Joan – Episode 1 – Review: The Rise of a Reluctant Anti-Hero in 1980s London

The episode opens with a snapshot of Joan’s difficult life. Struggling financially and emotionally, Joan finds herself trapped in a toxic relationship with a controlling and abusive criminal husband. Right from the start, the show makes it clear that Joan is desperate to break free, not just for herself, but for her daughter, who she fiercely protects. This dual motivation—love for her child and the need for freedom—sets up Joan as a character you root for, even when her choices take her down morally gray paths.
Sophie Turner’s portrayal of Joan brings a lot of layers to the role. You can see her raw vulnerability as a woman who has been beaten down by life, but there’s also an undeniable strength and defiance simmering just beneath the surface. There are moments of quiet tension, where you can almost feel Joan calculating her next move, weighing the risks and rewards of stepping into the world of crime. This balance between her softer side as a mother and her emerging ruthless side as a criminal is one of the standout aspects of the episode.

The pilot also introduces some of the side characters who are likely to play significant roles in Joan’s rise. These include shady figures from the London criminal underworld, whose initial interactions with Joan are laced with tension and mistrust. The episode gives us hints that these relationships will grow more complicated as Joan becomes more entangled in their world. It’s clear that trust and betrayal will be recurring themes as Joan navigates her new life.

The pacing of the episode is deliberate, focusing on Joan’s slow, deliberate descent into the criminal world rather than rushing into action. This gives the show time to build her character and motivations in a way that feels authentic. However, viewers expecting immediate high-stakes heists might need to be patient. The show seems more interested in telling a slow-burn story about transformation, with the pilot laying a solid foundation for what’s to come.

One of the more subtle aspects of the episode is how it explores gender dynamics. Joan operates in a male-dominated criminal world, and the way she navigates these power structures—sometimes using her femininity as a weapon, other times battling against the condescension of her male counterparts—adds an interesting layer to the story. It’s not just a crime drama; it’s also a commentary on the limitations and expectations placed on women, especially in the 1980s.

“Pilot” – JOAN. Pictured: Sophie Turner as Joan. Photo: ITV © 2024 Snowed-In Productions. All Rights Reserved. 

For fans of crime dramas, Joan offers a fresh twist by focusing on a female anti-hero. The first episode sets up the show’s potential nicely, promising a deeper look at how a seemingly ordinary woman becomes a notorious criminal. It feels like a strong start for what could be a captivating character-driven crime story.

If you enjoy character transformation, 1980s nostalgia, or complex female leads, Joan might be one to add to your watchlist! Your turn, Joan viewers! What did you think of the pilot? Do you find Joan to be a relatable character? Is her life of crime just a means to an end, or do you think she’s drawn to the excitement and danger of it all? We want to know your thoughts! Share them below – we’d love to hear what you think!