NBC’s Found has gripped audiences with its intense storytelling, diving deep into the world of missing persons and the complex figures connected to them. In the latest episode airing today, “Missing While Manipulated,” the drama takes an even more compelling turn—both on-screen and behind the scenes. Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who plays the enigmatic and chilling Sir, steps behind the camera to direct for the first time on the series. Though no stranger to directing, this marks a new chapter in his involvement with Found, blending his performance with a creative vision that enhances the show’s signature tension.

FOUND — “Missing While Manipulated” Episode 217 — Pictured: (l-r) Jacinte Blankenship as Norma, Brett Dalton as Detective Mark Trent, Shanola Hampton as Gabi Mosely, Gabrielle Walsh as Lacey — (Photo by: Matt Miller/NBC)

A Personal Connection to the Story

For Gosselaar, directing this particular episode struck an emotional chord. The storyline follows a father’s desperate attempt to reunite with his child—something that resonated deeply with him as both a father and husband. “I would put myself in Monty’s shoes,” he shared, reflecting on the raw emotions that guided his approach.

FOUND — “Missing While Manipulated” Episode 217 — Pictured: (l-r) Shanola Hampton as Gabi Mosely, McKinley Belcher III as Monty — (Photo by: Matt Miller/NBC)

His collaboration with actor McKinley Belcher III, who plays a pivotal role in the episode, added another layer of depth. Having previously worked together on The Passage, their established trust allowed Gosselaar to tap into something special. “The great thing about working with McKinley is that he and I have a personal relationship already. I’m just such a huge fan of his work. When I read this script, I knew exactly that I needed someone like him,” he explained.

Navigating Complexity: Directing with Precision

Directing an episode of a series as layered as Found requires meticulous planning. Gosselaar likened the experience to a “pressure cooker,” where tension builds before delivering a powerful release. He emphasized the importance of preparation, working closely with the show’s creative team to bring the vision to life. “We have a good week or more to prep. You rely heavily on your ED, DP, and the writer. MK, our showrunner, does a really great job with an in-depth meeting, so you know exactly what she’s looking for,” he noted.

FOUND — “Missing While Manipulated” Episode 217 — Pictured: (l-r) Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Sir, Kelli Williams as Margaret — (Photo by: Matt Miller/NBC)

Beyond the logistics, Gosselaar found that directing allowed him to engage with the entire cast in a way that acting alone doesn’t. “When I’m playing Sir, I’m usually in scenes with just a few actors. But when I was directing this episode, I was working with everyone. It’s a different level of connection,” he shared.

The Art of Balancing Roles

Juggling his roles as both actor and director came with its own set of challenges, but Gosselaar embraced them fully. He praised the professionalism of the Found cast, noting how their deep understanding of their characters made directing a collaborative and fulfilling experience. “Our actors are so professional and so good. There’s not a lot you have to do other than maybe add little flares here and there to enhance things,” he explained.

FOUND — “Missing While Manipulated” Episode 217 — Pictured: (l-r) Karan Oberoi as Dahn, Kelli Williams as Margaret, Arlen Escarpeta as Zeke, Parker Daniel Queenan as Jamie, Gabrielle Walsh as Lacey — (Photo by: Matt Miller/NBC)

What’s Next?

For Gosselaar, stepping behind the camera isn’t just a one-time venture—it’s a growing passion. “I’ve directed other shows I’ve been a part of and even some that I haven’t. This was my first time directing Found, and it just makes me a better director. More time behind the lens gives me more options if this is something I want to do later on,” he shared, hinting at the possibility of returning for future episodes.

With “Missing While Manipulated,” Gosselaar proves that his talents extend far beyond acting. His ability to balance intensity, emotional depth, and suspense makes this episode a must-watch. Whether he’s playing Sir or shaping the story from behind the scenes, one thing is clear—Mark-Paul Gosselaar is a force in front of and behind the camera.