Review: Kaley Cuoco’s ‘Vanished’ Unravels Mystery but Misses Spark and Suspense

“Vanished” is a new mystery series premiering on MGM+ that features Kaley Cuoco in the role of Alice, an archaeologist. The plot unfolds with Alice reflecting on her career and her relationship with Tom, played by Sam Claflin, who works with a charity in Jordan. Their meet-cute happens on a dusty road, where Alice helps Tom with a flat tire, igniting a long-distance romance that has lasted four years.

The Storyline and Characters

The story begins with Alice being offered a prestigious assistant professor position at Princeton. This opportunity would allow her to settle down with Tom in a school-provided apartment. However, the romantic tension between them is undermined by a lack of chemistry.

• Alice: Portrayed by Kaley Cuoco; an archaeologist contemplating her future.
• Tom: Played by Sam Claflin; a charity worker who becomes mysteriously absent.
• Helene: A French translator and investigative reporter, played by Karin Viard.
• Police Inspector Drax: Played by Simon Abkarian; skeptical of Alice’s concerns.

The Disappearance

While traveling by train to Arles, Tom steps out to take a phone call and suddenly goes missing. This twist propels Alice into a frantic search for him, leading her to enlist the help of Helene. Together, they navigate the challenges of finding Tom while realizing the complexities of knowing someone deeply.

Investigative Twists

Amidst Alice’s desperate search, she encounters various characters, including the unhelpful train conductor and the dismissive police inspector. The story also showcases Helene’s strengths as an investigative reporter, adding depth to their partnership.

Direction and Reception

Directed by Barnaby Thompson and written by his son, Preston, “Vanished” attempts to weave suspense and intrigue into its narrative. Despite the promising premise, the series suffers from a lack of engaging dialogue and direction.

Cuoco, known for her acclaimed role in “The Big Bang Theory,” seems slightly out of place in this series. The storyline’s pacing often detracts from the tension, while the cinematography captures picturesque France, adding some allure. Overall, “Vanished” aims for suspense but struggles to deliver the excitement and spark necessary to keep viewers fully engaged.