Absentia (2017–2020) User Reviews

A little confusing

[mikebedding · 7/10 · 14 November 2018]

Not a bad watch, lots of twists perhaps too many but really deterred me at times was the sound production you seem to bounce from almost unhearable whispering to crash bang wallop action sound which meant spending several minutes adjusting the volume up and down..... think I'm getting old :-(

Superb !!

[Vindelander · 8/10 · 11 May 2020]

I found it absolutely riveting if a little difficult to follow at times. It's certainly a convoluted plot and best seen in 2/3 sittings unless you've got a really good memory.

Can't agree with some other reviewers who've given it a pants rating. It's one of the best shows I've seen in years. I'll see it again in a few years time as it was so good.

I'm getting straight on with Series 2 now.

Did they need to make it ten episodes long!!!!

[Sleepin_Dragon · 6/10 · 9 September 2020]

Emily is back, after five years presumed dead, she wants her life back, but things have changed, what she wants, is to find out who's held her hostage.

I will be as honest as I possibly can be with this series (one.) It starts well and ends brilliantly, Parts one, nine and ten are terrific, what comes in between is agonising to watch. This should have been a four part series at most, it's very padded out.

Imagine Wonder Woman has gone rogue, with all her superpowers on hand, and the only Detective you have to bring her in is Officer Doofy from Scary Movie. Too often Emily is almost Superhuman, and those in pursuit are absolutely calamitous, to the point of being comedic.

I watched it all over two days, so it has something, if you're struggling mid way through I would say stick at it, it improves towards the end.

Strong start, great ending, but you really have to watch some boring drivel in the middle to get there, 6/10.

I wanted to like this show

[averyjamesdebruyn · 19 February 2018]

When I first saw the commercials for this show I was so excited! Such an interesting idea. The acting is fine. My issue is with the writing. The writing in this show is honestly terrible. They clearly have no idea how trauma affects human beings. You're telling me she spent 6 years in a glass tank and survived? In total isolation, trapped, consistently drowning on/off? I'm sorry but that is not possible. EVEN IF that was possible, the amount of trauma she would then have to overcome. She would not be good to go and fight crimes after talking to a professional twice. NOT ONLY THIS but the amount of animosity that people are holding towards her. The new wife acts as if helping her find a place to stay and having visits with her son is the greatest act of betrayal from the lead male character and instantly treats her like a homewrecker and him like a traitor. People don't do this? Why would she ever have so much hate for someone who has been traumatized for 6 bloody years. Tortured for 6 bloody years. It's like the writers don't understand what motivates human behaviours. The new wife's character has so much potential for a good story line. She could be conflicted with feelings of pity and jealousy. She could be understanding to her face but behind closed doors crushed in this situation. That's how real people would handle this impossible situation. There is no way you would be flat out hostile to someone who your husband thought was dead and turns out they were just being tortured this whole time. Instead they make her a vindictive bitch and it's intolerable to watch. The main woman "emily" seems to wade through this show only slightly traumatized and still able to fight crime, which is ridiculous AND everyone in this show is bloody victim blaming like she just disappeared for 6 years like it was shits and giggles. I just don't get it. I feel for the actors because they did their part, they acted well. And that's probably why it's rated so high. But the writing is just garbage. I think the writers need to look at the roots of what motivates human behaviour because literally no one acts the way they portray it.

Outstanding

[TVGirlT24 · 10/10 · 4 October 2017]

There have been two shows i have continued watching this fall, and Absentia is one of them. Stana Katic is one hell of an actress. The supporting cast is good, but pales in comparison. Not their fault, she is just that good. Its held my interest, kept me on the edge of my seat, and anxious for more. Cant say that about many shows these days. Kudos Ms Katic.

nice dark mystery

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 26 March 2018]

It's 6 years after Conrad Harlow's conviction for FBI agent Emily Byrne (Stana Katic)'s disappearance and presumed murder. Her FBI husband Nick Durand has remarried to Alice and Emily's son Flynn has long forgotten her. Nick receives a late night call from Harlow which leads to Emily's rescue from her watery tomb. Harlow is released from prison as trial evidences are proved incorrect. Emily's original target, crime boss Robert Semerov, is found waiting in the morgue and she is implicated. Boston police detective Tommy Gibbs investigates her case as she goes on the run. Her brother Jack and father Warren are her main supporters as even Nick starts to disbelieve her.

