Warning: This post contains spoilers for Missing You.
The popularity of Harlan Coben adaptations continues, with his latest Netflix offering, Missing You, quickly climbing the streamer’s charts after its January 1st premiere, placing second only to another popular title.
Based on Coben’s 2014 novel, the five-part series relocates the story from New York City to Manchester. It follows Detective Kat Donovan (Rosalind Eleazar) as she investigates her father Clint Donovan’s (Lenny Henry) murder after discovering her ex-fiancé Josh’s (Ashley Walters) dating profile. While initially suspecting Josh, who disappeared 11 years prior after the night career criminal Monte Leburne (Marc Warren) allegedly killed her father, Kat uncovers a deeper conspiracy.
While investigating the disappearances of Rishi Migari (Rudi Dharmalingam) and Dana Fells (Lisa Faulkner), Kat learns from the imprisoned Monte that he was framed for Clint’s murder. Despite being suspended by her boss, Clint’s former partner Stagger (Richard Armitage), for unauthorized contact with Monte, Kat persists, uncovering shocking truths about those around her.
Eleazar describes her character’s relentless pursuit of the truth, noting Kat’s inability to process the overwhelming trauma she endures.
How does Missing You end?
Josh’s online profile is revealed to be a fake created by a crime syndicate that targets wealthy individuals for kidnapping and extortion. However, the real Josh is still involved in Clint’s death.
Kat discovers her father was secretly involved with renowned crime boss Calligan (James Nesbitt) and had a long-term affair with a man, Parker (Cyril Nri). Calligan used this to blackmail Clint, leading Clint to end the relationship with Parker.
On the night of Clint’s death, Aqua (Mary Malone), Josh’s flatmate and Kat’s friend, witnessed Clint and Parker embracing. A panicked Clint pursued Aqua, leading to a confrontation where Aqua grabbed a knife. Josh’s arrival escalated the struggle, resulting in Clint’s accidental stabbing. Stagger, arriving on the scene, orchestrated a cover-up to protect Kat and her mother. Josh fled, unable to face Kat.
Josh eventually confesses everything to Kat. The series concludes with Kat’s emotional gesture towards Josh, a subtle interaction open to interpretation.