Bad Sisters Recap: Aftershocks

As a dedicated fan of dark comedy and Irish storytelling, I must say that Bad Sisters has truly captured my heart this season. The blend of humor, tragedy, and suspense is masterfully done, making each episode a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

After a major trauma, it’s normal for you not to be at your best. It’s difficult to function optimally when dealing with such overwhelming events. For the time being, as you navigate through this challenging period and recover, it may take some time before you can fully return to your optimal state.

Due to unfortunate circumstances, the Garveys are struggling with Grace’s death while dealing with constant interruptions from the police, Angelica, and a stream of funeral attendees. They hardly have a moment to process their situation when none other than Ian, who appeared seemingly lovely but is now simply referred to as “Ian”, shows up. He was late for his own wife’s funeral (and thus stripped of the title “Seemingly Lovely”) and was still very shaken after discovering that Grace, whom he thought was meek, had actually murdered her first husband.

This pivotal episode primarily focuses on explaining why and how the Garvey family finds themselves in a precarious situation once more, as they’re increasingly at risk of being exposed for their involvement in JP’s murder. Despite their strong bond, there are now numerous paths by which each member – Ian, Roger, Angelica, and Matt Clafin – could implicate the others. Now, my main curiosity is not if the Garveys will be exposed, but rather who among them might ultimately betray the group.

During this time, it’s not surprising that Grace’s sisters are struggling. Eva is dealing with mysterious stomach pain and Blánaid is acting out typical behaviors of a hurt teenager. Bibi, the one I’ve grown fond of despite her flaws, can’t seem to stop making jokes. Becka seems stunned by it all. Ursula expresses the unthinkable idea that “none of this would have happened if we hadn’t interfered.” However, I find that hard to believe. Grace didn’t realize they were attempting to kill JP when she took action herself – and if she hadn’t, there was a real risk he might have killed her first. He was already a toxic individual leaching the life out of her, right before our eyes. Unfortunately for Grace, and every other person in an abusive relationship, escaping unscathed was never a certainty at all.

In her position as the patient eldest daughter, Eva strives to help them regain a familiar pattern, all while performing the bizarre task of choosing the final outfit for Grace. “We can’t just retreat into our own shells and be overly courteous with each other,” she firmly states, using a colloquial Irish phrase. (Bibi, considering the modest blazer: “Well, I… I hope she secures the position of assistant manager at the gas station.”)

In this episode, it’s Ursula who seems to lose control, making a string of questionable decisions that make the show “Missing” even more challenging to watch. For instance, she becomes increasingly worried that the pills she gave Grace to calm down could have played a role in the accident. When she goes to identify the body, Eva cautions against referring to her as just “the body.” In an attempt to avoid any evidence implicating her, Ursula attempts to appeal to Detective Fergal’s sympathy based on their brief speed-dating history. However, even this notoriously inept detective isn’t swayed. He points out their brief conversation, a drunken kiss, her repeated misuse of his name, and her failure to respond to his texts, effectively highlighting Ursula’s poor judgment in the art of observation.

In a turn of unfortunate events for Ursula, she confides in Angelica, a seemingly religious zealot, about her fears following the funeral. Out of all individuals to trust with a secret, this could hardly be more ill-advised. Directed by Stacey Gregg, the scene where Angelica discovers Ursula losing herself in the sunroom as rain pounds against the skylight, creates an unsettling atmosphere. The tension is palpable as Ursula feels trapped and exposed at the same time, with Angelica’s self-righteous sympathy growing stronger. Despite the calm and attentive expression on Angelica’s face, it manages to grate on Ursula. Not only does she reveal her potential struggle with pills to Angelica, but she also calls her repeatedly post-funeral to ensure that she didn’t disclose anything to others, which is almost certain to raise more suspicions.

Angelica’s response upon Urs spinning out: Forcing her to pay enough money under duress to repair the damaged community center window. Keep it up, Angelica! Ursula’s month goes from bad to worse when Ali, her ex-husband’s new caregiver, discovers that she was the one stealing pills from the hospital. The only moment of respite for Ursula is when Grace’s toxicology report comes back clean, but even this brings a crushing blow that leaves her in tears. This episode showcases Eva Birthistle’s exceptional acting skills as she delves deep into Ursula’s emotional turmoil, but boy, it’s tough to watch.

As of now, I’m uncertain if Angelica truly ratted on herself to the hospital like Ursula suspects. Frankly, I find it hard to believe given that Ursula struggles with addiction and might not be the most reliable source. Regardless, Angelica has shown herself to be a tough and incredibly despicable adversary – even before this episode concludes with her sharing a significant glance with Blánaid, which leaves me feeling quite uneasy, given Fiona Shaw’s exceptional talent on screen.

In simpler terms, it’s clear that JP’s talk was disliked by many, especially after just a short conversation. However, Angelica, who some might call a “grief exploiter,” could pose a similar threat to the Garveys. She often uses her faith as a weapon and positions herself as the sole spiritual guide. Beneath her sweet smile lies a self-centered nature that she skillfully conceals. Her argument that “actions done in love are never wrong” can be easily manipulated to suit any situation she finds convenient. Her empathy, except perhaps for Roger (poor, troubled Roger), seems to depend on the benefits she receives, leading Ursula to suspect that Angelica may have attempted to extort Grace as well.

Well, I must admit, the Garvey family’s life seems to be spinning out of control in this film. They’re still grappling with the mysterious events surrounding Grace’s death and Ian’s questionable behavior. The enigma surrounding the large sum of money she withdrew and her secretive conversations with Angelica remain unsolved. To make matters worse, they’re left guessing whether or not to trust Ian.

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• On that note, it’s probably worth noting that even when shit’s unbearably bleak, Bad Sisters can still be very funny! Fergal sucks at his job, but Barry Ward doesn’t (A+ comic timing from him every time), and the priest barely getting through the funeral post-stroke is the kind of perfect lived-in detail that makes this show as good as it is.

To set the record straight, let me apologize for my oversights this season. I made a couple of errors concerning some distinctly Irish elements: I assumed Blánaid plays field hockey, which is incorrect; she actually participates in camogie, a women’s version of hurling. Additionally, I thought the opening credits featured baseballs, but they don’t – instead, there are balls used in camogie scattered throughout the series. My apologies for any confusion caused!

• I want to root for Houlihan as a “fuck you” to her boorish boss, but she made it really hard this week while relishing every twist in the case, whether in the office or at a funeral. Fair enough to want to solve a murder or whatever, but have some decorum, babe!

• That being said, Houlihan’s reaction to Matt (“I noticed him at the funeral — not like that. Well, a little like that”) was entirely relatable and correct. Please get Daryl McCormack back on my screen now. Thank you!

It seems like Bibi has been participating in semi-professional poker games for a couple of years, right? I’m glad for his wife, I hope her earnings from this have been substantial and beneficial.

• Just gonna note here that Eva and Ian have a Vibe and leave it at that (… for now).

2024-11-20 14:54

Bad Sisters Recap: Aftershocks

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