Bad Sisters

Summary

Pop Culture Happy Hour Episode Summary: "Bad Sisters"

Podcast Title: Pop Culture Happy Hour
Host: NPR
Episode Title: Bad Sisters
Release Date: December 18, 2024
Duration: Approximately 8 Minutes
Transcript Extracted: 04:42 – 11:59

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Introduction to "Bad Sisters"

"Bad Sisters," an Apple TV series created by and starring Sharon Horgan, made its debut two years prior to this episode. The show masterfully blends black comedy with dark themes, focusing on the tumultuous lives of the Garvey sisters in Ireland. Initially intended as a single-season narrative centered around the sisters' plot to murder the husband of the fifth sister, the series expanded into a second season due to its popularity and the unresolved complexities of its characters.

Season Two Developments

Sharon Horgan delves into the evolution of the series, highlighting the continuation of the Garvey sisters' story in its second season.

Mary Louise Kelly (00:04:42): "Set the stage for us for what is happening with the Garvey Sisters as this second season takes off. We're focused on Grace. She is the sister whose husband did indeed die in the first season."

Sharon Horgan (00:05:19): "It's two years on from that and you know, we join the sisters when they are getting on with their lives as best they can, but the sort of aftershock of what happened is still very much with them. Grace is getting married and has found new love."

Grace's newfound happiness is short-lived, as the narrative quickly introduces complications that test her vulnerability and the fragile harmony among the sisters.

Sharon Horgan (00:05:45): "We concocted a group of things to happen that would provide the perfect storm for someone who's so fragile and vulnerable. We left the first season with her jumping into the water, finding her freedom, but life isn't like that."

Complex Sisterhood and Trust Issues

The second season deepens the exploration of sisterly bonds, introducing tension and distrust among the Garvey siblings.

Mary Louise Kelly (00:06:30): "The bond among these sisters is the organizing force of the show. Yet, another thing you do in this new season is introduce the notion that they aren't quite sure if they can trust each other."

A pivotal moment occurs when Bebe expresses her inner turmoil:

Bebe Garvey (00:06:55): "I'm thinking things... I don't wanna be thinking about my sister."

Sharon Horgan (00:07:00): "It was horrible to write and upsetting. The scene where Grace realizes they've been questioning her actions because she kept things too close to her chest felt dangerous but very interesting."

This development highlights the emotional complexities and the lingering impact of past actions on familial relationships.

Introduction of Angelica: A New Dynamic

Season two introduces Angelica, portrayed by Fiona Shaw, adding a new layer to the existing dynamic.

Mary Louise Kelly (00:07:42): "You introduce a new character in this season, a nosy, sneaky busybody named Angelica. What's she bringing to the show?"

Sharon Horgan (00:07:55): "Angelica is a delight. She's generationally and geographically different—a Northern Irish woman facing limitations that contrast with the Garveys' freedoms. She's searching for human connection but is a contradiction—hurt and wanting to hurt."

Angelica's character serves as a catalyst, challenging the sisters' established relationships and introducing fresh conflicts.

Mary Louise Kelly (00:08:52): "She's the definition of passive-aggressive and up in your business, like handing you a chocolate while stabbing you in the back."

Sharon Horgan (00:09:01): "Exactly. Patting you on the head and giving you a biscuit while ruining your life. She was an absolute joy."

Her nuanced portrayal brings both humor and tension, enriching the show's narrative.

Balancing Dark Themes with Humor

Despite the season's dark undertones, "Bad Sisters" maintains its comedic essence, often through unexpected moments.

A notable instance involves Eva introducing her menopause coach:

Eva Garvey (00:09:21): "How are you blessed to know this family, Eileen? Through Eva, we've been working together on her menopause coach."

Mary Louise Kelly (00:09:38): "Is that a thing? Like, is that real?"

Sharon Horgan (00:09:53): "People are so obsessed with this. It makes me laugh. Eva starts getting fit and invests in balancing her hormones, adding depth to her character."

Mary Louise Kelly (00:10:31): "Did it feel risky, though, menopause humor? Did you worry whether anyone besides I don't know me fellow middle-aged women would laugh?"

Sharon Horgan (00:10:46): "Not at all. I believe in writing what's interesting to you and focusing on the story and characters, rather than worrying about crowd-pleasing."

This approach underscores the show's commitment to authentic storytelling, balancing relatable issues with humor.

Creative Process and Audience Connection

Sharon Horgan shares insights into her creative process and the responsibilities that come with audience expectations.

Sharon Horgan (00:11:18): "People were so lovely about the first season, especially women who felt seen. I didn't want to mess it up, so I worked hard to ensure the story was both unexpected and truthful."

