation, it appears to be the correct decision.

Missing Notes

It’s important to clarify that this observation isn’t intended as a criticism towards Ashley Walters, who portrays Josh. However, from the headshots and upper body photos we had seen of Josh, I had expected him to be taller. In actuality, he appears to be around five feet eight inches tall, which is shorter than the estimated height of five-eleven to six feet one that I had in mind.

For a moment, it seemed like the scene with Clint handing over the dog to Stagger might lead to an unexpected plot twist involving Clint’s perceived neglect towards the dog he purchased from Titus, potentially setting up a revenge storyline. However, thankfully, that’s not the direction the show took.

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2025-01-03 23:54