“Darby & Joan” is back, and you know what that means: more Australian outback, more quirky mysteries, and more of that odd-couple chemistry between Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi. This time, things get a little more personal for Joan, as a kidnapping case forces her to team up with her estranged sister.
In Episode 3 of the second season, our nomadic duo finds themselves at an island resort—presumably not for a relaxing getaway. When a guest vanishes, it’s up to Joan and, let’s be honest, probably mostly Joan, to crack the case. The wrinkle? She has to work with her sister, which, if family dynamics are anything like mine, is more complicated than tracking down a dingo in the desert.
It’s been a year since Jack Darby, the retired detective with a past he’d rather forget, and Joan Kirkhope, the recently widowed nurse with a thirst for adventure, first crossed paths. They’re still traversing the stunning landscapes of Queensland in their trusty RV, solving crimes and, one assumes, occasionally arguing about the proper temperature for the vehicle’s air conditioning.
While Joan’s wrestling with family drama, Jack’s still trying to clear his name from that pesky incident that put a damper on his detective career. One wonders if he’ll ever truly escape the shadow of his past or if that’s just the narrative fuel this show needs to keep chugging along. We’ll see how it all unfolds.
“Darby & Joan” airs Mondays on Acorn TV. Don’t miss Episode 3 of Season 2 on Monday, January 6, 2025.