Her dedication to authenticity resonates with listeners, fostering a strong connection between the show and its audience.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a heartfelt thank you from Mary Louise Kelly to Sharon Horgan, emphasizing the show's continued success and anticipation for future seasons.

Mary Louise Kelly (00:11:57): "Thank you so much. This has been an absolute delight."

Sharon Horgan (00:11:59): "Thank you so much for having me."

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [00:05:19] Sharon Horgan: "It's two years on from that and you know, we join the sisters when they are getting on with their lives as best they can..."

• [00:06:55] Sharon Horgan: "...the scene when Grace sort of realizes that's what they're saying because she has held things too close to her chest..."

• [00:07:55] Sharon Horgan: "Angelica is a delight. She's generationally and geographically different..."

• [00:09:01] Sharon Horgan: "Patting you on the head and giving you a biscuit while ruining your life."

• [00:10:46] Sharon Horgan: "...it just has to always be about the story and it has to be about the characters."

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Key Takeaways

• Character Development: The second season delves deeper into the emotional and psychological complexities of the Garvey sisters, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and resilience.

• New Characters: Introduction of Angelica adds fresh dynamics and challenges, enriching the narrative landscape.

• Balancing Tone: The show adeptly balances dark themes with humor, making serious topics accessible and engaging.

• Authentic Storytelling: Sharon Horgan emphasizes the importance of writing truthfully and focusing on character-driven stories over audience appeasement.

• Audience Connection: The series maintains a strong bond with its audience by addressing relatable issues and delivering unexpected yet truthful storylines.

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For those intrigued by complex family dynamics enveloped in dark humor, "Bad Sisters" offers a compelling narrative that continues to evolve and captivate its audience in its second season.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

If you like a hefty dose of black comedy, may I invite you to catch up with with the Garvey Sisters.

[Sharon Horgan]

Where the hell's Becca? Becca. Get off, you lazy cow.

[Narrator]

We met them two years ago when the TV show Bad Sisters made its debut. It revolved around the antics of four sisters in Ireland who are hell bent on murdering the husband of the fifth sister. And believe me when I tell you, he had it coming. There's all kinds of ways people can.

[Sharon Horgan]

Die by accident, all kinds of unfortunate mishaps. I was thinking something at work. An industrial accident. Work in an open plan architectural firm. What am I gonna do? Apricotin to death? The roof terrace, the fire escape. Yeah, we're not doing anything like that. We're doing it again. We're doing it with poisonous timing like normal women.

[Narrator]

These scheming sisters you just heard are B.B. garvey, played by Sarah Green, and Eva Garvey, played by Sharon Horgan. Horgan is also the creator of Bad Sisters. Two years ago, she talked to All Things Considered host Mary Louise Kelly about the process of deciding how to end the show and what she wanted viewers to take away.

[Sharon Horgan]

Do you know, I just really wanted them to feel it. I, I, I wanted it to, to take them on a sort of roller coaster. And I wanted to emotionally sort of wring it out of an audience. I wanted there, of course, to be a surprise. Yeah, I wanted it all, actually. I was very greedy.

[Narrator]

I, I wanted everything, everything and then some. Because as it turns out, Bad Sisters did not end there. The Garvey sisters are back with season two with more banter, wickedness and secrets.

[Sharon Horgan]

So.

[Narrator]

So today we're bringing you an episode of the NPR podcast. Consider this Mary Louise Kelly caught up with creator and star Sharon Horgan. They talked all about the new season.

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[Mary Louise Kelly]

It's Consider this from npr. The Apple TV series Bad Sisters debuted two years ago. There were laughs, there was murder. And that could have been it for the Garvey sisters because the show was not originally intended to have a second season, but his career, as creator and star Sharon Horgan puts it, you don't just kill a man and move on. Sharon Horgan, welcome.

[Sharon Horgan]

Hi. Hi. Thanks for having me.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Set the stage for us for what is happening with the Garvey Sisters as this second season takes off. We're focused on Grace. She is the sister whose husband did indeed die in the first season.

[Sharon Horgan]

He did die. That's putting it very politely. Thank you. Yeah, it's two years on from that and you know, we join the sisters when they are getting on with their lives as best they can, but the sort of aftershock of what happened is still very much with them. Grace is Getting married. And.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Yeah, she's found new love. She looks so beautiful.

[Sharon Horgan]

She has found new love.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

She's happy and then she's happy. You give it, like, 10 minutes before it all falls apart.

[Sharon Horgan]

Well, that's it. We kind of concocted a group of things to happen that would sort of provide the perfect storm for someone who's so fragile and vulnerable. I mean, we left the first season with her sort of jumping into the water, and she's sort of found her freedom and moved on. But like I said, you don't really. And it was a lovely sort of fairytale ending, but at the same time, life isn't like that. And I'm just delighted we got a chance to, you know, go further with this story. It's about this, you know, sisterhood that comes together and. And sort of battles to protect each other.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

What you just described, the bond among these sisters, it is the organizing force of the show. And yet another thing you do in this new season is introduce the notion that they aren't quite sure if they can trust each other. At one point, one of the sisters, Bebe, says, I'm thinking things I. I don't wanna be thinking about my sister. What was that like to write? Tell me.

