Although the first episode may feel sluggish and formulaic, there are still many elements to appreciate in the new six-part crime series, The Gone.

When a young couple from Ireland disappears during their trip to New Zealand, rebellious Dublin detective Theo Richter (played by Richard Flood) travels there to assist the local police in their investigation. This comes after he abruptly quits his job of 20 years without explanation to his bosses. Is it due to unresolved issues from a previous case? Is he burdened by a personal tragedy? Whatever the reason, it seems to be driving him to seek out fights and escape through being physically injured by attackers. The truth will likely be revealed in due time.

Why is Dublin necessary for New Zealand? It turns out that one of the missing individuals, Sinead Martin (also known as Rachel Morgan), is the daughter of Hannah Martin (played by Michelle Fairley), a judge who recently convicted the leader of an Irish drug ring operated by the Fallon family. This family is not one to let retribution slide, as evidenced by a recent attempt on Hannah’s life. Could they now be targeting her family? Alternatively, it is discovered that the other missing person, Ronan Garvey (played by Simon Mead), had ties to drug dealing at his gym and a history of violence towards his girlfriend.

In the small, isolated town, the disappearance of the couple is reminiscent of a double homicide that occurred 17 years ago. The perpetrator was never identified. DS Diana Huai (also known as Acushla-Tara Kupe) has come back to her childhood home after a lengthy absence. It is evident from her tense interactions with the local residents, including her own relatives, that she is dealing with her own personal grief, which will likely be revealed over the course of the next few hours.

There is a new business in the town, which you may have already guessed based on the location and type. It is a large recycling and fertilizer plant, run by a CEO who is not a native resident. This CEO intends to obtain sacred land in the area, but is facing opposition from the Māori community, including prominent leaders such as Wiki and Buster Huia, who are Diana’s uncle and aunt. While they raised her in her childhood, they are now distant from her.

Aileen Ryan (played by Carolyn Bracken) is an Irish journalist who has been closely monitoring the Fallon story for years. She has now travelled to New Zealand in pursuit of Richter to uncover the latest updates. Similar to many journalists, she creates chaos wherever she goes.

After setting the stage in the first episode, the story becomes more complicated (sometimes with unclear dialogue making it feel like we are only one piece of important information away from losing track) and becomes engaging, although not necessarily fast-paced.

However, what sets The Gone apart from the rest is the inclusion of Wiki and Buster. While Flood and Kupe serve as capable detectives, their roles are rather plain and serve mainly as a function. On the other hand, Wiki and Buster are complex and compelling characters, providing emotional depth to the story. Their individual and joint scenes inject life into the narrative, elevating The Gone to more than just a typical mystery. Through their story, the importance of human connections is explored, as seen in their 30-year partnership running a safe haven for troubled teenagers. The novel also pays tribute to the town, highlighting the impact of knowing the people in it for generations, especially in the enduring friendship between Wiki and a local police officer. Additionally, the role of the land is also emphasized, with a poignant conversation about outsiders taking what does not belong to them.

Signs of illegal activity increase, evidence is discovered, leads are pursued, harmful articles are circulated. A person named Fallon is also discovered to have arrived in New Zealand, putting people at risk. CEOs grow more anxious as investors become more uneasy, and pieces of the story start to come together before being complicated once again. Violence escalates and erupts, and even hidden pain and childhood traumas are revealed and resolved. While the screenplay may stumble at times, there are also moments of clever humor and meaningful truths that make it more than just a passable watch. And if you need one more reason to be impressed, the breathtaking scenery of New Zealand is a bonus. It’s amazing that New Zealanders are able to get anything done with such stunning views in front of them.

• “The Gone” can be watched on BBC Four and is also accessible on BBC iPlayer.

Source: theguardian.com