There’s nothing quite like the thrill of stumbling upon a hidden gem you’ve never heard of. That’s exactly what happened to me recently when I discovered the Canadian series "Departure," starring Archie Panjabi and the late Christopher Plummer.
Panjabi stars as Kendra Malley, a lead investigator for the Transport Safety and Investigations Bureau (TSIB). She is brought in to solve the mystery of a plane that vanishes over the Atlantic Ocean, a premise that immediately reminded me of the tragic disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in 2014. Intrigued, I had to queue it up.
I’m not much of a binge-watcher, but the first season hooked me instantly. It took me only two nights to fly through the first series, and I’m already diving into the second. It’s a perfect blend of high-stakes conspiracy, family drama, and slow-burn mystery.
What is 'Departure' about?
The first episode wastes no time, opening with a harrowing mid-air crisis. What starts as a normal flight quickly spirals into a nightmare when the pilot refuses to open the cockpit and the plane begins a terrifying dive toward the ocean. Amidst the chaos, a sudden blast rips through the fuselage, sucking two passengers — including Madelyn Strong (Rebecca Liddiard) — out into the void.
When the plane vanishes from radar, Kendra is tasked with locating the wreckage before any potential survivors succumb to the freezing Atlantic. As she assembles her team under the guidance of her mentor, Howard Lawson (Christopher Plummer), they receive a stunning update: There is a survivor.
Madelyn has miraculously survived the crash, immediately raising questions about her connection to the disaster. Kendra’s team digs into every lead, starting with Madelyn’s boyfriend, Ali Basra (Shazad Latif), whose arrest record quickly draws the suspicion of investigator Dominic (Kris Holden-Ried).
While the TSIB scrutinizes every soul on board — including a passenger feared to be a terrorist — the clock is ticking to recover the black box from the ocean floor. However, the mission is far from simple; someone is actively sabotaging the investigation, pushing false theories to ensure the truth stays buried in the deep.
Why you should stream 'Departure'
"Departure" is a series with many layers. You are pulled into the visceral drama of the crash and the surreal life of the sole survivor. As I mentioned, the parallels to the MH370 disappearance are striking; the show captures the same sense of anxiety and mystery that gripped the world in 2014.
However, unlike the real-life mystery, "Departure" actually gives us answers. I’ll leave you to discover them for yourself, but the journey involves flight simulations, exposed secrets, and dark conspiracies that keep you guessing until the end.
The performances are top-tier. Christopher Plummer is magnificent; as a long-time fan, it was a joy to see him bring his signature energy and expertise to what would be his final acting credit. Archie Panjabi is equally brilliant, bringing incredible finesse to her role as an investigator who is also navigating the complexities of being a single stepmom to a teenage son.
If you’re looking for a gripping new series to get lost in, "Departure" is an exciting treat that delivers on every level.
Watch all three seasons of "Departure" on Prime Video
