Sæson
Episode
Afspillerserver
Uden spor
20027
DramaKriminalitetMysteriumAction og eventyr
Udgivet
26. sep. 2002
Land
USA
Produktioner
Jerry Bruckheimer TelevisionCBS ProductionsCBS StudiosWarner Bros. Television
Serien følger FBI's enhed for savnede personer i New York City.
About
Quick guide
The FBI Missing Persons Unit tracks disappearances in New York City, racing against time and uncovering secrets.
Without a Trace follows the FBI’s Missing Persons Unit (MPU) as they investigate cases of people who have vanished from the bustling streets of New York. Over seven seasons and 160 episodes, the series blends procedural drama with personal storylines of its seasoned agents—Jack Malone, Samantha Spade, Vivian Johnson, Danny Taylor and later Elena Delgado. Each episode centers on a new missing‑person case while revealing the complex relationships and moral dilemmas the team faces. The show is noted for its realistic depiction of real‑world missing‑person announcements, which occasionally resulted in actual recoveries.
What to know
- The series runs 43‑minute episodes, a typical hour‑long slot with commercials.
- Seven seasons total 160 episodes.
- Cast includes Anthony LaPaglia, Poppy Montgomery, Marianne Jean‑Baptiste, Enrique Murciano and Roselyn Sánchez.
- Episodes often feature a real‑world missing‑person profile that can lead to real‑life recoveries.
- The team works under a strict deadline, often having a single day to locate the missing.
- Crossovers with CSI, including a two‑part episode in season six.
- The show was cancelled after season seven in 2009 after a ratings decline.
- It has a mature tone with occasional strong language and psychological depth.
Watch if
If you enjoy procedural dramas that combine hard‑boiled investigation with character‑driven narratives, and you appreciate the tension of a ticking clock, this series offers a steady blend of suspenseful cases and personal drama set in the high‑stakes world of New York City’s FBI.
Skip if
If you prefer light‑hearted crime comedies or shows that avoid realistic portrayals of missing‑person tragedies, the darker tone and occasional strong language of this drama might feel too intense for you.
investigation heavysuspensefuldark tonepsychological elementslanguage somelanguage strongcrime violencefamily friendly
Premise and Setting
Without a Trace places the FBI’s Missing Persons Unit (MPU) in the heart of New York City, where agents race against time to locate people who have vanished. Each episode features a new case, often tied to personal history, while the team grapples with their own emotional burdens. The realistic setting grounds the series in a tangible, urban reality.
Main Characters
Jack Malone (Anthony LaPaglia) leads the unit with a mix of charisma and moral grayness. Samantha Spade (Poppy Montgomery) is the sharp investigator balancing professional rigor with a budding family life. Vivian Johnson (Marianne Jean‑Baptiste) brings analytical skill and a stoic demeanor. Danny Taylor (Enrique Murciano) is the empathetic, on‑the‑ground operative, and Elena Delgado (Roselyn Sánchez) joins in season four as a street‑wise veteran.
Episode Structure
Each hour‑long episode—43 minutes without commercials—follows a case‑of‑the‑week format: an initial briefing, field work, clues, and a climactic resolution. The tight timeline, typically one day, fuels suspense, while occasional flashbacks explore characters’ backstories, adding layers to the procedural rhythm.
Real‑World Impact
The show famously featured real missing‑person profiles, and the broadcast of a 2005 episode led to the discovery of a vanished sibling pair. The series occasionally swapped missing‑person announcements for public‑service messages, highlighting the show’s engagement with actual social issues.
Crossover Moments
A notable two‑part crossover in season six paired the MPU with CSI’s Gil Grissom to solve a serial killer’s case. The crossover showcased shared investigative techniques and expanded the network’s interconnected storytelling.
Production Notes
Created by Hank Steinberg and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the series was filmed on location in New York City. The production emphasized authenticity, from real‑world locations to accurate forensic procedures, reinforcing the show’s procedural credibility.
Cancellation and Legacy
After a decline in ratings, CBS cancelled the series after its seventh season in 2009. Despite its ending, the show left a lasting footprint, influencing later FBI dramas and contributing to public awareness of missing‑person cases.
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FAQ
40 Q&A
Who is the actress who portrays Samantha Spade?
The actress who plays Samantha Spade is Poppy Montgomery.
How does the team typically start an investigation?
An investigation usually begins when someone goes missing and the team is called in to find them.
What is Samantha Spade's job on the team?
Samantha Spade is a member of the FBI's missing persons unit.
What happens at the end of an episode of Without a Trace?
At the end of many episodes, the missing person is found, but not always safely.
What kind of cases does the Without a Trace team investigate?
The team investigates cases of missing people, focusing on finding them.