This has a nice dark mood and compelling mysterious premise. I like the first couple of episodes but the show bogs down into a convoluted reveal. If her past is the main reveal, then it needs to be presented right at the beginning. The way to do it are flashbacks to her childhood as the B-story. A younger Emily would allow a back and forth to the present day story. It would give better preparation for the ultimate reveal. The acting is relative good although I don't remember the villains. Without the preparation, the revelations don't hit as hard and the reveal lacks real shock. This is fine but it could have been better.

EDIT: I did not expect a second season. Two starts with an attack on the federal government. Emily returns to work and tries to reconnect with her son. This season suffers from a similar situation as the first season. It starts one way and finishes another way. This one starts like it wants Emily to be in a police procedural. I really like her new relationship with her son. When her mother shows up, it would have been a great family drama. I don't really love it but I can see it working. Then it takes twists which loops back to the first season. Instead of the twists, it should be simply Emily alone investigating her case without the extra layer of investigation. This show often gets too muddled for its own good. At least, it ends in a good place.

Wow!

[panosk-19469 · 10/10 · 16 May 2020]

Unique scenario with unexpected turns. You need focus though. Can't wait for season 3.

If you liked The Fugitive...

[pdmccann-77627 · 7/10 · 6 May 2020]

And The Shooter... this is a series about an apparently framed person using her own resources to prove her guilt or innocence. Pretty good for around 75% but then seems to drag out in the last 2-3 episodes. But that could also be a side effect of binge watching! 7.3 seems a fair rating.

Season 2 tops 1st - Highly Enjoyable - If you liked The Tunnel or The Bridge this is for you

[jnorton45 · 10/10 · 5 October 2017]

Season 2 is better than season 1 by a significant amount. If you enjoyed The Tunnel on PBS or it's Danish counterpart The Bridge, you will enjoy Absentia.

The 3 clues that say any show was a very well done production.

• The actors got a chance to shine and they did.
• More than that they were having fun doing their work.
• The smaller parts done well.

The 2nd season of Absentia hits the mark on all three counts. Heusinger, Jackson and especially Thebold got a chance to shine with their characters and did it well and consistently. Bonanni continued his fine work from season 1. Katic remained the dominant force, but it was not as noticeable because everyone around her was doing very well. Quarshie as Oduale, the psychiatrist was a gem.

There were many times when fun all the actors were having playing their characters just jumped off the screen. Even in dark scenes, as most were, you saw the electricity. For example the scenes with Alice and Oduale alone were memorable. In the fight scene between Emily and Tommy, Bonanni and and Katic were having way too much fun. Heck, all the scenes they had together, they were having great fun. Electric. Stana obviously loves the fight scenes and the stunts. She loves them the same way Cruise does in all the crazy stuff he does. The little shot were Emily, in her gas mask, gives Oduale her Ripley stare. Their fun breaks though an infects you.

You know that the writing and directing are well done when the small parts are top grade. The script gives an actor who will only be involved for a short time the breath and depth to great work. The director gives them the room to do it. The two that come to mind immediately both die quickly - Emily's mother and Cal's friend from the Moldavian bar who dies in the battle with Rex. For that matter the actor who plays Rex and the one that plays the old sniper who owns the cabin in the woods. There are more, but those 4 actors got a chance to shine because the parts were well written and the directors gave them space to work.

I enjoyed each of those things in the moment. They were so well done that they did not interfere with the moment and the moments around them. So, I can look back on the entire 10 episodes of Absentia 2nd season and say that this was an outstanding piece. I had lots of fun watching it.

Overall satisfying - Katic's best performance so far

[Zaffy-1 · 7/10 · 21 November 2017]

I agree with another reviewer that Absentia had a very interesting premise, but I think that somewhere along the way it got a bit confused. However it was intriguing, quite well made show, it had suspense and Katic gives her best performance ever, she is actually carrying the damn thing on her shoulders*.

