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Writer's pictureJe-Ree

'Joan' Season 1 Episode 2 Recap: The Glamorous Life



Joan's journey into the world of jewelry thieving is certainly taking off! Her initial success with Boisie showcases her knack for the trade, especially with that $800 profit from her clever maneuvers. The thrill of the chase and the adrenaline of stealing must be intoxicating, and it’s clear that the excitement is drawing her deeper into this lifestyle.


Spain seems to be a turning point for her. The luxurious surroundings and the allure of a beach vacation add a layer of glamor to the criminal underworld she's navigating. Meeting Albie could introduce new dynamics and perhaps even challenges, given his history with Boisie. As she revels in the thrill and the spoils of her heists, it’ll be interesting to see if Joan can maintain her resolve about only being in it for one job. The temptations of this new life might prove difficult to resist!




Although Joan Hannington had recently started stealing jewelry with Boisie, she was quickly excelling in the criminal activity. Boisie tested her by sending her to buy expensive clothes using a stolen checkbook before a big job in Spain. Joan went beyond expectations by purchasing a wig on her first outing, allowing her to steal more items that Boisie later sold for an $800 profit. Boisie was impressed by Joan's natural talent for thievery, but she insisted that she was only committed to one job.


However, everything changed when they arrived in Spain. Joan was captivated by the luxurious lifestyle there, enjoying the excitement of passing through airport security with stolen jewelry and a fake passport. She even had the opportunity to relax on a sandy beach and bond with Boisie, as well as meet his criminal partner, Albie (played by Gershwyn Eustache Jr.). The trip seemed to be going exceedingly well for Joan.


Albie is providing Joan with valuable lessons, but there’s definitely an ominous tone to his advice. His warnings about counting money and the slip with the fake passport hint at the pitfalls of their lifestyle and the potential for things to go awry. It’s a classic setup where initial success can lead to overconfidence, and that could spell trouble for Joan and her new crew.


The mention of her ex-husband Gary is particularly intriguing. It suggests that her past could catch up with her, especially in the high-stakes world she’s now part of. Joan’s reaction indicates that Gary’s presence looms large in her mind, and it raises questions about what kind of impact he might have on her current situation. Whether he becomes an obstacle or an ally, his relevance feels inevitable. This blend of foreshadowing and tension sets the stage for potential conflict, making it clear that Joan’s journey is just beginning and the stakes are about to get higher!





Although the trip proceeded smoothly, there were repercussions for the escape. Upon boarding the plane to head back home, the pilot informed the passengers of a delay, causing Joan to arrive late for her daughter Kelly's birthday party. Fortunately, her sister filled in for her, allowing Joan to eventually attend the celebration. However, this led to a problematic encounter with social services the following day. It transpired that when Joan was late for the birthday event, her sister had already left, prompting social services to contact Joan's workplace and learn that she had resigned.


Joan’s situation is heartbreaking, especially as she grapples with the reality of losing her daughter, Kelly. The court order underscores the severity of her circumstances and the uphill battle she faces to regain custody. The requirement for a stable job and living situation makes it clear that her current lifestyle is at odds with her goal of being a responsible mother.


Her decision to return to the bar for work shows her desperation and determination to turn things around, but it’s a risky move. Boisie’s offer to move in with him presents a temporary escape from her dire situation, but it also complicates her efforts to prove her reliability as a mother. Thieving might provide short-term gains, but it’s hardly a sustainable path toward the stability she needs to regain Kelly’s trust—and her custody.


Joan is caught in a tough spot: the allure of the criminal lifestyle versus her genuine desire to be a good mother. This internal conflict adds depth to her character and raises the stakes for her journey. How she navigates this precarious balance will be crucial as the story unfolds, especially with the potential for her past with Gary to resurface and complicate matters further.


Joan has a clear strategy in mind. Her goal is to amass enough wealth to purchase a six-bedroom house brimming with books and to acquire a horse for Kelly to roam the yard. Joan aims to become so prosperous that social services will be compelled to return her daughter to her. Boisie's expression indicated that he would go to great lengths to fulfill Joan's desires, even if it meant hanging the moon.


As Joan and Boisie delve deeper into building their criminal empire, the stakes are certainly rising. Albie's presence adds an element of unpredictability; his experience in the game might be beneficial, but his influence could also lead Joan down a darker path. With her hair-trigger temper, there’s a constant risk of her emotions getting the better of her, which could jeopardize not only their heists but her chances of regaining custody of Kelly.


The escalating intensity of their jobs will likely challenge Joan's ability to maintain a balance between her criminal activities and her aspirations of being a responsible mother. Each decision she makes will carry weight, and the pressure to succeed could push her further into a world that’s increasingly at odds with her parental goals.


It’ll be fascinating to see if she can evolve and learn from her experiences, or if the allure of the criminal lifestyle will ultimately consume her. The question of whether she can transform into the kind of person social services would deem fit for custody adds a poignant layer to her journey, creating tension between her ambitions and the harsh realities of her choices. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, and Joan’s ability to navigate them will determine not just her fate, but her daughter’s as well.


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