Why We Can’t Wait For Sophie Turner’s True Crime Drama, Joan
With recent series like murder drama The Long Shadow and upcoming films like Gemma Arterton’s The Critic, it’s a good time for British period dramas. One that we’ve got a keen eye on is ITVX’s soon to be released crime series Joan, starring Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner, and is based on a true story to boot. Set in London in the transformational decade of the 1980s, it follows Turner as the titular Joan Hannington, a mother who turns to a life of crime and falls into a world she never knew existed.
What is Joan about?
ITV’s new drama was announced some time ago, but the broadcaster has now finally released new details- and a release date- for the series. It’s set in 80s London, a time in which Margaret Thatcher was in power, big hair was in fashion and aspirations were lofty. In the midst of all this turmoil and upheaval is Joan Hannington, both a housewife and a mother trying to keep her life on track. The series is based on a book, I Am What I Am: The True Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Jewel Thief, written by the real life Joan Hannington, and which tells her life story. Joan’s daughter is taken from her by social services due to her circumstances, and as she’s pushed to the brink, she crosses over into a life of crime to make a lucrative source of income.
First, she’s just a mere petty offender, skirting the law and testing the waters of the crime world in order to get by. But as time goes on, Joan tells a classic “rising through the ranks” tale, as the small-time lawbreaker becomes a master criminal, finding her niche as a skilled jewel thief, with diamonds (what else?) as her main target. As demonstrated in the trailer, Joan also has an affinity for disguises, swapping wigs and glasses to evade the authorities. Meanwhile, her relationship with her husband, Boisie (who himself goes on the run from the police) is explored, as Joan tries desperately to win back custody of her young daughter. Soon, she’ll have earned the flashy moniker of “The Godmother”- and her life is changed forever.
When does Joan release on ITVX?
The six-parter is set to arrive at last on our screens later this year, with a September release date pencilled in (a specific day has to be announced). You can watch the short teaser trailer below.
