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Welcome to the world of Darby and Joan! Retired Australian Detective Jack Darby and retired English Nurse Joan Kirkhope travel together around Australia following clues to her husband’s death. Along the way, they find mystery and adventure.

Review

This quirky, cozy mystery caught my eye when I saw who was cast as the two leads, Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi. I remember Bryan Brown from TV and movies such as The Thorn Birds, A Town Like Alice and Cocktail. I know Greta Scacchi from several movies in the ’80s and ’90s, most notably Heat and Dust, for which she was nominated for a BAFTA, and movies like Jefferson in Paris and Presumed Innocent. I never thought these two would work together all these years later, so this was a delightful surprise. And since I really like finding a new show to binge, I knew I had to check it out. And being set in Australia is an extra plus!

Bryan Brown plays Jack, a former homicide detective. Retirement isn’t sitting well with him. He just doesn’t know what to do with himself, so he sets out on the road with his dog, Diesel. Jack is charming and laid back, but not much gets past him. His training as a detective makes him aware when something is off.

Greta Scacchi plays Joan, a recent widow who left her home in England to investigate her husband’s unexpected death. Joan is traveling around Australia in an RV, trying to find out how her husband, Ian, died in Australia, of all places, when he was supposed to have been in Spain. Joan is slightly reserved, but she is smart, funny and very spirited. She is also ready to jump in when there is a medical emergency.

Jack and Joan meet when they swerve to avoid a head-on collision. Joan’s RV is fine, Jack’s truck, not so much. Joan offers him a ride to his destination, but she has to make a stop first.

Joan’s husband, Ian, had a group of friends from his younger days who now live in a commune at the nearby beach. Jack is fine with a quick stop, but once they get there, his detective senses tell him that something isn’t quite right with these people. He suspects they know more about Ian’s mysterious death than they are letting on. To complicate the matter, one of the friends ends up dead.

After they solve that murder, Jack decides to travel along with her for several reasons. He likes Joan and enjoys her company. He also wants to help her uncover the truth about Ian, plus she gets along with Diesel marvelously. Retirement doesn’t seem quite so dull anymore!

Over time, a solid friendship develops. Jack challenges her to do things she never thought she would, trying new experiences. As they open up to one another, they learn things not only about each other but about themselves. Jack finds a purpose, and Joan learns just how capable she is. Most importantly, neither feels quite so alone anymore.

Darby & Joan Club Pin c. 1940s

Fun fact, “Darby and Joan” is a traditional phrase first mentioned in 1735 in England. It means a happily married couple who share a peaceful life. They’ve been portrayed in books, poetry, songs and art. Darby & Joan clubs originated in WWII England during the Blitz. Older people could meet up, play cards, have tea and socialize. They are still in existence today.

Jack and Joan are completely believable as people, not just characters, and that is owed to the quality of the writing and the acting. There is a genuine warmth between them. I also liked the message that being older doesn’t mean you “can’t”. The show avoids a lot of tired tropes, such as making older people comical or caricatures of themselves. Is there a possibility of romance? It’s a bit ambiguous. Each makes sure to deny it. But who knows? The mysteries are solid, each with its own story apart from the arc of Ian’s death. As for that mystery, it does pay off at the end.

The show is filmed in Queensland at locations such as the Gold Coast and North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), places I’m unfamiliar with. Sure, I know of bigger cities in Australia, such as Sydney or Perth. And, of course, there is the Outback. That is always the first thing I picture about the country, red and dry, but this series shows you there is so much more. The camera shots are breathtaking. The place is really so pretty. I also liked getting some insight into the lifestyle, culture and mindset of the people who live there. It is a very Australian show. It is bright, it’s fun and it’s a real pleasure to watch. I highly recommend Darby and Joan, as you will not be disappointed. Season 2 recently aired on Acorn TV but a DVD release date has not yet been announced.