SAFE. Michael C. Hall in a thriller created by Harlan Coben.

Harlan Coben is without a doubt one of the most widely read American authors. His thrillers, full of mysteries and unexpected twists, set readers’ hearts racing around the world. In 2018, Coben decided to test his skills in television production. Netflix added a new series bearing his name to its library — Safe — starring Michael C. Hall.

So how did Coben’s romance with television turn out? In short: overall, it’s decent, though with some distinctly disappointing moments.

This eight-episode co-production between Netflix and StudioCanal premiered in May 2018. Its title refers to a wealthy, gated community where all the families are supposed to feel safe. One day, however, the reputation of this idyllic neighborhood is shaken by an unexpected disappearance. Safe is yet another proof that the classic thriller trope of a loved one vanishing still hasn’t lost its appeal. This time, though, the familiar formula hasn’t managed to avoid missteps.

Tom Delaney (Michael C. Hall) is a respected surgeon raising two teenage daughters. For the past year, he’s been doing it alone — his wife died of cancer. His difficult life takes another tragic turn when his eldest daughter goes missing under mysterious circumstances. As he tries to uncover the truth, Tom encounters obstacle after obstacle. And when he finally learns the truth, it’s the kind no one would ever want to hear.

Coben’s name as the series’ creator certainly lends it prestige. But Michael C. Hall is its undeniable star. This was the actor’s first lead role in a TV series since Dexter ended in 2013. Hall has long struggled to break free from the box that role placed him in — that of the Miami police employee with a hidden dark side. Fortunately, his performance in Safe felt fresh and compelling. His portrayal of a father put to the test and torn by conflicting emotions is highly convincing. His well-crafted British accent adds to the positive impression.

However, from a series that blends the structure of a classic thriller with mystery fiction, I expect, above all, a strong script. The greatest challenge is crafting an intrigue whose resolution is smart, believable, and — most importantly — surprising. In Safe, the mystery’s resolution is indeed surprising but also painfully stupid. I simply don’t buy the reason for Tom’s daughter’s disappearance or the identity of the culprit behind it all. To me, these are cheap, illogical, and glaringly artificial solutions.

That said, Safe is a technically well-made series. Each episode ends with a gripping cliffhanger that encourages you to keep watching. Another strength is its length: by wrapping up the story in eight episodes, the show avoids unnecessary padding that might have appeared had the creators added more flashbacks. Safe also maintains a good pace — the protagonist steadily moves toward his goal without wasting time on trivialities.

It’s a shame, though, that the series is ultimately a one-time watch. The disappointing finale tips the scales. I doubt anyone will want to revisit it after the central mystery is resolved — especially once they realize how grotesque its nature really is. It’s better, then, to reach for Coben in his traditional form.