[Sharon Horgan]

Well, I mean, it was really interesting, actually. And it was something that. When we were mid production on the first season, we realized, you know, could be something kind of tantalizing in a way, the sort of isolation that someone like Grace finds herself in. And so we felt that there was a huge amount of secrets there that we could explore and sort of blow open. But the idea of them sort of questioning Grace and her actions wasn't actually. It was horrible to write and sort of upsetting. And the scene when Grace sort of realizes that that's what they're saying because she has held things too close to her chest and because she hasn't let them in, it just felt like a dangerous but very interesting, deep area to explore.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

You introduce a new character in this season, a nosy, sneaky busybody named Angelica, played by the great Fiona Shaw. What's she bringing to the show?

[Sharon Horgan]

Oh, my God. What isn't she bringing? She is a delight. We're all obsessed with her. You know, I wanted to introduce someone who. Who sort of begins to upturn the apple cart and someone who's just slightly generationally removed. And also geographically, she's. She's a Northern Irish woman. And. And I think, you know, for a woman of her generation at that time in that part of Ireland, it was kind of more Difficult to have a career or to have independence. And she's sort of limited in a lot of ways. And, you know, it's very interesting to have a character like that sort of look at the Garveys with their freedom, with their bodies and with their, you know, their language and sort of think that can't be right. But also someone who's just like looking for human connection, you know. So she's a massive contradiction. She's a hurt person who wants to hurt.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

And she's just the definition of passive Igarus. And up in your business, she's like, yes. Handing you a chocolate while stabbing you in the back.

[Sharon Horgan]

That's it. Patting you on your head and giving you a biscuit while ruining your life. No, she was an absolute joy. I mean, I can't tell you, there was times when she would do a take and we would just break into applause because we were, you know, so riveted to everything she did. She was an absolute joy.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

It's fair to say this season is really dark. Characters die who I really didn't want to die, but there were moments, many, when I was laughing out loud. There's one where your character, Eva introduces her menopause coach.

[Sharon Horgan]

How are you blessed to know this family, Eileen? Through Eva, we've been working together on her menopause coach. Menopause coach. Is that real?

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Like, is that a thing? Is that real?

[Sharon Horgan]

People are so obsessed with this. It makes me laugh. You know, a lot of me went into Eva this time round, like myself. At that particular time, she starts getting fit. She decides to throw a bit of her disposable income at, like, sorting her hormones out. And I had started, you know, seeing a lady online. Not what I would call a menopause coach, but they do exist. And, you know, I thought, I need to get Eva in this great place for, or at least a place of, you know, improvement and working her life out and looking after herself. Yeah, exactly. Before I absolutely ruin her life to.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Give you an excuse to get a trainer in real life. I guess.

[Sharon Horgan]

Well, there you go.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Preparation.

[Sharon Horgan]

There you go. Yeah.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Did it feel risky, though, menopause humor? Did you worry whether anyone besides I don't know me fellow middle aged woman, whether we would laugh?

[Sharon Horgan]

Not at all. I didn't really. And in fact, I think if you think too deeply about what specific audience members are going to be liking or disliking, then you're sort of, you're heading for a fall kind of thing. You know, you have to write what's interesting to you and what you hope is going to appeal. But at the same time, it just has to always be about the story and it has to be about the characters.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

That's such good advice for so many things. Like you can't worry about whether this is going to be a crowd pleaser or not. If I find this funny, the rest of you should get on board.

[Sharon Horgan]

Well, that's it. You know, I mean, saying that I felt a responsibility because people were so lovely about the first season and particularly women getting in touch and women who've been in those terrible relationships and felt seen, I didn't want to mess it up then that's down to me to just, you know, work hard to make sure the story goes places that is both, you know, unexpected but also truthful, you know, so that's all I can do and then cross my fingers, cross everything.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Cross everything. Thank you so much. This has been an absolute delight.

[Sharon Horgan]

Oh, thank you so much for having me.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Sharon Horgan. She is the creator and star of Bad Sisters, which you can find on Apple tv. This episode was produced by Katherine Fink. It was edited by Sarah Handel and Courtney Dorning. Our executive producer is Sammy Yenigun. Thanks to our Consider THIS plus listeners who support the work of NPR journalists and help keep public radio strong supporters also hear every episode without messages from sponsors. You can Learn [e-mail] It's Consider this from NPR. I'm Mary Louise Kelly.

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