Darby and Joan – Series 2 – Review

First Reaction – Darby and Joan Series 2 is a delightful mystery series.

Where to Watch

On the 28th of July, Darby and Joan Series 2 becomes available on both DVD and digital platforms. Additionally, a combined Series 1 & 2 Box Set will also be released that day.

Director: Jovita O’Shaughnessy, Grant Brown, Rachel Ward

Writer: David Hannam, Andrew Anastasios, Stephen Vagg, Sarah Smith (Screenplay)

Writer: Phillip Gwynne, Glenys Rowe (Creators)

Cast

Bryan Brown (Cocktail)
Greta Scacchi (Waiting for the Barbarians)
Jolene Anderson (The Dustwalker)
Anna McGahan (100 Bloody Acres)

Two solitary individuals, one being a retired Australian policeman accompanied by his dog, and the other a widowed English nurse, happen to cross paths while journeying on an isolated road in the vast outback of northern Australia. They then embark on an unforgettable adventure together.

Runtime: 45 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Darby and Joan Series 2

Episode 1

In our next installment, we reunite with ex-detective Jack Darby (portrayed by Brown) and widowed nurse Joan Kirkhope (Scacchi), as they embark on another journey together. Jack is persistently seeking to establish his innocence regarding a work-related death, which leads him to the one individual who holds the key to his exoneration. However, during their voyage, the duo unwittingly become entangled in a fresh enigma revolving around two suspicious brothers.

In this installment, the plot thickens with a few additional clues about where events are headed. It becomes evident that Jack must uncover the truth before time runs out. Unfortunately, the mystery that the duo encounters seems somewhat underwhelming. Nonetheless, the main narrative thread is engaging and leaves us eagerly anticipating the next episode. (3/5)

Episode 2

As a dedicated fan, I embark on a quest with my partner to exonerate an innocent soul, who’s been wrongly accused. Yet, a relentless rival policeman shadows my every move. Along our path, we stumble upon a woman injured in a car accident, and we delve into the circumstances surrounding her collision. However, we soon uncover a shady past she possesses, which leads us to identify potential assailants. This investigation takes us deep into the hospital staff and local community, where whispers about the victim’s fate abound.

This presents an intriguing enigma brimming with potential culprits, focusing on occurrences instead of a homicide. It leaves us in suspense, and significantly, it maintains the overarching narrative concerning Jack’s background. (4/5)

Episode 3

Joan plans to reunite with her long-lost sister Maxine, and they set off to a lavish island for a vacation. However, their reunion takes an unexpected turn. In another storyline, Lizzy (Anderson) delves deeper into the case against her father, uncovering a larger conspiracy. Simultaneously, when one of the hosts is abducted, Jack and Joan look into the matter and unveil some surprising facts about the other guests.

This new situation presents us with another intriguing puzzle to unravel and the budding romantic atmosphere between the two deepens further. It also underscores Joan’s personal development as each episode unfolds, revealing more about her character. Additionally, it delves into the broader narrative surrounding Jack’s case. The storyline is shaping up quite well, combining a lighter mystery element that veers away from traditional murder mysteries. (4/5)

Episode 4

Following the startling turn of events from the previous episode, Jack and Joan find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with their next move. They decide to attend an event at a nearby vineyard, but an unforeseen fire in the vines forces them to delve into its cause. As Jack starts investigating, he discovers that this seemingly small crime could be part of a larger mystery.

We delve deeper into the lingering enigma surrounding Jack’s past case, as it veers towards an intriguing new path that leaves us eagerly anticipating its resolution. Concurrently, this episode presents a captivating case of its own, complete with unexpected turns and surprises to tie everything together neatly. Although it may not be the most significant case in the series thus far. (3/5)

Episode 5

Joan gets an unanticipated phone call from Maxine, who shares that she’s recently gotten engaged. However, her soon-to-be husband is not well-known to many and he suddenly faints. Joan and Jack then delve into the possibilities of what might have led to this incident and uncover that Maxine’s life has become more intricate.

This paces the larger narrative at a slower rate, shifting attention towards Joan’s personal tale. Our view into Jack’s broader case is limited, but his storyline still offers numerous unexpected developments that maintain our interest. (3/5)

The narrative moves at a leisurely pace to emphasize Joan’s personal journey, while giving us only a brief look into Jack’s major case. Yet, the intrigue presents many unforeseen twists and turns that keep us engaged throughout. (3/5)

Episode 6

The opening scene uncovers the whereabouts of someone capable of exonerating Jack. But instead, they disclose a larger truth regarding their own survival and evasion. However, things become more personal as the mystery unfolds, yet a fresh lead could potentially clear Jack’s name once and for all.

With this development, the main case completes its full loop as the clues now have the potential to unravel the larger enigma. It broadens the list of suspects, as Jack is better acquainted with the possible culprits or culprit group. This wraps up the series quite satisfactorily, leaving us eager for more in every installment. (4/5)

Overall

The series continues the unconventional bond between Jack and Joan as they journey across Australia. Unlike many mystery shows, it seldom explores a murder case beyond the one connected to Jack’s case, which adds a unique twist. This makes it engaging and leaves us eagerly anticipating more episodes. The acting chemistry between Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi is top-notch and really draws viewers in.

Final Thoughts – Darby and Joan Series 2 is a delightful road trip mysteries series.

2025-07-28 14:39