Joan, the new crime series led byGame of Thronesstar Sophie Turner, has a glowing Rotten Tomatoes score as the crime show debuts on The CW. Created by Anna Symon, with Richard Laxton directing,the six-episode series centers on Joan Hannington (Turner). Considered to be Britain’s most successful jewel thief, the crime drama chronicles Hannington’s journey from an abused housewife trying to care for her young daughter to becoming a criminal mastermind in 1980s London.
After debuting on The CW in early October,Joanhas started with an 85% onRotten Tomatoesbased on 13 reviews. Theoverall score breaks down to 6.90/10, though that grade is subject to change as more reviews come in. The positive consensus reads: “Sophie Turner shines like a diamond in Joan, a stylish crime drama that pays dividends with its 1980s period detail and feminist edge.”
What The Reviews Are Saying About Joan
Turner’s Performance Is Getting Praise
Even with somewhat mixed reviews,Turner’s lead performance is a consistent source of praise. Writing forThe AV Club, Caroline Siede observes: “While the series as a whole lacks a certain spark, it provides a strong platform to launch the next phase of Turner’s career.” This is echoed in the remarks of Lily Moayeri forUnder the Radar, who says: “There are a few flaws in the ’80s-based, six-episode limited series Joan, but Sophie Turner isn’t one of them.”
Joanis an ITV series originally debuting in September.
Zeroing on the flaws of the British drama, which also stars Frank Dillane, Mia Millichamp-Long, Kirsty J. Curtis, Gershwyn Eustache Jr., Tomi May, Laura Aikman, and Alex Blake,some reviews cite the lack of a unifying toneand the unclear thrust of whatJoanhopes to accomplish. This is referenced by Lacy Baugher inPaste Magazine, who writes: “Joan is a drama that can’t quite decide what it wants to be, often choosing the safest and least interesting path by which to tell the story of its notorious central figure.”
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Still, for those who decide to stick with Joan,the show’s visuals and style are an overall source of praise. Several critics note the crime story has a strong sense of place and skillfully evokes its era, whether it’s in the hairstyles or the choice of attire. That is evident in the debut episode, which calls to the 1980s not just with needle drops, but in the specificity of the objects that it chooses to include in the frame.
Our Take On Joan
It’s Worth Checking For Fans Of Turner & The Genre
WhileThe CW seriesis not quite stellar enough to recommend to those who aren’t inclined to watch a crime series, there are strong elements worth mentioning. For fans of Turner after her time as Sansa Stark,Joanis a must-watch that gives the talented performer plenty to work with, and there’s a real-life story that’s almost too wild to believe.
Joan
Cast
The series focuses on Joan Hannington’s journey from housewife and mother, to petty offender, to diamond thief and criminal mastermind in 1980s London.
