The second episode of Harlan Coben's "Missing You" on Netflix, titled "With or Without You," continues to weave a complex tapestry of mystery and intrigue, as Detective Kat Donovan (Rosalind Eleazar) delves deeper into the enigma of her fiancé Josh's (Ashley Walters) disappearance and the potential connection to her father's tragic death.
The episode commences with a chilling scene at a farm, where Titus, the farm's owner, is seen conducting a background check on a family adopting a puppy, only to reveal a scandalous secret that leads to the family's departure. This scene sets the tone for the episode, showcasing the underlying theme of secrets and deception that permeates the narrative.
Meanwhile, Kat's world is further upended by the revelation that Josh had visited her father's confessed killer, Monte Leburne (Marc Warren), the day before his own vanishing act. This twist adds a new layer of complexity to the case, as Kat grapples with the possibility that her father's murder and Josh's disappearance may be intertwined.
As Kat pleads with her boss, Stagger (Richard Armitage), to reconsider Leburne's confession and reopen the case, their conversation is fraught with tension and disagreement. Stagger's adamant refusal to entertain the idea that Leburne may not be the killer adds another layer of mystery, as it becomes clear that he may be withholding crucial information.
The plot thickens when a young man named Brendan (Oscar Kennedy) approaches Kat, claiming that his mother, Dana Fells, has gone missing. Brendan's insistence that Kat is the only one who can find her mother piques Kat's interest, especially when he reveals that Dana's boyfriend is none other than Josh. This revelation sends Kat's investigation into a new direction, as she is now faced with the possibility that Josh may be involved in not just one but multiple disappearances.
The episode also explores the dynamics of Kat's personal life, as her friend Aqua dismisses the significance of Josh's visit to Leburne, and her mother's reaction to the news of Leburne's death is one of resignation, indicating a deeper knowledge of the past events that have shaped their lives.
As the episode progresses, Kat's determination to uncover the truth is met with resistance at every turn. Stagger's reluctance to revisit the case, the discovery of Rishi's (Rudi Dharmalingam) online conversations with Vanessa, and the revelation that Josh's profile has vanished from the internet completely, all contribute to a growing sense of urgency and frustration for Kat.
The climax of the episode comes when Stacey, a private investigator and Kat's friend, uncovers the fact that Josh had visited Leburne with Stagger, suggesting a deeper conspiracy within the police force itself. This revelation rocks Kat to her core and casts doubt on the integrity of those she trusts the most.
"With or Without You" is a masterclass in suspense-building, with each scene meticulously crafted to pull the viewer deeper into the mystery. The episode expertly balances the personal and professional lives of its protagonist, creating a compelling narrative that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. As Kat Donovan, Rosalind Eleazar delivers a powerful performance, capturing the raw emotions of a woman torn between her duty as a detective and her longing for the truth about her lost love. With a plot that twists and turns at every corner, "Missing You" promises to be a thriller that will keep viewers guessing until the very end.