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Missing, also known as 1-800-Missing, is a Canadian crime drama television series that aired on the Lifetime network from 2003 to 2006. Based on the 1-800-WHERE-R-YOU book series written by Meg Cabot, the show centers around a young woman with psychic abilities who assists the FBI in finding missing persons.

In the show, actress Caterina Scorsone plays the role of Jess Mastriani, a strong, assertive, and independent young woman who gains unique psychic capabilities following a lightning strike. Prior to her accident, Jess was just an ordinary woman with the usual life hassles, trying to balance school, work, and her love life. Now, she has the incredible ability to locate missing people just by being shown a picture of them and going to sleep – during her dreams, she receives visions of the people she is seeking to find.

In the first season, Jess grapples with this new ability, often clashing with a local law enforcement agent, Alan Coyle, played by Simon Reynolds. Coyle is initially skeptical of Jess's powers, but after a number of successful operations, he becomes a believer and important ally. Gloria Traylor, played by Justina Machado, is also introduced as an FBI agent with a pragmatic and logical mindset who is often at odds with Jess's unconventional methods and intuitive approach.

Mid-series, there is a significant shift in the show’s dynamic. Jess's character is replaced by Nicole Scott, a seasoned FBI agent with a knack for intuition, played by the actress Vivica A. Fox. Jess maintains her psychic abilities, but chooses a more holistic approach by guiding and mentoring Nicole. On her part, Nicole learns to trust in Jess's insights, forming a powerful team that keeps the mission to find and save missing individuals ongoing.

Throughout the series, time and space are dedicated to exploring the personal lives of the main characters. Their relationships, inner demons, and personal highlight the human side of those involved in law enforcement. By probing the depths of these characters and involving them in emotionally winning and tense stories, Missing strikes a balance between crime-solving and personal life drama. Motivated by the disappearances, the show explores broader themes like domestic violence, drug addiction, and the effects of war, touching on real-life issues in a sensitive and poignant way.

Throughout its three-season run, Missing continues to grow in complexity and depth, offering an ensemble of captivating characters, emotional narratives, and thought-provoking storylines. Each episode follows a new missing persons case, allowing for suspenseful standalone stories while maintaining a larger, overarching storyline involving the central characters. As a procedural drama, the audience gets to ride along with the agents as they piece together clues, delve into the victim's life, and navigate the often challenging terrain of the investigation.

The backdrop for Missing is as varied as the individuals who have vanished, ranging from urban sprawls to remote wilderness, reflecting the vast and diverse landscape of the U.S and Canada. This changing scenery adds another layer to the show, enhancing the sense of urgency and tension that underscores each investigation.

At its core, Missing is more than just about finding people who have disappeared. It captivates the audience with a probing exploration of human nature and the lengths one would go to find someone they love. It showcases the determination of the human spirit and provides a powerful mix of suspense, drama, and intrigue. Matching these themes with strong performances, notably from Scorsone and Fox, the show is compelling, gripping, and often intensely emotional.

For fans of the crime drama genre, Missing offers a fresh and intriguing angle with its incorporation of psychic elements into the traditional investigative format. It delivers a fascinating narrative, compelling performances, and the constant allure of unraveled mysteries. Whether you're intrigued by the supernatural or just love a good crime drama, Missing provides a captivating and suspense-filled excursion that will keep viewers consistently engaged.