As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the vast universe of crime dramas, I must say that “Joan” is undoubtedly one of the most captivating series I have come across recently. The intricate plotline, coupled with Sophie Turner‘s mesmerizing performance as Joan, makes it a must-watch for any fan of the genre.
Drawing inspiration from Joan Hannington’s memoir, “I Am What I Am: The True Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Jewel Thief,” which was brought to life on television by Anna Symon, “Joan” on The CW is an exceptional crime series that delves into themes of opportunity, motherhood, and the risks we are willing to take to grasp the lives we yearn for. In this gripping tale, I, Sophie Turner, embody Joan, a determined young mother who seizes control of her destiny in pursuit of the opulent social status she’s longed for.
1985 finds us on the Kent Coast, an hour away from London, where we meet Joan, a 20-something mother celebrating her birthday with her young daughter Kelly (played by Mia Millichamp-Long) in their humble apartment above a Chinese takeout restaurant. However, their joyous moment is abruptly interrupted as the next day brings trouble knocking at their doorstep – gangsters seeking Joan’s boyfriend, Gary. Frightened for their lives, Joan and Kelly hastily escape, fearing the consequences of Gary’s misdeeds.
Over six whirlwind episodes, I found myself delving deeper into the life of the resilient protagonist, Joan, uncovering her past and understanding her driving forces. Having relinquished control over her own fate for far too long, Joan is now on a mission to take charge. In a desperate bid for stability, she places Kelly in foster care, ensuring her safety amidst her chaotic circumstances. With Kelly securely placed, Joan embarks on a journey to London, seeking solace at her sister Nancy’s hair salon. However, the monotonous tasks of sweeping and shampooing fell far short of providing the financial boost necessary for Joan’s rebirth.
Joan’s fixation with wealth and talent for mimicking accents draw her into the jewelry industry. Initially working as an assistant for the somewhat overzealous Bernard (Alex Blake), she finds herself surrounded by precious gems and diamonds, which prove too tempting to resist. Recognizing a greater potential, Joan seizes the opportunity. When she encounters Boisie (Frank Dillane), a cunning antique dealer with a knack for obtaining rare items, their lives intertwine both personally and professionally. The on-screen chemistry between Turner and Dillane is powerfully portrayed. A blend of trust and suspicion heightens the intensity of their relationship.
Similar to many British dramas, “Joan” is meticulously crafted, avoiding unnecessary characters and storylines that commonly bog down American TV shows. Instead, it’s sharp, captivating, and focused. The protagonist, Joan, is relentless in her pursuit of regaining custody of Kelly. Despite the presence of volatile figures like Albie (Gershwyn Eustache Jr.), an associate of Boisie’s, she stands firm against anyone trying to undermine her or hijack her well-planned schemes. The series also effectively captures the 1980s atmosphere, with Kaleena Jordan handling the hair and makeup, and Richard Cook responsible for the stunning costumes. Witnessing Turner’s transformation on screen adds authenticity to the show.
At first, Joan’s deceptions are relatively harmless. But as the series progresses, things become progressively risky for both Joan and Boisie. Despite giving an impression of glamour with her dressing up, an agreement in Episode 4 reveals the harsh reality of her work, shattering all the romantic illusions that had been created around Joan’s world. Although Joan’s professional victories bring joy, her defeats are disastrous.
Joan, the character portrayed by Turner, captivates viewers due to her ability to invite audiences into her jewelry thief’s emotional world, offering insight into her thought processes. As a natural trickster with deep intellect and a knack for swiftly devising plans, Joan assumes various personas such as a sophisticated British socialite or an unassuming American newspaper reporter. The series is expertly structured to maintain a high level of suspense throughout its fast-paced narrative. However, it’s the emotional bond between Joan and Kelly that truly stands out, with their interactions being some of the most powerful moments in the show. Their loving connection is palpable, making Joan’s surprising decisions, though shocking, relatable and even empathetic.
The show “Joan” primarily revolves around the lengths a mother, named Joan, goes to secure a brighter future for her child, “Kelly”. Despite this selfless intention, Joan is equally entangled in the allure of wealth and manipulation’s power. As the series unfolds, it becomes clear that extricating herself from the world she’s built will exact a heavier price than anticipated.
The show titled “Joan” will start on October 2nd on The CW, and fresh episodes will be aired every Wednesday. Earlier, it made its debut on September 29th on ITV in the United Kingdom.
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2024-10-02 16:16