I'm about to take you on a wild ride through the world of Harlan Coben's latest Netflix endeavor, 'I Will Find You.' Buckle up, because this show is a rollercoaster of twists, turns, and a whole lot of soup for your brain.
The American Villain
Harlan Coben, an American author, has a knack for creating stories that feel distinctly British when adapted for the small screen. His books, set in the US, transform into suburban dramas that could've been plucked from Channel 5's afternoon lineup. It's a curious phenomenon, almost like a literary chameleon adapting to its streaming platform.
A British Invasion
Coben's works have dominated Netflix's top 10 for what feels like an eternity. Remember when TV had a bit more substance? Well, Coben's shows seem to thrive on irredeemable stupidity, appealing to a certain audience's love for second-screening and mindless entertainment.
'I Will Find You': An American Affair
'I Will Find You' is a rare Coben adaptation that stays true to its American roots. With a glossy Netflix budget and some recognizable faces, it promises a familiar feast of nonsense. And boy, does it deliver!
A Soup-Inducing Story
The show follows David Burroughs, played by Sam Worthington, who's imprisoned for murdering his toddler son. Enter Britt Lower as a reporter convinced David is innocent. She has a photo of a child with a birthmark, allegedly David's son, who's very much alive. It's a wild ride from the get-go, with plot twists that make your head spin.
Interconnected Nonsense
Coben's world is a web of interconnected characters and ridiculous coincidences. David's ex-wife, a surgeon, was called away on the night of their son's murder due to a bus accident that never happened. Her new husband, who alerted her, claims it was a coincidence and that he had a crush on her. It's pure Coben: nonsensical and utterly fascinating.
A Web of Connections
Everyone is connected in Coben's world. The FBI agents, the exes, and even the rich boy are all intertwined. If they're not initially related, Coben will find a way to make them so. It's a formula that works, keeping viewers hooked despite the objective horridness of it all.
Second-Screening and Mindless Entertainment
These shows are tailor-made for the modern viewer who loves to second-screen. With a constant barrage of twists, you can barely keep up, making it perfect for those who want the gist without too much mental effort. It's like a parasitic alien invasion, slowly taking over our minds with its mindless entertainment.
A Wild Ride to the End
'I Will Find You' takes us on a journey through time, with sperm swaps, identity changes, and a woman named Hilde gunned down by Skunk. It's a wild ride, leaving you feeling like Donald Sutherland's character in 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers,' screaming as you realize the extent of Coben's parasitic influence. Resistance may be futile, but it's a fun ride nonetheless.
Conclusion
Harlan Coben's shows are an acquired taste, but they've found their audience. They offer a unique brand of entertainment, one that thrives on interconnected silliness and mindless twists. Personally, I find it fascinating how these shows have become a staple of modern streaming, appealing to a specific type of viewer. It's a testament to the power of storytelling, even if it leaves your brain feeling like soup.
