Watch The Missing

The Missing, a British television series, premiered on Starz in 2014 and ran for two seasons until 2016. It is a psychological thriller-drama that explores the devastating consequences of a child's disappearance and its impact on the family, police, and community. The show features James Nesbitt (Cold Feet, The Hobbit) as the lead character Tony Hughes, a desperate father who embarks on a 40-year search for his son after he goes missing while on vacation in France.

The series encapsulates an eerie, haunting tone, infused with chilling suspense and a captivating storyline. The Missing focuses on Tony after he discovers that his son, Oliver, has been taken from him. The show initially bounces between two time frames: the first shows Tony as a nervous father trying to keep his family together amidst the trauma of losing a child and the second, eight years on when Oliver is still missing but Tony questions whether his son is still alive or has passed.

As the series progresses, it becomes clear that the story is much more intricate, and the missing child is just a start of Tony’s journey. The Missing dives deeper into exploring the psyche and emotions of its characters that are profoundly affected by the loss of a family member. Themes such as fear, distress, guilt, and trauma are delicately woven into the show's narrative.

As Tony begins his quest, we see him grapple with his emotions, his marriage and ultimately his sanity. He is consumed by his obsession and barely holding onto his sanity. Tony’s character is not only fuelled by his desperation to find his missing son but also by the guilt of the past that haunts him, with remorse and regret often ingrained in his flashbacks.

The show also explores the impact of the disappearance on the French police (played by actors Zara Prassinot, Anastasia Hille), who were called to investigate the crime. The investigation leads to a conspiracy, with numerous red herrings and twists in the storyline that can leave the audience on edge. The Missing showcases the process and complexities of a major missing person investigation, including the conflicts that can arise between different law enforcement agencies.

One of the most striking things about The Missing is its cinematography. Rich in detail and deeply atmospheric, it captures the vibrant colours of an idyllic French countryside, the dark corners of a bar and the crumbling ruins of a mansion, enhancing the visual experience of the show. Additionally, the show’s soundtrack, composed by Dominik Scherrer, complements the cinematography with its eerie tones.

The Missing, in its second season, takes place three years after the events of the first. This time, the show focuses on another missing child case, but in Germany, with Julien Baptiste's (a French detective played by Tchéky Karyo) as the lead investigator.

The narrative of the show is intricately woven and layered with different subplots and characters that all connect, each with their secrets, lies and emotional baggage. The show is a powerful emotional journey that plunges its viewers deep into its heart-wrenching storyline, only to release them emotionally drained, yet satisfied.

In conclusion, The Missing is a compelling, tense and emotionally charged show that is well worth watching. The show explores themes of loss, grief, despair and hope, combined with mystery, suspense and a little action. James Nesbitt delivers an incredible performance, as do the rest of the cast members. It's a show that will keep you on the edge of the seat, desperate to know the truth, hoping for the best, but expecting the worst. The series finale will leave you wanting more of this brilliantly crafted show, and it remains one of the most loved TV series in recent years.

The Missing is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (29 episodes). The series first aired on October 28, 2014.