A Preview of ‘Darby and Joan’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

It is definitely safe to say, that the majority of crime stories out there… feature specific types of characters. For instance, the hero of the story, often a lead investigator of some sort… is quite grizzled and gruff in nature. For they’ve seen it all and been through tough times, which creates that rough exterior, one that eventually gives way to a kind and gentle being. One that truly believes in the power of justice and the beauty of the world and takes tough lumps, so others don’t have to. And they are surrounded by a crackpot quirky team of investigators that each bring something special to every case and well… it makes sense as to why this character roster is more or less the standard for the modern crime story, because it is in fact… helpful to the viewer or reader.

For they make it clear to the audience what kind of world they are about to step into, to prepare their minds for the darkness that is about to hit since these stories are rarely pleasant, and this works so well and is so commonplace… that we are completely and utterly taken off guard when a book, show or movie arrives that proves that quirky characters and dark plots aren’t the only way to tell a crime story. But once that shock wears off, we celebrate the refreshing journey in front of us, because it’s always nice to see a different take or be part of a unique storytelling experience and it just so happens… that a crime story that defies that character convention and others, is about to hit the airwaves courtesy of Acorn TV. For Darby and Joan arrives on the network on Monday, August 8, 2022, and well… one of the big reasons this series is so unique and different is its premise.

For in this particular series, we are introduced to a woman named Joan Kirkhope, who is suffering through tough times when we meet her, here. For the recent death of her husband is shrouded in mystery. One so unique that she decides to travel to the Australian Outback to retrace his steps and try to learn what brought about his end, and while she is investigating his passing… she encounters a plucky and salty local named Jack Darby… who at first cannot stand her and the irritation is mutual. But it doesn’t take long for this duo to realize that they have more in common than they know, and that a special friendship is in their future. One where they will support each other in healthy and dynamic ways… and as they continue to travel together, they also come to learn, they’re quite talented at handling unique mysteries and enjoy solving them.

Which is… a supremely special way to give life to a crime story. Since it features individuals that are not part of the traditional mold. Granted, there is a law enforcement twist involved, but even that… is unconventional in nature. That in turn, leads to some unique cases and wonderfully human moments from these characters… the kind that bring us to what else makes this series so special and so unique. Because what’s fascinating is that our two main characters are supremely realistic in nature. For they are flawed and broken and eager to put the pieces back together and well, their pain and their struggles are incredibly relatable. A twist that plunges the viewer deep into this story and has you rooting for Darby and Joan to get the answers they seek, both from the engaging cases they face, and from life in general. 

If anything, all of these elements, make this new series an absolute must-see. Simply because it is so original and so different from anything on television right now, and it so incredibly accessible and charming and downright fun when the moment calls for it. Especially when it comes to the sassy banter between Jack and Joan and speaking of those characters, the actors that play them are also a fine reason to check this series out. For Emmy Winner Greta Scacchi plays Joan with a powerful honesty and rawness that draws you to her and her plight and she is wonderfully counterbalanced by Emmy Nominee Bryan Brown, who effortlessly slips into the role of Jack and brings to life a man tortured by his past, with a gravitas and vulnerability that also reels one into his journey.

But what matters most, is the best news of all. Which is that you can see that level of quality acting and experience this amazing story in just a few days. For Darby and Joan will arrive on Acorn TV on August 8, 2022, with two episodes, and we here at NTG hope you give it a look, and swing by here in the days to come. To not only geek out with us about the amazing moments present in this series… but to take part in our continued countdown to the series premiere. Since we have interviews with Greta and Bryan to share with all of you as we continue to celebrate the arrival of a brilliant and refreshing new show.

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