I suggest you binge-watch it, Absentia is ideal for cold winter nights :)

** SPOILERS ********

My biggest problem is how the show handled the 6years of Emily's captivity and torture. There is no way someone tormented like that would be able to recover emotionally that quickly. Actually I am not sure someone would even survive the ordeal.

Of course they needed the 6 years to justify Emily's husband getting married with another lady etc etc.

Still, I believe they should have spent quite a few episodes to show Emily's re-adjustment period or at least make a time jump of a year ahead. Maybe even having someone else investigating for her, instead of following the rather cliché "the hero who tries to prove her own innocence" with a few red herrings as a "side-dish".

I dunno if there will be another season, I would love to, cause the finale seems very promising (and heartbreaking) and I like what Katic has done with the character. I just hope if there is one, they will write it better and focus a bit more on Emily's issues than having her just solving crimes.

*** end of spoilers *********

*I am someone who never thought Katic could act drama, based on those horrible Castle drama episodes. Well I have to admit I was wrong. Stana dear, my apologies.

Distracting Amateur Sound

[thimsmot-99791 · 4/10 · 26 September 2018]

The dialog, ADR, and sound mix are so bad that they take you out of the story, shot to shot. On top of that, there's far too whispering and mumbling by the male lead. Half of his dialog is completely lost. Very annoying.

AWESOME!!!!!!!

[Tmorgan112 · 10/10 · 22 April 2018]

I CANNOT comprehend a low review for this show. They either watch other types of shows OR they need to pick apart every little detail of a show/movie.(If you want true crime go watch Forensic Files.). I watched this because my daughter thought I might like it. Reason I went to Amazon movies for the first time. I'm always up for a good thriller/suspense. This kept me on the edge of my seat and I binged watched in a couple of days!! Just when you think you have it figured out, you see you don't. Acting in my opinion was superb. BEST show/movie that I've seen in forever!!! If you want your typical dribble that's the majority of TV now a days, skip this. If you want something different, time to WATCH! Hope there's a season two!

Ambitious attempt

[karmenfrlan · 6/10 · 16 November 2017]

The premise is fantastic but as I just finished episode 3, I've not yet found any of the plot lines unexpected. Rather I found the series unfolding with too many misdirections.

I am impressed with Stana Katic and Patrick Heusinger. The supporting cast members, including Adam (Ralph Ineson), Jack and Cara Theobold.

I think however the very tight 62 day shooting schedule showed in the show's feel/appearance to its detriment.

Truthful review to help potential viewer set expectations

[edroc-67523 · 4/10 · 24 October 2018]

I was home sick for 2 days and watched this in its entirety. I'm the kind of person who once starts watching a series will usually see it through. I wish this was 2-3 episodes shorter. They could have done it and it would not have felt so long and had a lot of the ridiculous things happen that did not seem to add any value. That said, the fact I'm posting on this (unusual) means both the show has grabbed my attention and also left me confused and disappointed and I came looking for answers. The reviews that mention huge plot holes are right on. UNLESS, there is some VERY clever writing and it has been done purposefully in a longer story arc. If you watch network TV shoes (CSI) and want to step up, this might be a satisfying show. If you like and keep track of character arcs on HBO drama's, this will feel thinly written.

It just gets crazier.

[mig991-1 · 30 September 2017]

**Spoilers may be contained in this post** OK, I have made it through episode 5. It just gets worse and worse. The story is so insane. How did this woman go from being kidnapped for six years to the suspect in so many murders in like 30 minutes.

The lead male actor is horrible to the point of being distracting. He has one actor face, pensive. He constantly looks like he has the worst headache ever or has use the bathroom.

Oh and it took me a minute to realize this series was set in Boston because the accents are so bad, especially on the Boston PD homicide officer. I realize this was shot overseas but they could have at least cast a few people who could do Boston accents.

I'm sort of invested in this car crash now so I will finish it but man it is some pretty convoluted stuff.

Great show, must watch.

[laura-galvin13 · 9/10 · 27 September 2017]

Stana Katic is easily one of the most underrated actors out there, I'm glad to see her in a more meaty role compared to her last major role (Castle) we definitely need to see more of her. I really hope this show does well and we get to see the full story play out. Good story, good production, great cast.

