Imagine a group of sisters who share a bond so strong, even their darkest secrets can’t tear them apart. This is the basic storyline of Bad Sisters, an Apple TV+ series blending dark humor and family drama.
The series centers around the Garvey sisters and their shocking decision to murder their sister Grace’s abusive husband, John Paul (JP). But what makes Bad Sisters particularly intriguing is its international roots—it’s not just your average dark comedy, but one steeped deeply in its original Belgian incarnation.
Bad Sisters is often seen as part of the growing trend of remaking successful international shows with local flavors—the American adaptation often modifies the narrative to suit viewers' tastes. Past examples include The Office and The Good Doctor—each successfully making their foreign predecessors accessible and relatable to American audiences.
While Bad Sisters absolutely takes inspiration from the original Belgian series Clan, created by Malin-Sarah Gozin, it’s more akin to reimagining than mere replication. This adaptation doesn’t just swap out actors or change addresses; it encapsulates and embraces the essence of the original work, reshaping it to reflect modern sensibilities.
What sets apart Bad Sisters from Clan is its unique take—it stands firmly on Irish soil rather than going the conventional route of Americanizing the story completely. With its poignant locations ranging from the picturesque Dublin to the charm of Howth and Malahide Marina, the show exhibits the beautiful landscapes of Ireland intertwined with the storyline, lending authenticity and richness to its visuals.
Sharon Horgan, the brilliant mind behind Bad Sisters, is no stranger to crafting sharp-witted narratives. Known for her work on shows like Catastrophe and Motherland, Horgan's ability to mix humor and tension is pivotal to the adaptation's success. Her involvement guarantees not just adherence to the original, but also ensures the stories resonate on universal terms.
The original creator, Malin-Sarah Gozin, acts as executive producer for Bad Sisters, ensuring the essence of Clan is preserved even as the series seeks to appeal to wider audiences. Their collaboration emphasizes both respect for the original material and the intent to create something fresh and relevant to current viewers.
Since Clan was initially conceptualized as a limited series, the creators of Bad Sisters had the opportunity to explore the story beyond the constraints of its predecessor. The second season premiered on November 13, 2024, launching with two episodes and rolling out the remaining chapters weekly—a total of eight episodes for this season. While there’s been no announcement of additional seasons, fans are eagerly awaiting the Garvey sisters’ next escapades.
Central to the intrigue surrounding Bad Sisters is the character of JP and the unnerving particulars of his past. Among the revelations is his sibling Laura, whose presence looms large over the narrative even though she is seldom seen. References to Laura serve to underline the dark shadows of JP's character. A chilling exploration of the nuances of familial bonds, the show unveils the possibility of unresolved trauma between JP and his sister, hinting at the grim dynamics within the family.
While Laura doesn't feature prominently, her existence is revealed through hints intertwined throughout the storyline. Early on, viewers learn about her tragic backstory, discovering she died during childhood under circumstances highly implicative of JP’s character. The primary narrative layer is woven through memories shared by JP’s mother, portraying her enduring grief. When Becka visits JP's mother, Minna, she sifts through family albums, which reveal haunting insights about the family’s past.
The moment Becka discovers pictures of Laura—a little girl clad in dungarees alongside her beloved cat—is heart-wrenching. The unspoken narrative hints at JP's potential culpability and taps deeply at the family psychology haunted by tragedies not fully aired. The shifting relationship dynamic, coupled with Minna’s unresolved heartbreak, elevates the grim comedy to haunting levels.
Overall, Bad Sisters artfully interlaces dark humor with ominous family secrets, encapsulating the essence of Irish storytelling. With its unique adaptation rooted deeply in cultural authenticity, the show stands apart from many others, reframing complex themes about familial loyalty, revenge, and the moral ambiguity each sister faces.
Claes Bang’s portrayal of JP opens up discussions about abusive dynamics and their ramifications within families. He discusses the ethical dilemma he faces playing someone with such malignant characteristics, affirming how it’s imperative to portray the real “monsters” without glorifying their actions. It’s a delicate balance, showing the messiness of human relationships encapsulated by moments of cruelty laced with brittle humor.
The second season continues to air new episodes every Wednesday, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as the suspense over the Garvey sisters’ actions and JP’s past gradually unravel. The stories deepen, inviting the audience to reflect on what it means to protect your own, no matter the cost.
With its layers of humor and heartbreak, Bad Sisters is more than just retelling familiar tales; it’s about cultural storytelling at its best, elevatively exploring the nuances of love, vengeance, and family ties. What remains to be seen is where this captivating narrative leads the characters and what other family secrets will be unearthed as the sisters navigate their intertwined fates.
