Bad Sisters (S2) series once again showcases that actually, Garveys are great sisters. They are amazing survivors indeed, perhaps because of their strong blood sisterhood bond.
In the FM review of the Bad Sisters (S1/2022) series earlier, we mentioned that it was inspired by the Belgian “Clan” (The Out-Laws/2012) Series. And that had only one season.
Bad Sisters: Garveys Are Amazing Survivors, But They Continue To Bring Bad Men Into Their Lives. Will They Be Able To Deal With Them?
Spoiler Free Review: Bad Sisters (Season 2/2024) Series
The trailer
The synopsis
This dark comedy-drama offers an intriguing combination of dark humour and thrilling suspense. The narrative revolves around the five Garvey sisters, whose lives are intertwined due to their parents’ early demise and their unwavering commitment to protecting each other. Tragically, one of the Garvey sisters is going to be missed.
The screenplay took its sweet time to gather pace
In season one, we all could identify the villain, from a mile away. Now, in this season two, the writers have played smart. By introducing a bunch of new characters they have muddied the waters. In the first couple of episodes, there was clear-cut antagonist in sight. Of course, there were a few shady characters who were pursuing their agendas too.
In short, the twists and turns took its own sweet time to gather pace in the last two episodes. Then we all started rooting for the Garvey sisters. They must punish the conman.
But, why do the Garvey sisters pick the wrong men?
So far, in the two seasons of this series, we have seen the Garvey sisters pick the wrong men. As a result, these nasty and dangerous men end up destroying the lives of the five sisters. In season two, once again we come across a wolf (bad man) in sheep’s clothing, who becomes a member of the Garvey sisters’ extended family. Once again, the abusive relationships start to shake up their lives. And then inevitably tragedy strikes.
Perhaps, that is the harsh reality of the world that we all live in. The harsh reality is that we all live in a world dominated by such men, aptly described as ‘the prick’. And the good and well-intentioned men like Roger Muldoon (Michael Smiley) always get ignored and brushed aside. On the other hand, the bad and abusive men continue to wreck the lives of their naive victims. Such are the ugly realities of simple life. Maybe, everyone loves a bit of drama and darkness in their bland lives.
The ensemble cast is almost perfect
Sharon Horgan (Eva Garvey) leads the pack of talented actresses in this show. The artists portraying the Garvey sisters, viz., Eve Hewson (Becka Garvey), Anne-Marie Duff (Grace Garvey), Eva Birthistle (Ursula Garvey), Sarah Greene (Bibi Garvey) and Sharon looked natural and sisterly. Their characters seem like real-life commoners, who often make mistakes in their lives. And then, somehow try to keep it all sane and together.
We were impressed by Fiona Shaw (Angelica Collins), who kept us guessing about her character. Almost all of them have a fascinating character arc. Thaddea Graham and Barry Ward were good too. The rest of the ensemble cast also played their respective parts well. The dangerous but pertinent scenes at the cliffs were shot beautifully.
The rating
| FM Rating | 4.00/5 |
The conclusion
While watching season two, one needs to be a little patience and then one will be richly rewarded. We loved the emotional season finale of the series. It was a a real tearjerker. As Garveys bid a final farewell to one of their sisters. However, once again, the open-ended ending means, something is cooking in the minds of Bad Sisters’ writers. So, we might see season three of this thrilling dark comedy about the surviving good sisters, who are not murderers. Till then, enjoy this well-made series.
Key Details about the Irish Dark Comedy (2024) Series
| Genre | Comedy, Drama, Thriller |
| Original language | English (UK) |
| Released | November 13, 2024 – December 24, 2024 |
| Season | Second (2nd) Season | Season (2) Two |
| Episodes | Eight (8) Episodes |
| Creators | Brett Baer, Dave Finkel, & Sharon Horgan. |
| Cast | Sharon Horgan (Eva Garvey), Sarah Greene (Bibi Garvey), Eve Hewson (Becka Garvey), Eva Birthistle (Ursula Garvey/Ursula Flynn), Anne-Marie Duff (Grace Garvey/Grace Williams/Grace Reilly), Saise Quinn (Blanaid Williams), Fiona Shaw (Angelica Collins), Michael Smiley (Roger Muldoon), Thaddea Graham (Una Houlihan), Barry Ward (Fergal Loftus), Owen McDonnell (Ian Reilly), Peter Claffey (Joe Walsh), etc. |
| Network | Apple TV |
Poster: Bad Sisters (Season 2/2024) Series
Spoilers Alert – Episodes Summary & Who Died
Episodes Summary – Eight Episodes in Season Two
Good Sisters (S2, E1)
Two years after J.P.’s death, the Garvey sisters are moving on and finding new happiness until a grisly discovery puts them back under suspicion.
