As a fan who has been captivated by the Garveys’ tumultuous journey for two seasons, I must say that Bad Sisters has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The characters are complex and deeply human, each one portrayed beautifully by the talented cast. However, after watching the heart-wrenching finale, I believe it’s time to let the Garveys find peace and move on.
At the onset of the second season of “Bad Sisters”, I pondered if revisiting the crime scene would prove beneficial. Could it match the fulfillment experienced at the end of the first season? What benefits could the show derive from Sharon Horgan and her team re-exploring stories they had previously neatly concluded? How would it be to resume with the unruly, impulsive Garveys, only to let them go again?
Reflecting on the other side of the season finale, my emotions remain a mix, yet predominantly warm. The unique charm of Horgan’s work and the deeply nuanced characters in the world of Bad Sisters lies in how their inconsistencies resonate so authentically as human. These characters continue to be sharp, witty, and their adventures remain oddly captivating – a testament to the aspects I adore most about television. Despite the chaos encountered throughout this season (and there was certainly plenty), the journey from its start to its conclusion still feels perfectly fitting.
Regarding plot twists and revelations, the “Cormac Sweeney Is One Evil Man” storyline didn’t leave much unforeseen in the upcoming “Cliff Hanger.” From sexual harassment and domestic violence to embezzlement, Cormac has quite a record. The flashback to Grace’s final night further solidified that he did try to extort her, using her JP secret as leverage. When she asked if he ever loved her and Blánaid, his response was cold and callous: “You were merely a target, Grace,” he said, almost mockingly. “No personal feelings involved.
Indeed, it was clear he had erred. Nothing could have been more painful for Grace than feigning love and affection at a time when she yearned for it so deeply, nothing crueler than leading her to believe she was leaving her darkest moments behind. Despite her heart shattering before his eyes, Grace mustered the courage to assert herself. She made it clear he would get nothing from her, full stop – but then, only minutes later, she passed away in an unnecessary panic-stricken moment. As Eva remarks subsequently, what greater retribution could her siblings endure than this harsh reality?
In the current situation, Eva and her sisters find themselves confronted by a real and urgent danger posed by a former guard who seems determined to frighten them. Blánaid is dispatched to spend the night with Ursula’s children for a “SLEEPOVER PIZZA PARTY!!!” (emphasis added by an excited Ursula), leaving the Garvey sisters to confront the man who deceived Grace without any sign of regret. Similar to JP, Bad Sisters skillfully portrays Cormac Sweeney as such an intensely unrepentant jerk that when someone eventually loses patience with him, you can’t help but expect it and secretly hope for it.
Initially, I wouldn’t have thought Angelica, who listens in as Cormac ridicules Grace as a “crazy” person and then whacks him with Bla’s camogie stick, would end up delivering such a dramatic blow. The sight of Cormac bleeding on Eva’s kitchen floor left everyone speechless. Honestly, I never thought Angelica was capable of something so daring! It’s absurd, yet… fascinating. Fiona Shaw has showcased an array of acting talents this season, and her portrayal of wide-eyed surprise in “Cliff Hanger” is simply side-splitting. Kudos to her for finding humor in everything from severe head injuries to the everyday act of eating a Wispa.
The Garvey sisters are at their wit’s end following a series of tragic events and illogical deaths in their lives. Similar to when Angelica fell off the sailboat, they’re now divided on how to proceed with Cormac’s remains. Had he not revealed his Guard status, they might have simply reported it. However, they know that the system can’t be trusted to prioritize their interests over his, given his history of manipulating the law for his benefit. As a result, they decide to dispose of the “body” off the cliffs – though as we learned in the season opener, Cormac was not as deceased as they had initially believed. (Before this revelation, there was a brief moment where the popped trunk seemed like just a quirk of Bibi’s old car, which, to be fair, did make me chuckle.)
Cormac’s miraculous survival, not only after a hard hit to the head in camogie but also following a fall from a cliff, is as absurd as the situation demands. This strange turn of events allows the Garveys to ponder deeply about their actions and identities. Do they choose to abandon an injured man to the sea, as suggested by Bibi in anger? Or do they decide to give him a chance at life before leaving, as they eventually do upon Eva’s request? It is during this moment that you recall that although they all attempted to harm JP from a distance, they may never have been capable of what Grace did in such a swift burst of justified fury. When Becka, battered, pregnant, and exhausted, finally admits, “We’re not murderers,” you also remember that she is the only one still present who has indeed taken another person’s life. It is evident that she has been burdened by this act ever since. Just as turning off a troublesome radio doesn’t make the problem disappear, letting go of a harmful man isn’t as easy as simply switching him off with a firm “He’s gone.
