Gone Review: The Most Engrossing Drama of the Year
David Morrissey leads in Gone, a tense and shrewd crime drama that will completely subvert your preconceptions. This six-part series, created by George Kay, is not your typical television fare—it delves deep into themes of guilt, co-dependence, and the banality of evil, wrapped in a mystery that keeps viewers on edge.
A Strange Disappearance in Bristol
The story unfolds in Bristol, where Michael Polly, played by David Morrissey, is the stiff-backed headteacher of St Bartholomew's private school. During a rugby match, Michael watches expressionlessly as his team wins, but his calm demeanor is soon tested when his wife Sarah goes missing from their idyllic cottage. As night falls and Sarah remains absent, their daughter Alana, portrayed by Emma Appleton, grows increasingly distraught, questioning if her parents argued.
Michael's response is chillingly detached: "We didn't argue. We never do." This sets the tone for a narrative filled with suspense and unspoken tensions.
Police Investigation and Unsettling Calm
When the police are reluctantly informed, DS Annie Cassidy, played by Eve Myles, notes Michael's unnerving calmness. He justifies it by focusing on his students' exams, but Annie senses something amiss. "There's a lot that's not right there," she muses, highlighting the show's exploration of control and emotional suppression.
Michael, with his prewar haircut and pressed waistcoat, is a closed book—his emotional vault sealed tight. David Morrissey masterfully conveys this through subtle gestures, making Michael a fascinating yet inscrutable character.
Layered Plot and Supporting Characters
The drama thickens with subplots involving schoolboy Dylan, who seems burdened by secrets, and a cold case of a missing teenager resurfacing. Annie's personal life adds complexity, as her charming ex Craig attempts to win her back, though his motives may not be as benign as they appear.
Clare Higgins shines as Carol, Annie's rumpled friend, who observes, "He's a headmaster. He'll be used to getting it all his own way." This insight hints at the power dynamics at play, both in Michael's professional and personal life.
Building Suspense and Subverting Expectations
Gone expertly builds suspense through slow-revealing clues and unexpected twists. Aerial shots of dense woodland and unsettling discoveries, like a corpse in a glade, keep viewers guessing. The show challenges preconceptions at every turn, making it a taut and clammier experience.
If there is a more engrossing drama this year, it would be a surprise. Gone aired on ITV1 and is available on ITVX, offering a must-watch for fans of intelligent crime narratives.
