The Missing (Season 2) [Review]

Posted on December 7, 2016

Rating: 5/5

THIS IS THE BEST SHOW EVER!

I can’t remember how many times I exclaimed the above line while watching this show. Seriously! The Missing, especially this season, is one of the best written and brilliantly executed shows in recent times. There were literal “edge of the seat” shocking moments sending down a shivering thrill down the spine. It’s impossible to take your eyes off the screen. The term “thriller” suits aptly for this show.  This show is driven purely by its script and screenplay and ably supported by an extremely talented cast. Every episode is a surprise. At the end of every episode, after recovering from the shocking cliffhangers, I put my mind at work trying to theorise my way out of this magnificently tangled plot. But the next episode insensitively squashes all my theories with new clues, new characters and unexpected turning points. I know all these might sound very exaggerating, but believe me, this show is a MUST WATCH.

First, a little on the “The Missing” series. Every season is stand alone. 8 episodes. In the last season, we saw little Oliver Hughes disappearing and his parents along with French detective Julian Baptiste trying to find out the truth. This season, we have Alice Webster who disappears in 2003 to return in 2014. Where did she go? Who abducted her? The signature of this show is the timelines. There is usually two timelines. One when the kidnapping happens and one is the present. The show slowly brings these two timelines to meet. This season dealt with three timelines but showcased such efficiency in not getting things messed up. Clues are left here and there, pieces are scattered deliberately only to be put together at the end.

This season takes place in Germany. Sam Webster works for the British army in Germany. His daughter Alice Webster goes missing in 2003. His family is shattered but through years they learn to lead their lives. In 2014, their daughter returns leaving them all shocked but very happy. But Gemma, Alice’s mother, is sceptical as she finds her daughter very different. At the same time of her daughter’s disappearance, another girl by the name of Sophie Giroux went missing too. Alice claims both were held captive together. Julian Baptiste, who headed the Sophie case, enters the scene and analysis the entire situation. He deduces immediately. Alice Webster, who has returned to her family…she isn’t Alice Webster!!!!

There are so many turning points like the above leaving our heads spinning. The garrison where Sam works, his seniors are somehow involved, but how? The rest of the story is Baptiste’s journey towards truth as he fights his own health demons. The timelines are cleverly differentiated by the characters’ looks. For example: Sam has burns on his face in the present, Gemma’s hair is shorter in the past, Eve (army officer) is pregnant in the past, etc. Hence, there is no room for confusion.

The cinematography is fantastic. The weathers are portrayed nicely. Background score is excellent. The cast is extraordinary. My pick would be Tcheky Karyo (Baptiste), David Morrissey (Sam Webster) and Abigail Hardingham (Alice?). The rest of the cast is equally good too, but these three are my pick.

But the star of this show, without doubt, is the script. It’s air tight. The writers know where they have left a loose end and tied them up so perfectly at the end. When the pieces fit together, it’s an overwhelming feeling of victory.

The Missing is a show you shouldn’t miss. It has every element for a perfect thriller. Watch it! Watch it! Watch it!