The point becomes even more valid when we’re dealing with a character like Cormac, who is not only overconfident but also has influential ties that shield him. Houlihan learns this lesson, albeit expectedly, when her superior directly warns her about the challenges she might face upon confronting one of their own. Thaddea Graham’s portrayal of Houlihan has been somewhat subdued, focusing intensely on the Garveys as the case that could significantly impact her career; I would have appreciated a deeper understanding of her motivations, either through her acting or by the script providing more than fleeting glimpses into her tumultuous past. Despite her mother reminding her of an incident when 8-year-old Houlihan “arrested” her own father for intentionally destroying a coffee table, it’s only after some unreserved pleading from the Garveys that she begins to question whether Cormac Sweeney truly deserves the “justice” of their arrests.
The instant when the Garveys accuse her of trying to shield her colleague is the point where Houlihan cracks, her voice faltering as she vehemently denies it. “I attempted to aid Grace,” she states. “And I want to help you now,” she continues. “Then do,” Bibi retorts. At this juncture, neither Houlihan nor the others seem certain that she’s sincere – but she has at least one move left up her sleeve.
Stepping into the scene, the retired detective Fergal Loftus, who might I add, looks remarkably well for someone out of active service, catches Cormac’s attention even while confined to a body cast. However, Cormac’s nonchalant attitude towards Houlihan takes a sharp turn when Fergal’s mustache makes an appearance. “You’ve been quite the mischievous fellow, it seems,” he says, cocking an eyebrow with a smirk that speaks volumes. “Blackmail, domestic violence… bigamy? Old school.” After delivering a dose of mockery, he swiftly moves on to business matters: if Cormac chooses to pursue the Garveys or challenge Bla’s inheritance, Fergal promises to make his life a living hell. “I’m cunning like that,” he shrugs nonchalantly before slapping Cormac’s injured leg and leaving the con artist writhing in pain, a mix of misery and attraction evident on his face (harsh, yet undeniably captivating).
It seems that things have turned out okay in the end, but with some reservations. Houlihan may struggle to perform well within a corrupt system. Angelica holds onto hope for miracles, but after coming close to murder and facing solitude. The Garveys managed to eliminate two harmful individuals from their lives, yet they cannot ignore the price they paid to bring them down. Although they no longer bear the guilt of Cormac’s murder, his wife and children must still cope with the fallout of his volatile temper. There are far too many people like Cormac Sweeney who will never face just consequences, and countless women will be drawn to them, love them, but not be able to escape their grasp. As the Garveys scatter their sister’s ashes at sea, enclosed in a wreath filled with all their affection, it is only fair to reflect on all the women, like Grace, who deserve more justice than they will ever receive.
So, will Bad Sisters be back for another season after all this? More to the point: should it?
I’ve loved spending this time with the Garveys and must credit each actor — Horgan, Anne-Marie Duff, Eva Birthistle, Sarah Greene, and Eve Hewson — with bringing her respective sister to life these past two seasons. But since a third would necessarily mean introducing more angst to their lives, I feel secure in saying I hope this is the last I get to see of them. My hope for this family and any other that’s experienced such trauma and loss is the same: that they get to process what they’ve been through, find real peace and security within themselves and each other, and find a way to move on.
Loose Ends
It’s been a pleasure having you all with me during this season, either in the lively comments section or just reading together! I’ve truly enjoyed revisiting the universe of Bad Sisters, and even though I don’t know if it will return, I’ll surely miss it.
In the closing scene, Grace is found in the ocean once more, but this time in a transformed state, serving as a beautiful and fitting end to the season/series. The presence of a new family of Garveys, including Becka’s little baby, Nora’s large pregnant belly, and Blánaid who appears remarkably grown up but should seek therapy promptly to avoid taking on others’ burdens like Eva did, adds an emotional depth. Farewell to them all, may they find peace and growth in their journeys.
• “I prayed for this! I prayed, and the Lord listened. It’s another miracle!” “… sure.”
• “How did you kill a man in the time it takes to get to Casa fucking Romanos?!”
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2024-12-24 07:54