As the second season of Bad Sisters comes to a close, many fans may find themselves reflecting on the journey this darkly comedic drama has taken. Picking up where the first season left off, Sharon Horgan and her talented team explored whether diving back into the Garvey sisters’ chaotic lives could deliver the same emotional impact as the inaugural season’s finale. While the season’s conclusion leaves some mixed feelings, it also reaffirms what makes this series so compelling: its rich character development and sharp, human storytelling.
At the heart of Bad Sisters lies its characters, whose imperfections and vulnerabilities make them incredibly relatable. The Garvey sisters are headstrong, witty, and utterly unpredictable, and the second season brought even more challenges that tested their bonds. The finale, aptly titled “Cliff Hanger,” delivers an intense mix of suspense, heartbreak, and humor that encapsulates the series’ unique tone.
The Villainous Cormac Sweeney
One of the central threads of this season is the downfall of Cormac Sweeney, a truly despicable character who embodies the worst traits of manipulation and cruelty. Throughout the season, viewers watched in horror as Cormac’s laundry list of crimes—ranging from sexual harassment to domestic violence and embezzlement—unfolded. By the time the finale rolled around, his actions had set the stage for a dramatic confrontation with the Garvey sisters.
In a flashback, we see Grace’s final night alive, a heartbreaking sequence that reveals just how deeply Cormac’s betrayal cut her. When Grace confronted him about whether he ever truly loved her or their daughter Blánaid, his cold response twisted the knife even further: “You were just a mark, Grace. Nothing personal.” This cruel dismissal was the ultimate insult to a woman who had already endured so much. Grace, however, showed incredible strength in standing up to him, refusing to give in to his blackmail demands. Tragically, her resilience was cut short when she died in a senseless moment of panic shortly thereafter.
The Garvey Sisters Face the Aftermath
In the present, the Garvey sisters are left grappling with the consequences of Cormac’s actions and the secrets they’ve been keeping. With Grace gone, they must now protect Blánaid and themselves from Cormac’s looming threats. The tension reaches its peak when Cormac arrives at Eva’s home, intent on intimidating the sisters. However, in a shocking twist, it’s Angelica who steps up, delivering a decisive blow with Blánaid’s camogie stick. As Cormac lies bleeding on the kitchen floor, the sisters are left reeling from the sudden violence.
Angelica’s unexpected act of bravery is both darkly comedic and deeply satisfying. Fiona Shaw’s performance as Angelica—from her wide-eyed shock to her biting humor—adds a layer of levity to an otherwise intense moment. But the aftermath of this incident forces the sisters to confront an uncomfortable question: What kind of people are they willing to become in the face of such evil?
To Kill or Not to Kill?
As the sisters debate what to do with Cormac, their differing perspectives highlight their moral struggles. Should they let him live and risk him coming after them again, or should they ensure he’s no longer a threat? Ultimately, Eva convinces the group to spare his life, a decision that speaks to their humanity despite everything they’ve endured. When Becka, who is pregnant and emotionally drained, declares, “We’re not murderers,” it’s a poignant reminder of the toll their actions have taken on them.
However, sparing Cormac doesn’t mean he’s off the hook. The sisters take him to the cliffs, where they plan to leave him to his fate. But in a twist of fate (and dark humor), Cormac survives both a head injury and a fall off the cliff. His refusal to die underscores his tenacity and adds an element of absurdity to the story. Ultimately, the sisters’ decision to call for help and leave him behind reflects their desire to move forward without becoming the monsters they’ve been fighting against.
A System That Fails
One of the recurring themes in Bad Sisters is the failure of systems meant to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. Cormac’s ability to manipulate the law and avoid consequences highlights this frustrating reality. Detective Houlihan, who has been doggedly pursuing the Garveys throughout the season, faces her own moral reckoning. Initially focused on building a case against the sisters, she begins to see the bigger picture and the systemic injustices at play.
Houlihan’s arc is given added depth through a glimpse into her past, where we learn that she once “arrested” her abusive father as a child. This backstory provides context for her determination but also underscores the limitations of working within a flawed system. When the Garveys confront her about protecting “one of her own,” her emotional response reveals the internal conflict she’s been grappling with. In the end, Houlihan decides to take a stand against Cormac, but it remains unclear whether her actions will lead to lasting change.
Justice, of a Sort
The finale’s most satisfying moment comes when former detective Fergal Loftus pays Cormac a visit in the hospital. With his signature smirk and no-nonsense attitude, Fergal delivers a scathing rebuke to Cormac, warning him to stay away from the Garveys or face the consequences. His parting shot—a slap to Cormac’s broken leg—is both brutal and oddly cathartic. While it’s not the legal justice many viewers might have hoped for, it’s a small victory in a world where true accountability often feels out of reach.
Saying Goodbye
As the season draws to a close, the Garvey sisters gather to scatter Grace’s ashes at sea. This poignant moment serves as a reminder of the cost of their struggles and the strength of their bond. While they’ve managed to rid their lives of two dangerous men, the scars of their experiences remain. The finale leaves viewers with a bittersweet sense of closure, as the sisters begin to heal but acknowledge the lingering pain of their losses.
Should There Be a Season 3?
With the story of the Garveys seemingly wrapped up, the question of whether Bad Sisters should return for a third season looms large. While the series has been a masterclass in character-driven storytelling, continuing the narrative would likely mean introducing new conflicts and challenges for the sisters. Given all they’ve been through, perhaps it’s best to let them find peace and move on.
Each of the actors—Sharon Horgan, Anne-Marie Duff, Eva Birthistle, Sarah Greene, and Eve Hewson—has brought incredible depth and nuance to their roles, making the Garveys one of the most memorable families on television. Their performances, combined with the show’s sharp writing and dark humor, have made Bad Sisters a standout series. If this truly is the end, it’s a fitting farewell to a show that has balanced chaos and heart with such skill.
Final Thoughts
Bad Sisters season two delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, blending suspense, humor, and heartbreak in equal measure. While not every moment was flawless, the show’s commitment to exploring the complexities of its characters and their relationships made it a compelling watch. As viewers bid farewell to the Garveys, one thing is certain: their story will linger in our hearts long after the final credits roll.