Forget car chases and explosions; true suspense lies in the slow burn, the twisty plot, and characters with secrets to hide. That’s the terrain mastered by both Francis Durbridge, the king of mid-20th-century TV thrillers, and now Harlan Coben, whose Netflix adaptations have a similar hold on viewers. But is it right to say Coben is the modern day equivalent of the master of mystery Durbridge, or is it just that both men tapped into something deeper about what makes a good thriller?
Francis Durbridge, with his iconic shows like “Paul Temple” and “The World of Tim Frazer,” knew how to keep audiences guessing. His scripts were notorious for their sharp dialogue, deceptive clues, and characters with murky pasts and motives. These were not high-octane thrillers, but intricate puzzles that relied on slowly building tension and character development. Shows like “Melissa” (produced in 1964 and then again in 1974), “A Game of Murder“, and “The Doll,” typify his style. The viewer was constantly questioning the truth and the motives of every character. Durbridge constructed narratives that were less about the “who” and more about the “why,” creating a shared experience for families each week as they tried to solve the puzzle.
Harlan Coben’s Netflix adaptations share this same approach. Like Durbridge, Coben’s stories revolve around everyday people caught up in extraordinary events. From “The Stranger” to “Safe” and “Stay Close,” as well as his latest “Missing You,” his stories begin with a shocking revelation or disappearance, throwing everything into chaos. Coben’s plots are a masterclass in misdirection, filled with twists that make you question everyone. It’s typical for a seemingly innocent character in the opening episode to turn out to be the main villain by the finale, mirroring the narrative tricks Durbridge used.
Character depth is key to both writers. Durbridge’s characters weren’t just plot devices; they had backstories and relationships that gave them emotional weight. Coben, similarly, ensures his characters are more than just pawns in a narrative. Their hopes, fears, and vulnerabilities make them relatable, making the suspense that much more effective. Take Adam Price in “The Stranger,” for example. He is a normal, suburban dad, until one event sends his life spiraling.
A major shared element is the use of suspense. Both Durbridge and Coben understand the power of withholding information, drip-feeding clues, and using red herrings to build tension. They invite the audience to become active participants in the story, piecing together the puzzle alongside the characters. The joy for the viewer is when they think they have it all worked out, only to have a new twist thrown into the mix.
There are differences, certainly. Coben’s Netflix shows use faster editing and modern narrative techniques while Durbridge’s productions had a more theatrical pace. However, the core appeal is the same; stories driven by plot and character, that create a constant sense of uncertainty and suspense.
The comparison between Coben and Durbridge might not be a direct fit but, the success of Coben’s shows is a clear indication that viewers still crave intricately plotted mysteries with relatable characters. These shows remind us that good storytelling transcends time, and, as long as the thirst for suspense remains, it’s likely both Durbridge and Coben will continue to be very popular.
Take a look at the first episode of Melissa from 1964.
