‘Bad Sisters’ Cast on [SPOILER] Dying: ‘We Knew it Would be Kind of Shocking and F—ing Awful’

As a cinephile with a penchant for dark comedies and Irish dramas, I find “Bad Sisters” to be an absolute gem. The series is a masterclass in storytelling, balancing humor and heartbreak in a way that feels both authentic and uniquely human. The funeral scene in episode 3 is particularly poignant, capturing the raw emotions of grief while also showcasing the unique Irish ability to find laughter even amidst the most somber of moments.

⚠️ Caution: This post unveils crucial plot points from the final episode of Season 1 and the start of Season 2 of “Bad Sisters,” currently available on Apple TV+. Proceed with caution if you wish to avoid spoilers.

Initially, it was not planned for “Bad Sisters” to have a second season. The series, written by Sharon Horgan, is an adaptation of a Belgian limited series about a group of sisters who plot to kill their cruel brother-in-law. However, the compelling dynamic among the Garvey sisters in the Apple TV+ adaptation was so captivating that viewers clamored for additional episodes. This included performances by Horgan as Eve, Sarah Greene as Bibi, Eva Birthistle as Ursula, Eve Hewson as Becka, and Anne-Marie Duff as Grace, who portrayed the abused sister.

Sharon Horgan, known for her work on shows like “Catastrophe”, “Pulling” and even acting alongside Nicolas Cage in “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” (2022), initially had a seed of an idea about the story’s direction during Season 1 filming. However, when she entered the writers’ room for Season 2, at Apple’s request due to the success of the first season, she found that the plot had evolved dramatically, as she puts it. “It was nothing like what I had initially envisioned,” Horgan says. “But in a way, it felt more authentic because it shifted away from the formulaic storyline about attempted murders, and moved towards more emotional exploration of their relationships, and the consequences of events from Season 1.

In the first season, fans might remember that each Garvey family member tried to kill JP, or “the Prick,” to protect Grace from more harm. However, it was actually Grace who delivered the final, lethal blow. Unfortunately, as we’ll discover in Season 2, Grace’s new beginning is abruptly ended when she meets a tragic fate in a car accident and passes away.

During discussions with EbMaster, the creators, actors, and director (including Horgan) shared their personal reactions and on-set experiences following Grace’s unexpected demise, as well as how this event will influence the narrative flow throughout the remaining episodes of the season.

Grace’s death comes as a real surprise, particularly since it’s so early in the season. Sharon, how certain were you about killing her off?

Sharon Horgan: For a while, we pondered if we could maintain the show’s unique blend of comedy, tragedy, drama, suspense, and farce after losing Grace. The balance was delicate, but once we determined tonally that we could pull it off, we didn’t hesitate. We knew it would be shocking and terrible, yet I felt it was crucial to depict the devastating impact of abuse in a relationship to its full extent.

Dearbhla Walsh: Ensuring the event never seemed contrived was crucial. The third episode (releasing on November 20) posed a significant challenge, as it involved conducting a genuine funeral scene and subsequently moving forward.

Anne-Marie, did Sharon warn you about Grace’s fate before you read the script?

Anne-Marie Duff had already been aware for some time before receiving the scripts, so she didn’t experience the shock typically associated with soap operas. I believe this concept is brilliant because it introduces an element of unpredictability, transforms the setting, and provides a great deal of creative liberty in return. Moreover, it eliminates the recurring query about Grace’s fate in Season 2, which takes the focus off that topic.

Eva Birthistle notes that the audience often thinks, “If something like this can occur, then anything might happen.” This uncertainty leaves everyone guessing, which creates a thrilling viewing experience.

Anne-Marie, do you see Grace’s death as almost Shakespearean, in the sense that she ultimately had to be punished for committing a murder?

Duff: Indeed, that moment resonates with me. It’s reminiscent of when Tess in “Tess of the D’Urbervilles” reveals her past, speaking about the rape and the baby. This scene evokes a sense of needing to testify honestly, but it also makes one ponder the price that must be paid for such truth-telling.

Episode 3 shows Grace’s funeral. Did you stick around to watch it being shot?

Duff: Negative. In fact, I intentionally skipped all the scripts after posting. I didn’t peek at any other scenes, which means I experienced it just like you did.

What did it feel like once Anne-Marie was absent from set, was there a sense of grief from that as well?

Horgan: Since we filmed our scenes together and then unexpectedly she left, I must admit it was quite emotional. The entire production, the whole series, seemed like a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Eve Hewson: It felt a bit peculiar during our filming since we knew this was our final joint appearance. Even the team wasn’t aware because Sharon and Dearbhla managed to keep it a secret. They wanted the car crash scene to have only a limited number of crew members, allowing us to maintain privacy. I believe Dearvlah might have accidentally revealed it one day on set, causing quite a stir among the crew when they asked, “What do you mean it’s Anne-Marie’s last day?” So, yes, that was amusing.

The funeral was shot in a real church with a real coffin in the room. What was the atmosphere like on set that day?

Birthistle: You automatically have a kind of a physical reaction, almost, to it. It’s something that we’ve all experienced and it puts you into a certain frame of mind and a tone takes over, a shift in tone, when that happens.

What was it like shooting the funeral as the sisters veer between laughter and sobbing?

Hewson: It struck me as incredibly Irish, and it mirrors how humans cope with grief. Instead of dwelling on self-pity, we tend to find solace in humor. I believe Horgan captured this perfectly, and when people watch it, I think it will evoke memories. For me, it reminded me of my grandfather’s funeral. I recall being in the car, laughing hysterically, saying, “I don’t feel anything! I’m not sad, I’m fine!” I was unusually energetic and joyful, but then I had to give a reading, and as soon as I stood up, I broke down crying. Sharon wonderfully portrays the human condition where one experiences an array of emotions in such a short span of time.

These interviews have been condensed and edited for space and clarity.

2024-11-14 03:48