Summary
Missing: Dead or Alive? Season 2 attempts to correct the errors of its predecessor by opting for detail over sensationalism, but unfortunately, the result is a duller viewing experience. The series feels like a missed opportunity to explore the rising rates of violent disappearances, settling instead for a fly-on-the-wall approach that feels empty.
There’s no doubt in my mind that being a Missing Persons Investigator must be one of the most—if not the most—anxiety-inducing jobs in law enforcement. There is no idea what an investigation will conclude, and with a worried family in the periphery, there’s a delicate balancing act in communication.
Missing: Dead or Alive? returns to Netflix for Season 2 two years after its sophomore debut. We did not rate the first season highly, as it did not offer anything new to the true crime genre. Judging by the comments received on our verdict, audiences agreed, citing that the detective work was shoddy.
And I do wonder if the reception shaped what we see in Season 2, which focuses on two serious cases rather than four, offering the production team an opportunity to provide appeasing insight into the investigations. The series opted for detail over sensationalism.
The Vicki Rains Factor
Missing Persons Investigator Vicki Rains, one of the standout contributors from the first season, plays a central role in every episode. If it were not for her, this series would undoubtedly topple over. The reason is that Vicki provides a superb mix of care and professionalism, despite the limitations and resources available to her.
If anything, it’s her superpower. Her empathetic approach, coupled with a keen eye, is challenging to contend with—how is it possible for a personality to be so steely, while also gaining the trust of worried family members?
A Frustrating Lack of Answers
Missing: Dead or Alive? laboriously points out that missing cases are, for the most part, uneventful, so the second season goes to great lengths to make the audience feel they are wasting their time by proving that point.
The first two episodes centre on Morgan Duncan, a former college student with schizophrenia who has been missing for two days. Drug crimes connect to the case, and there’s a sinister nature to the story.
A lot of possibilities, but no answers, and fears that a body will be found. This case teaches the viewers nothing—it follows a path that’s expected.
Style Over Substance
What the series fails to explore is why people go missing. Vicki Rains succinctly points out at the end of Season 2 that there’s a rise in missing person cases, and they are becoming more violent. It boggles the mind that the series would not focus solely on that statement, which is highly concerning.
Instead, Netflix zeroes in on the production, ensuring the cameras are up close and personal, almost cinematic in delivery. The production attempts a fly-on-the-wall approach, presumably to make up for the nothingness that occurs between key moments in the investigation.
It’s style over substance, and that’s a problem. Vicki Rains should not be burdened with heralding this series apart from being in it and doing her job.
While I’m not putting my nose up at the investigations surfaced in Season 2, it would benefit from detail rather than the production team enjoying the cinematography. Maybe I’m the problem. I may require too much entertainment. But missing person cases are serious, so maybe this series would benefit from more energy to match what’s at stake.
Closing Arguments
I’d love to say this is a step up from Season 1 that puts more emphasis on this grey area of crime, but unfortunately, it ends up being duller viewing. The only positive, again, is Vicki’s appearance, but I don’t think that’s enough.
The Good
- Vicki Rains, the lead investigator, remains the show’s superpower. Her mix of steeliness and empathy is the only thing keeping the series grounded.
- The series looks cinematic and polished (though perhaps to a fault).
The Bad
- By focusing on the “uneventful” nature of investigations, the show struggles to justify its runtime.
- The show raises alarming points about rising violence, but fails to explore them.
- The production seems more interested in camera angles than in the gritty details of the investigations.
Episode breakdown
And, in case you are interested in the premise of each episode, here is a quick rundown:
Episodes 1 and 2
The first two episodes focus on former college student, Morgan Duncan, who has been missing for two days since Thanksgiving. There’s a hint of drug crime involved, but also the added complication that Morgan is schizophrenic.
Episode 3
The third episode closes out the Morgan Duncan story and shifts to Shandon Floyd, a missing person from Marion County, last seen at a hotel.
Episode 4
The final episode concludes the Shandon Floyd case and provides further information on the Morgan Duncan case, closing out Season 2.
