Missing You

I really don't understand all the bad reviews. I'm a fan of the author and I've read most of his work. I don't remember names of books as I read too much so I went into this not knowing the story even though I knew I had read it. It didn't take long before I remembered, but had forgotten enough to enjoy it all over again. And since I watched it all in one sitting, I think I can say it was enjoyable. It's not Oscar worthy, but still an entertaining show. I thought the main actress did a really good job and there were plenty of others that I felt were good as well. There's a lot of angst involved but was justified. Some twists as well. Take a chance on this one if you enjoy police procedurals with a female detective. It's really not a bad effort as so many reviews are saying. I rated it 7 which means I thought it was pretty good.

Here's a proofread and polished version of your update:

Just binge-watched all five episodes. I wasn't really feeling it by episode two but decided to see it through.

Cohen adaptations seem to follow a pattern of largely unrelated or overly complicated story threads that all neatly come together in the final episode. While previous ones have been quite good, this one felt really weak in comparison.

There wasn't much of a storyline in this one, and all the "aha" moments were crammed into the last episode-typical Cohen from what I've seen.

The acting was okay, and the characters weren't terrible, but the story just wasn't compelling or engaging. It felt more like a matter of simply getting through to the end.

I wouldn't say don't watch it, but if you have other options in your queue, I'd definitely put those ahead of this one.

Let me know if there's anything you'd like adjusted further!

Decent enough Harlan Coben thriller drama set in Manchester and surrounding countryside with a well known and familiar cast, weaving intertwined plot themes, it's well paced and improbable fun, entertaining enough to keep you glued in but definitely a bit far fetched in places - some excellent names in there and well acted but gritty believable realism it ain't. Perhaps that's not the point anyway and if you can turn a blind eye to the very visible plot holes and rather unlikely criminal and police prodecural situations then it's width one's time. But it's a fast food style criminal thriller - enjoyable but ultimately unsatisfying, not a gourmet offering you might be hoping for.

Lots of familiar traits from Harlan Coben's characters in this adaptation of his book, and similarly as with so many of his books, it would be good to not have as many twists that you can see a mile off, once you've read other stories.

The series does rattle along at a decent pace, with Steve Pemberton doing his usual creepy character best, in some scenes that are quite unexpected.

Pemberton's strand through the story provides the best amd most engaging part of it all with the odd unexpected twist.

All in all, if you've seen other Netflix adaptations of HC's books you know what to expect. Not the best thing you'll ever see, but fine for binging on a new year's day. Good, too, that it didn't have too many episodes and get bloated.

With less than half a minute into the first episode, the clichés of modern storytelling were served.

The story is riddled with clichés, predictable twists, and underdeveloped characters that make it difficult to become emotionally invested. The protagonist's motivations are shallow, and the supporting cast is mostly reduced to stereotypical archetypes. The pacing feels uneven, with sluggish exposition dragging down the first act and a rushed finale that resolves conflicts too conveniently.

The dialogue is another weak point. Many lines feel forced and to some extent unnatural. The cast's performances are hindered by a script that fails to provide depth or nuance.

That's all I have about this one.