Who is the main character and leader of the team in Without a Trace?
Jack Malone is the main character and leader of the team.
What is Jack Malone's role in the series?
Jack Malone leads the FBI's missing persons unit.
What methods do the agents use to find missing people?
Agents use various methods, including interviews and following clues, to locate missing individuals.
What is the typical length of an episode of Without a Trace?
Episodes typically run for about 42 minutes.
Are the stories in Without a Trace based on real events?
While inspired by real cases, the stories are fictional.
Does the team always find the missing person?
The team does not always find the missing person, and sometimes the outcome is tragic.
What is the significance of the 'trace' in the show's title?
The 'trace' refers to the clues and evidence the team follows to find the missing person.
What is the name of the FBI unit featured in Without a Trace?
The show features an FBI unit dedicated to finding missing persons.
Where does the show Without a Trace take place?
The show is set in New York City.
Who is the actress who plays Vivian Assante?
The actress who plays Vivian Assante is Marianne Jean-Baptiste.
How does the show portray the emotional toll on the agents?
The show sometimes shows the emotional impact the difficult cases have on the agents.
What is Vivian Assante's role in the FBI unit?
Vivian Assante is an FBI agent on the missing persons team.
Are there any recurring guest stars in Without a Trace?
Information about specific recurring guest stars is not readily available.
What are some common themes explored in Without a Trace?
Common themes include loss, family, and the search for justice.
What is Martin Fitzgerald's specialty on the team?
Martin Fitzgerald is an FBI agent on the missing persons team.
Who plays the character of Jack Malone?
The character of Jack Malone is played by Anthony LaPaglia.
What is the main premise of Without a Trace?
The show follows an FBI team that searches for missing people.
What is Danny Taylor's position within the team?
Danny Taylor is an FBI agent on the missing persons team.
Who portrays Danny Taylor in Without a Trace?
Danny Taylor is portrayed by Enrique Murciano.
Who is the actor playing Martin Fitzgerald?
The actor playing Martin Fitzgerald is Eric Close.
When did Without a Trace first premiere?
Without a Trace first premiered on September 26, 2002.
How many seasons did Without a Trace run for?
Without a Trace ran for seven seasons.
Who created the TV series Without a Trace?
Hank Steinberg created the TV series Without a Trace.
When did the final episode of Without a Trace air?
The final episode of Without a Trace aired on May 19, 2009.
Where can I watch reruns of Without a Trace?
You can watch reruns of Without a Trace on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, HBO Max, The Roku Channel, and POP.
What are some of the most memorable cases from Without a Trace?
Some memorable cases include the disappearance of a 12-year-old boy desperate to be popular (Season 2, Episode 15: "Wannabe"), a father searching for his missing son who then disappears himself (Season 1, Episode 13: "Hang on to Me"), and a death row inmate's father who vanishes before his son's execution (Season 2, Episode 21: "Two Families").
What is the usual resolution of a missing person case by the end of an episode?
Each episode typically follows the search for one individual, and the team works to find them within tight time constraints. The show often focuses on the psychological profiling and investigative techniques used to locate the missing person.
What was the original network that aired Without a Trace?
The original network that aired Without a Trace was CBS.
How did the characters evolve throughout the series?
Throughout the series, the personal lives of the agents were explored, revealing their backstories and how their experiences influenced their approach to cases. For example, Jack Malone's marriage faced difficulties, and Danny Taylor's past as an orphan with an estranged brother was revealed.
What awards, if any, did Without a Trace receive?
Without a Trace received several award nominations and wins, including a Golden Globe Award for Anthony LaPaglia for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama, and multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
What are the main challenges the team faces in their work?
The team faces challenges such as tight time constraints to find missing individuals, the complexity of human behavior, and the emotional toll of dealing with cases that often involve personal tragedies. They also deal with the personal struggles of the agents, which sometimes impact their professional work.
How does the team use technology in their investigations?
The show depicts the team using various investigative techniques, including psychological profiling, to reconstruct the timeline of a disappearance and gather clues. While specific advanced technologies are not always detailed, the series emphasizes their resourcefulness and analytical skills.
What is the typical structure of a missing person case in the show?
Each episode usually centers on a single missing person case. The team works to reconstruct the 24 hours leading up to the disappearance by analyzing evidence and understanding the victim's life.
How does the personal life of the agents affect their job?
The personal lives of the agents often intersect with their cases, providing them with unique insights or creating emotional challenges. For instance, Jack Malone's personal struggles sometimes influenced how he handled investigations.
Does the show focus more on the victim or the perpetrator?
The show primarily focuses on the missing person (the victim) and the investigative efforts of the FBI team to find them. While the perpetrator is revealed in many episodes, the narrative arc is driven by the search for the missing individual.
