I've been watching a lot of Harlan Coben adaptations lately, and I must say, I'm starting to feel like I've seen them all. Netflix's 'The Harlan Coben Collection' is like a never-ending cycle of premium-grade bunkum, with each new release feeling like a carbon copy of the last. But I was intrigued by 'I Will Find You' - a departure from the European settings we've come to expect, set instead in the US with bigger guns and more 'BOSTON' in the captions. So, I tuned in, and here's my take on it.
A Familiar Tale
The story is a classic Coben formula: someone is missing, someone is accused of a crime they didn't commit, the police are inept, and everyone speaks in a way that implies urgency and gravitas, even if it doesn't quite deliver. David Burroughs, our unshaven hero, is serving a life sentence for the murder of his son, and yet he's innocent. The ex-sister-in-law, Rachel Mills, turns up with a photo of a frolicking child who might be David's son, and the plot is set in motion.
The Break from Tradition
What makes 'I Will Find You' stand out is its setting in the US. The breathlessness and urgency feel more authentic, with bigger guns and more 'BOSTON' in the captions. But despite this departure, the show is still classic small-screen Coben - maddeningly watchable crap with bells on. The characters are like flaps of luncheon meat pegged to a washing line, and the script is made of Play-Doh. Yet, we're still drawn in, episode after episode, until we've stumbled through many red herrings, narrative cul-de-sacs, and splutter-inducing plot holes.
The Implication
What this really suggests is that, despite the flaws, we keep coming back for more. The formula works, even if the execution doesn't. It's like a well-worn path that we keep retracing, hoping for a different outcome. But the truth is, we know the ending, and yet we're still drawn in. It's a fascinating psychological phenomenon, and one that Coben seems to understand instinctively.
The Takeaway
In my opinion, 'I Will Find You' is a prime example of how formulaic storytelling can be both a strength and a weakness. It's a well-worn path, but one that still manages to draw us in. Personally, I think it's a testament to the power of storytelling, and a reminder that sometimes, we just want to be taken on a wild ride, even if we know where it's going. So, if you're a fan of Coben, I say, give 'I Will Find You' a shot. But be warned - it might just leave you feeling like you've seen it all before.
