Episode 6 of "Joan" commences with a calculated move as Joan solidifies her disguise as an American journalist to infiltrate Kelly's school, slyly packing away her clothes and concealing them amidst the chaos. The subsequent day, her preparations intensify as she stealthily stashes a tool designed to disable the jewelry store's alarm system within the confines of a toilet cabinet, setting the stage for their grand operation.
Meanwhile, the winds of suspicion blow into Albie's domestic life, as his wife's doubts about a potential romance between Joan and him escalate into a confrontation with Boisie. Unfazed, Boisie brushes aside the accusations, assuring her that Joan is merely "in the game."
Concurrently, Joan orchestrates a secret rendezvous with Albie to secure Kelly's passport, her eyes fixed on the horizon of their escape. She vows to unravel the details of their expanded getaway plan to Boisie later that evening, her mind already racing ahead.
Gathering her cohorts, including the resolute Paul, Joan convenes a meeting to fine-tune their heist strategy. Paul and Boisie are entrusted with the daunting task of intimidating Bernard, while Joan and Boisie will spearhead the store's clearing. Albie, their steadfast getaway driver, completes the lineup. Amidst a fleeting moment of privacy, Albie hands Joan the escape route map, sealing their fateful pact.
As Joan returns to her job, Tom's watchful eye notes her unusual return to the jewelry store's vicinity, fueling his curiosity. The evening unfolds with a twist as Boisie stumbles upon Kelly's packed luggage, threatening to unravel their carefully woven plans. Yet, Joan's persuasive charm manages to quell his doubts, keeping them on course.
The fateful day arrives, and Joan executes her plan with precision. Bernard's call for Joan is met with her steadfast refusal to leave, her fingers deftly severing the alarm wires as per their blueprint. However, the tide shifts when Boisie reveals Paul's abrupt withdrawal, his trust in Joan shattered. In a panic, Joan implores Boisie to swiftly recruit a replacement.
As the store closes its doors for inventory, Bernard's unwanted advances take a lurid turn, offering Joan a diamond ring before unzipping his trousers. Quick-witted, Joan stalls him with the promise of a soothing back rub, her mind racing as Boisie and the newly recruited Gary—unbeknownst to them, Kelly's own father—burst into the scene.
Joan and Gary embark on a frenetic sweep of the store, but their alliance fractures as Gary's temper boils over, bullets raining down on the ceiling. Boisie, alerted by the chaos, rushes to Joan's side, only to witness Gary's reckless actions inadvertently exposing Joan's role to Bernard. With the jewels in his grasp, Gary flees, leaving Bernard to shoot Boisie in the leg. Joan struggles to aid her fallen comrade, but the getaway van slips away into the night. Amidst the wail of approaching police sirens, Joan is forced to abandon Boisie and flee for her own survival.
Joan meticulously primps herself before boldly venturing to Kelly's school, stealthily spiriting her away undetected. They seek refuge in a secluded trailer, their hearts pounding with anticipation as they bide their time, awaiting the dawn of the boat's arrival. As Kelly retreats to change, her fingers brush against a chilling discovery - the gun, concealed within their luggage. In a heartbeat, Joan's swift intervention averts a tragedy, yet the close call serves as a stark reminder of the treacherous path they've embarked upon.
Realizing the perilous nature of their endeavor, Joan's resolve falters. With a heavy heart, she relinquishes Kelly back to the safety of her foster parents' arms and, with a sense of finality, surrenders herself to the authorities.
Four years of penance pass, and Joan emerges from confinement, her sentence cut short by her exemplary conduct. She traverses to Spain, where she's destined to reunite with Albie and claim her rightful share of the heist's spoils. Yet, this reunion fails to ignite any spark of redemption within her. Instead, Joan's eyes blaze with ambition, declaring her unwavering intention to forge a sinister empire, drenched in blood and greed.
The episode culminates in a defiant standoff, as Joan, breaking the fourth wall, locks gazes with the viewer, her words dripping with warning. "And you, mark my words," she hisses, "keep your goddamn back covered." The air crackles with the echoes of her threat, leaving no doubt about the unforgiving path Joan has chosen to tread.