Penance (S2, E2)
As Detectives Loftus and Houlihan investigate, Grace’s behaviour becomes increasingly erratic. Roger’s sister, Angelica, stirs tensions.
Missing (S2, E3)
A tragic occurrence shatters the sisters’ lives. Loftus and Houlihan’s investigation takes an unexpected turn. Ursula reaches her breaking point.
Person of Interest (S2, E4)
Convinced that a blackmailer is to blame for their tragedy, the sisters look for evidence. Becka is shaken by life-changing news.
Boom (S2, E5)
In a bid to stay out of trouble, the sisters take the next step in their plan with Angelica – just as a desperate Eva puts a target on their backs.
Who by Water (S2, E6)
Ian helps the sisters cover their tracks, bringing him closer to Eva but further into Houlihan’s spotlight.
How to Pick a Prick (S2, E7)
The sisters investigate a betrayal’s truth. Houlihan and Loftus engage in a confrontation. The plot revolves around the sisters’ search for answers and the clash between Houlihan and Loftus.
Cliff Hanger (S2, E8)
As Houlihan discovers shocking revelations, the sisters face an impossible situation.
So, who died among the Garvey sisters? Why? How?
The flashback in the final (8th) episode of season 2
After Grace confided in Ian about having killed her husband, he reacted with horror and exited the scene. In a moment of frustration, she struck him on the back as he walked away. Ian then forcefully pushed her to the ground, causing an injury to her arm. In a state of shock and dismay at having married another monster, Grace breaks down emotionally. Later, when Becka finds Ian’s secret phone in the bathroom, Grace charges it and makes a call, only to be answered by a woman who reveals herself as Ian’s wife, thus uncovering that Ian’s real name is Cormac.
We also watch Ian pick up the phone call and ask Grace to keep her secret about John Paul’s murder. He further hinted that keeping her secret must be of monetary value to him. Later, he subsequently asks her to bring money to the bar, asserting that he seeks what is due to him.
At the bar, Grace had confronted him after hiding all the money with the tortoises, accusing him of being a liar and a fraud. In this moment of honesty, Ian exposes his true intentions. He admits that Grace was nothing more than a con target and that he intentionally engaged with the bereavement group to coerce her into surrendering her inheritance, the house, and all that he believes he is owed.
Ian is responsible for her tragic accident
With spiteful comments, he threatens Grace, indicating that he will inform the police if she does not comply, insisting that her daughter will believe his account over hers. However, in a pivotal moment of determination, Grace unveils her authentic self by demanding that he refrain from approaching her family, as he is neither eating nor staying. The once-timid Grace has transformed into a more formidable individual.
Nevertheless, her composure shatters when she panics over a lost earring belonging to her daughter while driving, culminating in a tragic collision. Nevertheless, her composure shatters when she panics over a lost earring belonging to her daughter while driving, culminating in her tragic accidental death. Both her presence in the car and her nervous driving on the journey home can be attributed to Ian, as he abused and mentally disturbed her well-being.
Ian aka Cormac committed fraud, embezzlement, bigamy, spousal abuse, etc.
Notably, he was also dismissed from the police service in the recent past.
Awards & Nominations won by Irish Dark Comedy Series
| Awards Names | Winners & Nominations Details |
|---|---|
| ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards 2023 | Tim Phillips (composer) – Winner of ASCAP Award – Top Streaming Series |
| Primetime Emmy Awards 2023 | Nominee Primetime Emmy – Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series – Nina Gold & Lucy Amos Sharon Horgan – Nominee Primetime Emmy – Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series |
| Peabody Awards 2023 | Winner Peabody Award – Entertainment – Entire Team |
| ReFrame 2023 | Winner ReFrame Stamp – TV |
| Critics Choice Awards 2025 | Fiona Shaw – Nominee Critics Choice Award – Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series |
Bonus Link
Trailer of the Belgian "Clan" (The Out-Laws/2012) Series on YouTube.
The posters, featured and other images of the Bad Sisters (S2/2024) Series are credited to Apple TV.