‘Darby and Joan’ Recap: ‘Season 2, Episode 1’

1/2/2025

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Greta Scacchi and Bryan Brown as Joan Kirkhope and Jack Darby in Season 2 of ‘Darby and Joan’. (Photo Courtesy of Acorn TV.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Premiere of ‘Darby and Joan’. To revisit the Season One Finale, click here.

It’s been a little while since we all settled in to watch and discuss the fascinating Acorn TV series, Darby and Joan. After all, the last time we enjoyed some fine adventures with that duo was the end of 2022, and while we could ponder upon a bevy of reasons as to why there was a delay, that matters not. Simply because this magnificent series has indeed returned to the airwaves and once more, we can be treated to the wonder of these two delightfully dynamic characters as they traverse the New Zealand countryside to solve crimes and heal their own wounds. Since solving old mysteries from their past has been central to their story.

In fact, that’s where the season two premiere of the show happened to pick up. A little while after the season one finale, wherein Joan has made it a point to dedicate her time and effort to helping Jack clear his own name since he was kind enough to give her peace. But of course… a case in the vein this duo is known for, slowed down that quest a bit. As did an encounter with a woman named Anna. Who had information that could help with clearing Jack’s name, but she had no desire to help in such matters. As evidenced by the shotgun she brought to bear upon him. Instead, the duo found themselves embroiled in little mysteries that hung heavy over a nearby ranch. One that appeared to be idyllic at first glance.

After all, Doug and his associates offered Jack and Joan some amazing hospitality and some amazing views for returning one of their own from a drunken adventure. But it did not take long for this duo to realize that quite a few problems were present in this place. For it was a ranch that was filled with secrets. Such as how a father took the heat for his son’s actions to try and protect him, and there was even a moment where Doug’s long-term health came into question through sabotage. The kind that involved his wife simply because she was at her wits end and went to extremes to get him to rest and retire, and while some would have lost it over such an act, Doug embraced it because he was aware of how his actions brought such an act to bear.

Which brought forth healing on the farm, thanks of course, to Jack and Joan’s kindness and no-nonsense approach to life and oddly enough, that kindness did offer up a tiny clue regarding Jack’s quest. Simply because this was a small farm community, and people heard and knew things and Jack received some information for his and Joan’s efforts, and he was quick to pass that clue along to his daughter. Who of course, took some heat for helping Jack and word of that… brought Jack’s nemesis into the fold. For he went after Anna and stole a photo in an attempt to get ahead of Jack. Which in turn, brought forth cooperation from Anna and a stunning reveal that this was nothing short of a ruse, to get Jack and Joan to lead Carlton to Anna’s daughter to accomplish his mission of making Jack the villain.

But while that sets the stage for future episodes, what matters more in the moment, is that this was a wonderful reintroduction to this magnificent series. Since it once again featured all the tenets of why we tuned in, in the first place. Since it showcased the stunning world within our world that is New Zealand, and it let Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi do what they do best as actors and offer up that amazing chemistry they share on screen, and it of course, featured off the beaten path mysteries for them to solve. All of which was delightful to say the least and made for a relaxing yet engaging watch, and a season that we are indeed eager to enjoy more of. To see what other unique mysteries await, and of course… to see if Jack can overcome the odds to close a dark chapter in his past. Until next time.

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