Missing

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.

Really, I can't believe the ratings on IMDb anymore. People must watch one episode of a TV show and then come right over and rate it a 3.

After watching the pilot, I couldn't wait to see what would happen. There is a certain dynamic between the characters that makes the show realistic but also gives you some laughs (or maybe just smiles). And yes, I think the casting is pretty good. Cliff Curtis just has the face of a government agent (let me tell you, I know a few) and the Interpol agent is especially believable (he IS Italian).

As for Ashley Judd, I don't get why people say she is not believable as a mom that kicks butt. Before this show we had Gina Carano taking down men in Haywire so just because Ashley Judd hasn't trained her whole life or been in a similar role doesn't mean she can't do it. The premise of the show is that she was ONE OF THE BEST agents.

After watching 7 episodes, the plot is totally not like Taken. It has expanded a lot more and unlike what other reviewers have said, you can't tell where it's going. I have watched (and am watching) plenty of shows and this one is not stuck in a rut.

So give it a chance! :-)

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..

This is a great new series! Love Ashley Judd in this! I too am a mother of a son and I am all wrapped up in this because there are connections. You would go to any length to protect them and feel for others who have kids as well. It is suspenseful and interesting. I've read the other reviews and don't really agree! I can't wait for more. And YES, I have been to Paris and Europe and it is pretty realistic! Depends on what time of year you're there, etc. The water is not crystal clear but neither is it murky. There was no trash around or tons of people out at all times. I'm excited to see an intriguing series that holds my attention yet doesn't have sex or gore in it where my family can watch together!! Well done.

Ashley Judd did an incredible job as an agent/mother looking for her child. The show was well written, exciting and left you wanting more. ABC needs to rethink not renewing for next season;everyone I know who watched the show loved it..... Great Job Ashley Judd...... I can see how the show can spend off this first pilot show in many directions. One being the agency could began by using Ashley aka Rebecca on special assignments, and now that her son knows of his parents past with his obvious intelligent may even be of some assistance as someone working behind the scene to keep his mother safe. This was one of the most thrilling shows of the spring season and I think that it will be a injustice to the viewers to not have closure with a additional season.