If you're in the camp of people that couldn't possibly imagine what a Bad Sisters season two could add to that first-class, neatly-wrapped/one-and-done season one finale, then buckle up. Because the show's second outing doesn't disappoint.
Unlike the Garvey sisters' botched attempts to murder John Paul (Claes Bang), the creators Sharon Horgan, Brett Baer and Dave Finkel absolutely kill it with season two, starting with a slight shift to the tone of the show.
After a brief spell of merriment, the showrunners bury the comedy lede and instead front-load the Apple TV+ show with an unexpected heaviness.
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The dark themes feel somewhat more intense than season one due to their insidious nature, but rest assured the humour is still there (we did say 'buries', not 'snuffs out').
The slow-burn nature of that humour feels wholly appropriate and in keeping with the even more intimate, emotionally driven season two narrative. That's not to say you'll have to wait for the back half for all the laughs (the creators don't forget this is a black comedy) more that comedy ramps up towards the end.
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Still where there's a Garvey sister about, there's bound to be absolute mayhem and as such there are moments peppered throughout that are naturally comedic as they slip through the cracks via the sisters' personalities.
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If this disappoints you, it shouldn't. You'll be too busy trying to wrap your head around the latest mystery and all the weight it brings. The ensemble cast is just as charmingly bonkers as ever as they unite to fix a problem that they continuously make worse with every move.
Their private struggles offer personal growth for each character, particularly Horgan's Eva, who attempts to take charge of her body and her future but still wrestles with what fulfilment looks like for her. Becka (Eve Hewson) also has some deep contemplation of her own to contend with.
Both storylines deepen the characterisation of these women and in a black comedy, chock-full of so much ludicrousness, the show's quiet and subtle exploration of these aspects of womanhood has to be appreciated.
The newest cast members bulking out the call sheet also keep the narrative from feeling stale and rehashed. Fiona Shaw takes on the role of Roger's (Michael Smiley) sister, the overbearing, insufferable Angelica Collins, and she's perfect in every single way. She intrigues, she confuses and frustrates in equal measures and this wonderful cocktail of strangeness just suckers you in.
Detectives Una Houlihan (Doctor Who's Thaddea Graham) and Fergal Loftus (Barry Ward) replace the Claffin brothers as the newest thorns in the sisters' sides. The duo's uneasy dynamic worsens the pressure on the Garveys with young recruit Houlihan feeling the need to prove herself.
Graham's Houlihan is aptly grating and while you won't necessarily be enamoured with her, her actions are satisfying in a love-to-hate-you sort of way.
Grace's (Anne-Marie Duff) new beau Ian Reilly (Owen McDonnell) brings out a more sensual, daring and confident side of Grace in more ways than one.
Her story arc this season has some highs but isn't the smooth-sailing ride she deserves after John Paul. However her journey to finding her voice after season's one's ordeal and navigating her inner strength is rewarding.
Daughter Blanaid (Saise Quinn) is a real treat too. Quinn is exceptionally good at embracing the insufferable teen 'tude, with looks that could kill more effectively than a Garvey. The adults in her life evoke sympathy as a result of her whip-sharp tongue as casually she spits out vitriol before looking blankly back at them as if clueless as to why they're affronted.
Her cutting quips have a blunt kind of humour that denotes far deeper unresolved issues.
You ebb and flow between feeling compassion for the traumatised teen and wanting to scream at the telly, which is all down to Quinn's eloquent execution of the character.
Blanaid makes some important realisations by the end of the show but sadly they don't feel earned as she's never given the opportunity on screen to work them through in a way that feels credible.
Still, if this is the only quibble with the season then it's still a worthy follow-up. The twists feel more impactful this time around and the story matures and develops in the most natural way.
Should you be keeping your fingers crossed for a third season? It's debatable. It feels very much like a closed book by the end but the same was thought of season one and look how very wrong we were.
While those around them need to watch their step, there's perhaps still a little more life left in the Garveys beyond this sophomore season.
Bad Sisters seasons 1 and 2 are steaming on Apple TV+ now.
TV writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her Masters degree in Magazine Journalism in 2013 and has continued to grow professionally within the industry ever since. For six years she honed her analytical reviewing skills at the Good Housekeeping institute eventually becoming Acting Head of Food testing. She also freelanced in the field of film and TV journalism from 2013-2020, when she interviewed A-List stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021 she joined Digital Spy as TV writer where she gets to delve into more of what she loves, watching copious amounts of telly all in the name of work. Since taking on the role she has conducted red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed by BBC Radio and London Live. In her spare time she also moonlights as a published author, the book Gothic Angel.
