The primary antagonists in Absentia Season 3 involve the secretive organization known as Meridian, which employs dangerous operatives, including a memorable villain enforcer named Dawkins.
Meridian: The Overarching Threat
Throughout Absentia Season 3, the shadowy organization Meridian serves as the main antagonistic force. This clandestine group is powerful and far-reaching, manipulating events behind the scenes to achieve its goals and protect its secrets. Their pursuit of Emily Byrne and her allies drives much of the season's high-stakes plot.
- Global Reach: Meridian's influence extends internationally, allowing them to operate across borders and evade conventional law enforcement.
- Deep State Connections: They appear to have connections within intelligence agencies and political spheres, enabling them to orchestrate cover-ups and exert control.
- Ruthless Methods: Meridian is unafraid to use extreme violence, coercion, and manipulation to achieve its objectives, including silencing anyone who poses a threat to their operations.
Dawkins: The Memorable Enforcer
Among Meridian's operatives, Dawkins emerges as a particularly significant and memorable individual "bad guy" in Absentia Season 3. He functions as a dedicated villain enforcer, tasked with carrying out Meridian's more direct and violent agendas. Dawkins is portrayed by actor Geoff Bell, whose performance effectively captures the character's menacing presence.
- Direct Threat: Unlike the more abstract threat of Meridian, Dawkins represents a tangible and immediate danger to Emily and those she cares about.
- Executioner Role: He is often seen carrying out Meridian's directives, from eliminating targets to retrieving sensitive information.
- Physical Antagonist: Dawkins frequently engages in physical confrontations, making him a formidable and relentless adversary for Emily.
Why They Are Considered "Bad Guys"
Meridian and its enforcers like Dawkins are unequivocally the "bad guys" due to their systematic pursuit of Emily and her family, their willingness to commit heinous crimes, and their efforts to conceal a larger conspiracy. They represent a corrupt and dangerous force that threatens justice and individual freedom, making them the central antagonists Emily must fight against.
