“Vanished” would seem perfectly primed to take advantage of the resurgence of densely plotted, conspiratorial serials. It has a well-matched lead-in, pretty stars and an appropriately convoluted storyline. Too, the show that precedes it, the generally well-regarded “Prison Break,” is consistently watchable.

But "Vanished” won't become a hit. It's pretty mediocre television, having the feel of a cut and paste job, without one thing that ties a successful series together as a unique creative experience. There's no dramatic jolt, no urgency to "Vanished.” Rather than “Prison Break” it more resembles “Reunion,” Fox’s unsuccessful attempt at the genre last season.

The plot of "Vanished” is set in motion by the disappearance of Sara Collins (Joanne Kelly), wife of Georgia senator Jeffrey Collins (John Allen Nelson), while at an event honoring her. Called in to find the missing woman are FBI agents Graham Kelton (Gale Harold) and Lin Mei (Ming-Na). Kelton, one of those Jack Bauer authority-defying types, is haunted by the memory of a kidnap and rescue gone horribly wrong in his past.

The other major players are introduced in quick succession, including the dutiful son of the senator, his rebellious daughter, her slacker boyfriend and the ambitious reporter (Rebecca Gayheart) who wants to break the case herself.

It becomes clear pretty fast that Sara Collins, kind-hearted second grade teacher and supportive politician’s wife, is not quite what she seems to be. And there are strong hints that the rest of the family have their own dirty secrets. Sounds entertaining enough so far.

Like Fox’s “Prison Break” and “24,” “Vanished” involves an elaborate conspiracy. And like those shows, it moves at a breakneck pace, ignoring all logical implausibilities as it zips along.

But unlike those shows, “Vanished” fails to build suspense, hooking viewers into the plotline. It’s a cynical by-the-numbers effort, serving up a kitchen sink of plot twists and quirky diversions. But the elements intended to surprise feel as though they were tested before a focus group.

“Vanished” also suffers from lacking a star capable of guiding us through and giving meaning to the plot's twists and turns. Keifer Sutherland dominates “24” with a steely whatever-it-takes presence. The dogged yet vulnerable Michael Scofield, played by Wentworth Miller, carries “Prison Break,” as does Matthew Fox on “Lost.”

Gale Harold cannot carry “Vanished.” He’s bossy when he should be commanding. He whines. He stares off into the distance, full of stubbly apprehension, for no apparent reason. Harold seems to be trying to channel Jack Bauer. Instead he comes off as bland and stale.

The rest of the cast doesn’t fare much better. Gayheart’s intrepid reporter is a bit of a harpy. Ming-Na, formerly of “ER” and the biggest name in the cast, is given little more to do than warn her partner that he’s annoying his superiors.

Nelson fares better as the distraught senator and husband. But almost none of the characters are likable. The one exception is Kelly as the missing wife. But she’s gone 15 minutes into the episode.

There are things to like about “Vanished.” The show is well-shot by “ER” veteran Mimi Leder, and it’s nice to see a show set somewhere other than New York or Los Angeles. And the central mystery of what happened to the senator’s wife and why is inherently provocative. But that’s not enough for “Vanished” to work as a convincing drama.