Critical Condition: The Missing

The Missing (TVNZ 1, 9.30 Tuesdays)

“The first series of The Missing, about the hunt for an abducted child, was a conventional whodunnit … The new series is not a straightforward sequel, though it does feature retired French sleuth Julien Baptiste, played by Tcheky Karyo … The clues are all here. Like good detectives, we just have to stay alert, be observant, trust our deductions. It’s the only way we have a chance … not of solving the crime, but of working out what the heck is going on.” — Daily Mail.

“Baptiste (Tchéky Karyo) returns, with his limp, his philosophical stubbornness, his chunky knitwear and his comedy intonation. Otherwise, it is a whole new story and cast: Keeley Hawes, David Morrissey and one of my all-time favourite Icelandic actors Olafur Darri Olafsson, from Trapped … It is bigger and bolder and more ambitious than last time out.” — The Guardian.

“So how did it measure up to the first series? Time will tell but this story, more of an ensemble piece than its predecessor, was gripping even if it lacked the palm-sweating panic caused by the snatching of a child …  I’ll be back for more next week, mainly for Hawes and Morrissey – but let’s hope that the second series of The Missing isn’t let down by another anti-climax.” — The Telegraph.

“Geographically, The Missing is all over the place. It is one big fidget and were it not for Hawes and Morrissey anchoring it emotionally, I am not sure if even the twists would keep me engaged.” — The Times.

“It’s got the same sleuth but it’s a brand-new story. Different is good of course but the key change is one that might stop a fair few people staying to the end. Throughout the first series, we had the hope of the child we knew and cared about being found alive. No such incentive this time.” — Daily Express.