Male actors sounded like Batman

[vmoney-79425 · 6/10 · 10 January 2019]

The storyline seems good but the acting destroyed this series. All the guys talked in this deep voice with over the top serious faces. They all seem like they were over-acting their parts. You don't see one smile the entire series so it's hard to believe.

something different

[bob-willems · 8/10 · 2 October 2017]

I genuinely enjoyed watching the first two episodes of this series. And am looking forward to the rest.The acting is spot on. And the cinematography is very well done. I can't wait to see the next episodes off Absentia . I hope it remains exciting until the end off the s I do love these types of shows .

An ultimately unsatisfying thriller

[wakedemons3 · 6/10 · 22 March 2018]

Absentia is not a 1/10. It's also not a 10/10. I gave it a 6 for creating genuine tension even amidst the bad writing and incoherent plot features. The series tells the tale of a former FBI agent on the run from false accusations after being held captive and declared dead for 6 years. Clear My Name (see TV Tropes for an explanation) has always been a fraught theme for me. I often find these plots maddening and unsatisfying as they create unnecessary stupidity in the ancillary characters in order to work. Absentia was no exception. This series employed every bad cliche of the Clear My Name genre. From absurd contrivances to illogical decision making, the characters in this series bumble their way to an ending as predictable as the sunrise. She Clears Her Name. You don't necessarily need to avoid this series, but don't clear your schedule and settle in with the popcorn either.

Gripping drama

[danielrobbinsny · 9/10 · 20 July 2020]

I was pleasantly surprises to see Season 3 up on Amazon's site

This show is DARK. Not bleak, full of deapair or unaettling -- it's DARK. Picking up a few months (?) after S2, Emily is front amd center, getting banged up and flipping off authority whenever possible. I'm only 3 eps in so I can't really say a lot except it's clearly going to be as stress-inducing to watch as it's predecessors. I never watched Castle, so I'n not familiar with Stana's work there, but she def has the brooding cop thing down!

Technically, overall the visuals are a little brighter (not forcing me to brighten up the picture just to see what's going on) and the audio is better by normalizing dialogue.

Glad it's back - hope there is more, but nothing seems to make it past 3 seasons anymore.

Thumbs up

[nneelakandan · 7/10 · 28 January 2020]

Dark and grip full story. Stana katic gives you best performance in this series.

Just wasn't good... it tried though.

[htttrh · 4/10 · 24 March 2018]

Non Spoiler - This show tried and failed to be one of those "amazing shows" Very forced story telling and disjointed at times and it felt like 3 to 4 of the later episodes just dragged on and nothing was happening. It felt like the writers and producers at different parts of the series came up with ideas that didn't work and forced them into the story. Trying not to bash this show but it's pretty hollow, boring, with poor story telling. My recommendation is to watch something else because you are not missing anything if you don't see this.

Underrated show on Prime

[Nightmarelogic · 8/10 · 18 July 2020]

If you like a show with an unreliable lead then you can do worse then this. The basic premise is a simple one. FBI Agent Emily Byrne (Played by the incredible Stana Katic - and the show is worth it just for her alone) disapeared and was declared dead seven years ago; the last victim of a serial killer she was chasing. Even though her body was never found she was declared dead "in absentia" (get it) in order to put the serial killer in jail for her murder since the FBI could not directly connect him to any of his other crimes. But when she reappears and bodies keep dropping and get connected to her not him it sends her, her ex-husband (also an FBI agent) and the FBI on a trail into Emily's past.

Season 2 also deals heavily with Emily's past and her connection to a series of odd murders. Emily back in the FBI with her own agenda investigates a series of murders by Fentanyl injection which leads her all the way around the world and back again.

I am on season 3 right now but again since the show is what it is it is bound to circle to Emily and her family and an emotional trauma both Emily's, her ex husband's and her sons. But that is what makes the show special. It is to bad the show has so few viewers because it is a great show and it is worth the watch.

Good show, looking forward tot season 2.

[koertv · 7/10 · 18 June 2020]

The overall plot is a bit bleak but the acting is good and it just keeps you watching.

Not well written

[injun-83620 · 4/10 · 10 July 2019]

The show has many holes in the story and scenes that make no sense and characters that must be able to walk through walls. You will see