“In the United States, the remains of 40,000 people have not been identified.” Reading that statement, while listening to textbook-composed build-up music will quickly draw you into one of ABC’s newest fall pilots, “The Forgotten.” But don’t be deceived, after the opening the build up never really reaches the climax you’d hope for.
We’ve seen our share of Detective shows over the course of the past decade. From CSI to “Cold Case,” each new series presents its own unique twist on the genre. Even “Fringe,” from creator J.J. Abrams is a FBI detective story at its core, dealing with the “fringe” sciences. “The Forgotten” sidesteps the routine use of a FBI or police unit consisting of the standard good cop, bad cop, crazy cop dynamic. Instead, the story takes place from the vantage point of a group of volunteers called “The Forgotten Network.” This group uncovers the truth about the Jane and John Does of the world, when the police are ready to close their books and move on.
The Pilot opens up with a “Highway Jane” murder case that the police have failed to solve. Detective Grace Russell (Rochelle Aytes) hands over the details of the case to Alex Donovan (Christian Slater) when the police have come up empty. Alex immediately jumps on the case and brings it to The Forgotten Network. The group consists of Candace Butler (Michelle Borth), Lindsey Drake (Heather Stephens), Tyler Davies (Anthony Carrigan), and Walter Bailey (Bob Stephenson). Each member has his or her own reason for being in the group, from doing court-ordered community service to using the network as a boredom beater. However, Alex is in it because his eight-year old daughter disappeared two years ago. And, it’s apparent that he quit the detective unit after her loss.
Unlike most detective shows, the cops are actually on the side of Alex and genuinely want his help. There are a few instances when Alex forgets he no longer has a badge, but his former detective colleagues let it slip by with a small slap on the wrist.
The story is certainly endearing, and not for a minute do the characters or situations lack genuineness. Like watching any mystery story, you want to see how it ends and you will root for The Forgotten Network to get you to the truth. However, the build up you felt during the opening, never really finds a place in the Pilot. It’s hard to say there was any real climax that kept you on the edge of your seat. The Pilot simply moves along at a mediocre pace and before you know it, the story is over.
The characters definitely exemplify the range of personalities you would find in a volunteer group. However, none of the characters are memorable. Walter Bailey is the goof-off volunteer who wants to be the cool gung-ho cop, but isn’t. There are several occasions when his character tries to add levity to the story. Unfortunately, most of those jokes fall flat, and his character never really shines like he was intended. Tyler is the “bad” kid who was forced into the Forgotten Network. Instead of causing any friction, he simply falls into the role of a Forgotten Network volunteer. Slater, though an emotional lead, isn’t offered the opportunity to shine in this role. His inner turmoil, over the loss of his daughter, and emotional attachment to these cases doesn’t come out enough to be memorable.
This Bruckheimer born series may just be suffering from Pilot syndrome. The story is definitely there, but an emotional attachment to the characters is lacking. Hopefully, the next few episodes of “The Forgotten” will develop stronger characters, as well as find an episode-by-episode climax. Otherwise, this series will end up Forgotten alongside the rest of the Jane and John Does of the world.
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