Missing

I've seen a lot of reviews here on IMDb regarding this show, and all of them seem to be taking this much too seriously. I did so at first too, but then I stopped and wondered: what am I missing? I was missing the point! Have you ever seen "The Long Kiss Goodnight"? The first 1/2 hour I hated it because I thought it tried to be serious, but then I saw that it was just having fun and making fun of the genre by overdoing everything. It's the same with "Missing" :-) Ashley gets beaten and you see her back is all bruised, but the next day all is forgotten. And she is shot one day, next day? Everything OK! So: Look at it as fun action NOT to be taken seriously, THEN you'll be able to enjoy it.

there are really only two reasons i am watching this, I like Ashley Judd and I live in Prague and that is the home base for shooting this series, so while they do establishing shots of Paris and Rome, many of those scenes were actually shot in Prague, so it's fun to see if I can recognize where they are.

And one of my favorite Czech actors, Karel Roden, is the main bad guy, which is his usual role in American films.

it's a nice time waster with pretty locations but completely unbelievable, Ashley is good as is the guy who plays Dax and of course we have Sean Bean.... the actor who is her son isn't bad either....

I am a TV Series fan and I have watched more than enough to be able to say that Missing is very well made in every aspect.

First of all the rating of the show on IMDb is not fair. The show had a great plot with good and not-so-expected twists. The writers kept the perfect balance between simple and straight-forward, and, twisted to keep the viewers' interest for a next episode. The actors are really getting in the essence of their parts and the shooting spots by themselves show how much effort was put in making Missing a good show. That's why i would rate it at about 9.0.

The only problem with Missing is the fact that the story sometimes branches to sub stories that are not that essential to the main plot and there are some flashbacks to support them. But this only makes the story a bit spicier and I'm OK with it.

I am not easily excited when it comes to choosing a new TV series to watch. Out there one can find hundreds of them. I have watched (and still watching) over 50 series and I can tell you that Missing is on my top 10 list. It is worth watching and the viewer can really grow roots on the couch for it.

EDIT: Currently the rating of the show is 6.5/10. At the time when I wrote the review it was 3.4/10.

I am sorry. IMDb must change their rating system. Fact. It is just impossible for me to believe that this is the actual rating of such a well acted and well filmed action TV-show.

At the time when I am writing this review the show's rating here is 3.4/10.

This review is based on the pilot. Naturally, I am not going rate the entire show. That is why you don't see the eight stars I would give the first episode above my review. However...

The pilot itself is actually very good. Yes, you probably know it is way too similar to one very famous and extremely great action movie with Liam Neeson as the main character.

But...

So WHAT? First, there was going to be a TV-show based on 'Taken'. Sadly, it didn't happen. Instead we will see a sequel directed by one of the worst directors in the history of the action movie genre - the guy who did 'The Transporter 3'.

I wouldn't be surprised if the script written for that TV-show was what "Missing" was based on.

However this time we have Ashley Judd in the leading role. Well, she is not Liam Neeson :) However she is very convincing when it comes to acting and especially when it comes to action sequences. She is actually the most convincing female fighter I have ever seen in a TV-show, and, frankly, I am glad the creators of the show chose more realistic approach to the fights. We jave had enough of "Xena: The Warrior Princess" types of women fighting.

The writing is actually very good. I was surprised how well was the relationship between the mother and her son described, especially considering the fact that they didn't have much time to spend on it, and it is not only that, there is a lot more.

The direction is good too.

Overall a promising pilot. Its' only real flaw is the lack of originality.

But - let's be honest - a show doesn't need originality to be good.

There is no possible way that this show is only getting a 6.4 rating at this time. Something must be wrong. Usually I trust IMDb's rating system. Anything over 7.5 for movies is typically a good movie, above 8.0(Oscar potential) a really good movie.. Anything over 8 for TV shows also typically means its a good TV show and above 8.5 would suggest its really good(Emmy Potential). I was expecting an average of 9.0 for this show.

This show actually reminds me of another show "Traveler"(2007) with Matt Bomer as it had edge of your seat drama and action and was very entertaining .. its about a guy "Will Traveler", an agent who gets mixed up in a conspiracy. the show was on ABC and it was an amazing show but this show actually had good reviews.. unfortunately it didn't last either. But is definitely one of the better shows that got canceled in the past decade..

So, in saying that it could be that Missing just off to a slow start.. And, critics may have derailed the show from the start. I've read some of the harshest critiques by critics regarding this show that I have ever read in my life. I am stunned. I never have been so bewildered over such harsh ratings. I guess critics don't like it not being original - And starts off like the Movie "Taken" except genders are reversed. That doesn't matter one bit.. The acting is good. The story is good. It's exciting and entertaining. And, Ashley Judd kicks butt!! And kicks it well.

I am very familiar with the writings of shows, different story arcs, plots, sub plots, direction, etc.. And have become a rather good judge of character for a TV show knowing fairly soon even sometimes before the show airs if it will be canceled. I'm no pro, or no critic, but I do know the negative remarks on this show are dead wrong. The writing is superb and very tight, leaving nothing unchecked and nothing feeling forced. when writing is this good, shows will last. Many blast the Director but I think he's done a good job too.. so far, I have nothing negative to say about this show. For all the crap that's come out and been canceled already within a few episodes airing, this by far has been the best new show on PrimeTime Television since shows like 24, Lost, Desperate Housewives, Monk and Burn Notice first aired.. (that's how much I like it so far..) It just seems to be that the critics may have won and pushed off so many viewers from the start. One thing is certain, as one critic said .."its so unbelievable and hard to watch a woman killing off all these other men who are supposed to be well trained agents". well, I say "who cares"? Was Lord of the Rings believable? Was the TV show "Heroes" believable? I bring up these fantasy type plots b/c that's what TV and movies are all about.. Stories of the unbelievable that make it entertaining.. I for one like to see a hot chick kick some......

Then another critic when on to complain about it not being original and said .."the creators of Missing should have taken another look at CSI, Law & Order and 24"... Ummmmmm didn't he just say that it lacks originality? Then went onto say it should have been like those other shows? I do think this show is in part original - its all character and no technology at play. Just good old fashion fighting, action and drama and just a few main characters to keep it tight.

I highly recommend it and rarely have such great things to say about a show. One thing to point out.. I also am aware of reviews bad or good setting expectations for a show. For instance, I'll tell my friends a movie is very good that when they see it, I set the expectations so high they didn't like it. Same can be said for when you hear a show isn't good, then it turns out to be the opposite. However, sometimes when critics say such harsh things right off the bat, the show rarely gets a fair chance. I for one am so tired of these lame shows coming out on television..(thank god for USA and AMC for having the best shows on television..) I look forward with high anticipation about the outcome of this show..