Primetime TV Review of “Joan”

TV Review!

"Joan" key art - from The CW press site

“Joan” on The CW Review by Suzanne 10/7/24

I wanted to like this UK series (originally on ITV) because it has top notch acting and writing, and my late mom’s name was Joan!’ but I have a problem with any show like this, where the main character turns to crime. I guess I can’t ever imagine myself being so desperate as to become a criminal (even though I grew up very poor and was also in foster care). We can blame the success of shows like “Weeds” and “Breaking Bad” for these TV series… There are so many, like “Ozark,” “Claws,” and “The Good Girls.” I also don’t like shows like “The Punisher” or “Penguin” that glorify real villains. I’ve always loved the hero of the story; the good guy. It’s really hard for me to be objective about “Joan” because she makes a lot of poor decisions and endangers her life as well as the lives of her family (especially her daughter).

Perhaps if the show had started with Joan as a sophisticated, beautiful, rich jewel thief who fell in love with a handsome detective, and then we find out gradually what made her turn to crime, then I would like it more (See “The Thomas Crown Affair”). I think we’re supposed to find her sympathetic because she has a rotten husband, gangsters are threatening her and her child, and she has very little family or money. She’s desperate and turns to a life of crime. However, she also loves the excitement of being a thief, and she clearly enjoys beautiful, sparkly things (doesn’t everyone?). She’s obviously smart, so she should go to college and get a real career. Nope, sorry. No sympathy here.

Anyway, if you like these types of shows, this is a good one. Sophie Turner is excellent as a British woman, down on her luck, who becomes a jewel thief. It’s apparently based on a true story. You won’t be alone because the show is very successful. Check it out!

MORE INFORMATION: Official site Trailer

"Joan" stars Sophie Turner (Joan) and Frank Dillane (Boisie) - photo from The CW press site

“JOAN”

Wednesdays at 9/8pm CT on The CW

Sophie Turner (“Game of Thrones,” “X-Men: Dark Phoenix,” “The Staircase”) stars as notorious jewel thief Joan Hannington in this exhilarating yet emotional story set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1980s — an era known for its bold fashion trends, iconic music and cultural shifts.

The series opens with Joan, a fiery and uncompromising woman in her twenties who is deeply scarred and vulnerable. She is a devoted mother to her six-year-old daughter, Kelly, but is trapped in a disastrous marriage with a violent criminal named Gary. When Gary goes on the run, Joan seizes the opportunity to create a new life for herself and her daughter.

Joan becomes a masterful jewel thief. She embarks on a thrilling, high-stakes journey that challenges her every limit, driven by her desire to care for her daughter and create a secure home for them both. Through her sharp intelligence, charm and talent for impersonation and performance, we follow the twists and turns in Joan’s life, the ups and downs, the heartache and the joy that makes this story so compelling to follow.

Turner stars alongside Frank Dillane (“Fear the Walking Dead”) as Boisie, a London antiques dealer. Kirsty J. Curtis (“Match Not Found”) plays Nancy, Joan’s older sister and salon worker while Gershwyn Eustache Jr. (“I May Destroy You”) portrays Albie, an old acquaintance of Boisie who’s made a new life in Spain with his wife Val, played by Laura Aikman (“The Split”).

JOAN is written by acclaimed screenwriter Anna Symon (“The Essex Serpent”) and directed by BAFTA award-winner Richard Laxton (“Rain Dogs”). The series is from Snowed-In Productions and executive produced by Ruth Kenley-Letts (“Stonehouse”), Jenny Van Der Lande (“Too Close”), Neil Blair (“The Midwich Cuckoos”) and Richard Laxton.

JOAN has been commissioned for ITV1 and ITVX by Head of Drama Polly Hill. The series is produced in association with All3Media International and The CW Network.

EPISODES

Episode One

Season 1
Episode 101
Airdate:10/2/2024 9:00pm

SERIES PREMIERE – SOPHIE TURNER STARS AS JEWEL THEIF JOAN HANNINGTON –Joan O’Connell (Sophie Turner) is a young mother trapped in a catastrophic relationship. When her husband brings danger to their door, Joan takes drastic action to keep her six-year-old daughter, Kelly (Mia Millichamp-Long), safe. Attempting to build a new life, Joan begins working in her sister’s salon, determined to get herself back on her feet, but can’t control her reckless streak. After getting a job at a jeweller, Joan finds herself needing to leave due to the unwanted advances of the manager, and finds herself impetuously stealing several diamonds first. High on the thrill, Joan celebrates in the pub where she meets Boise Hannington (Frank Dillane) who runs an antiques shop nearby and proves to be the consummate gentleman. He is also a professional thief. Joan needs money desperately and Boisie offers her a job instead. Joan agrees – could this be the beginning of a successful business relationship, or something more (#101)? The episode was written by Anna Symon and directed by Richard Laxton. The CW original airdate 10/2/2024.

Episode Two

Season 1
Episode 102
Airdate:10/9/2024 9:00pm

THE GLAMOUROUS LIFE – Joan (Sophie Turner) falls for Boisie (Frank Dillane) who recognizes her innate talent. She enjoys the spoils of crime in glamorous Spain, but faces scrutiny over her role as a mother (#102). The episode was written by Anna Symon and directed by Richard Laxton. The CW original airdate 10/9/2024.

Episode Three

Season 1
Episode 103
Airdate:10/16/2024 9:00pm

HIGHS AND LOWS – Joan (Sophie Turner) rises to new heights: the theft of a valuable painting and an audacious ring switch. Boisie (Frank Dillane) falls for Joan while Kelly (Mia Millichamp-Long) slips even further away (#103). The episode was written by Anna Symon and directed by Richard Laxton. The CW original airdate 10/16/2024.

The cast of "Joan" (pic from Sophie Turner's Instagram)