Season 2 Episode 5 Recap of Bad Sisters
Editor’s note: The recap below contains spoilers for Bad Sisters Season 2 Episode 5.
The Garvey sisters believed they had finally escaped the malevolent grip of their tormentor when Grace (Anne-Marie Duff) took lethal action against John Paul. However, the second season of Bad Sisters intricately illustrates the ongoing repercussions of toxic influences. Even after this individual is eliminated from their lives, numerous unresolved issues continue to linger, impacting the sisters profoundly. This reality hits hard with Grace’s death in Episode 2, compounded by the insidious arrival of the meddlesome Angelica (Fiona Shaw). As the sisters navigate the mounting pressure from law enforcement in Episode 5, the narrative hurtles toward yet another tragic outcome: another life claimed.
Eva Struggles to Maintain Stability Amid Chaos in ‘Bad Sisters’ Season 2 Episode 5
The episode begins against the stunning backdrop of Ireland’s lush, rolling green hills. Eva (Sharon Horgan) is seen working out with her menopause coach, Eileen (Justine Mitchell). In this vulnerable moment, Eva reveals her struggles as she approaches her 50th birthday, expressing her belief that Grace’s untimely death was entirely preventable. Utilizing humor as a coping mechanism, a typical trait among the Garvey sisters, she shares how they have humorously dubbed themselves “the coven” after overhearing local gossip. Eileen, while supportive, mentions she has taken on a new client—Angelica—further entangling Eva in the web of complications spun by Angelica’s manipulative nature.
Unraveling the Angelica Mystery in ‘Bad Sisters’ Season 2 Episode 5
Detective Inspector Fergal Loftus (Barry Ward) and Detective Una Houlihan (Thaddea Graham) arrive at Eva’s residence to delve deeper into the ongoing investigation. They begin by probing into the mysterious money that Becka inadvertently revealed in Episode 4. Eva, quick to deflect, humorously suggests it might be for a “sneaky facelift.” However, Houlihan, determined to uncover the truth, questions the sisters’ intimate knowledge of one another’s lives, stating, “Isn’t it strange that you didn’t know why she needed the money?” The conversation takes a turn when Eva mentions Grace’s interaction with Ian (Owen McDonnell) at a bereavement group, which the police claim Ian said they had met online. Later, Ian clarifies to Eva that he hadn’t lied; their meeting did indeed start online before transitioning to in-person gatherings. The detectives remain relentless in their pursuit of the truth, even as misunderstandings complicate matters. After the police leave, Eva receives a package containing a birthday gift from Grace—a karaoke machine, which stirs bittersweet memories of better times.
Confronting Angelica: The Garveys’ Dilemma in ‘Bad Sisters’ Season 2 Episode 5
The sisters convene to strategize their approach regarding Angelica’s demand for Grace’s ashes. Eva proposes a plan to “give Angelica what she wants and then disengage,” but instead of surrendering Grace’s actual remains, they cleverly opt to take some ashes from Eva’s fireplace and place them in an urn. During the meeting with Angelica, who continues to wear her neck brace dramatically, she manipulates Becka (Eve Hewson) into apologizing for past altercations. While some good news surfaces with the return of Angelica’s lost rabbit, it quickly turns sour when Angelica makes another demand: she wishes to scatter Grace’s ashes at sea, explicitly excluding Eva from this poignant moment. She taunts Eva, saying, “I don’t think you’ve been respecting Grace’s memory of late… you and Ian comforting each other, shamelessly.” This remark strikes a deep chord, especially considering Eva’s evident heartache over her sister’s death.
Despite the ongoing challenges posed by Angelica’s manipulations, the Garvey sisters continue to lean on one another for emotional support. Ian’s visit to Eva on her birthday provides a glimpse into her vulnerability; she confesses her feelings of isolation, to which Ian tenderly responds, “We can be lonely together.” He gifts her a pair of slippers, observing that her old ones are worn out. Their conversation turns tense when Ian admits he cautioned Angelica to keep her distance from the sisters. Eva rebukes him, asserting that they are capable of handling their own affairs. As he departs, Ian inadvertently reveals the surprise party the sisters are organizing for Eva that night, raising the stakes of their already complicated relationship.
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Eva’s Birthday Party Uncovers Past Pain for the Garvey Sisters in Season 2 Episode 5
As Becka and Bibi (Sarah Greene) browse for party supplies, Bibi shares her aspirations regarding family planning, revealing that Angelica’s interference in Episode 2 inadvertently helped her connect more authentically with Nora (Yasmine Akrim). This is an unexpected upside from Angelica’s meddling. The sisters also procure an urn, which amusingly resembles a biscuit tin, to house Grace’s faux ashes. The evening of the party brings forth a wave of nostalgia as Eva reflects on a wall in her home, marked with the heights of the sisters during their childhood. This poignant moment encapsulates the bittersweet nature of their familial journey, underscoring the losses they have endured.
Most of the party unfolds smoothly, with the sisters donning festive costumes, including Eva’s striking red wig. Roger (Michael Smiley) arrives with oysters and, after asking Eva out—having previously pursued two of her sisters—he receives a polite refusal. Still, Eva invites him to join the festivities, and he eagerly participates in the karaoke. After the guests depart, the four sisters share an intimate moment singing and dancing together. Suddenly, Becka announces, “I’m pregnant!” This news, while bittersweet for Bibi due to her own fertility struggles, prompts the sisters to rally around Becka with unwavering support.
The Guarda Intensifies Their Investigation of the Garveys in ‘Bad Sisters’ Season 2 Episode 5
Detectives Houlihan and Loftus return to Ian’s residence for further inquiries, where they find his home in disarray, filled with paperwork. Ian refers to it as “death admin,” explaining that he met Grace at a grief group after losing his sister two years prior. His candidness makes him appear less suspicious. Ian also echoes the Garvey sisters’ sentiments regarding Angelica, stating that she seems to thrive on the suffering of others. He remarks, “It’s like she feeds off your grief,” and recalls how he and Grace would joke about Angelica’s predilection for chaos, saying she “got high on our lows.” When asked about the money Grace withdrew, Ian claims ignorance but speculates it might relate to helping Blanaid (Saise Quinn).
Despite Ian’s demeanor, Detective Houlihan remains skeptical, convinced there are deeper layers to the story. She expresses her disbelief, stating, “I don’t buy that it was a plain road collision,” suspecting Grace was concealing funds at home. Loftus, caught in a custody battle with his ex-wife over their daughter, finds a potential connection and decides to investigate further. He breaks into Ian and Grace’s home while Ian is away, showcasing a moral conflict as he grapples with his actions. In the backyard, he discovers Grace’s pet tortoises and uncovers a hidden plastic bag—could this be the elusive money? Loftus pockets the bag, leaving before anyone notices his intrusion.
Blanaid Mysteriously Disappears in ‘Bad Sisters’ Season 2 Episode 5
The sisters have arranged to meet Angelica at the marina the following day, but panic ensues when Blanaid goes missing. A scene unfolds showing her biking towards Angelica’s home, yet she is nowhere to be found. As Eva begins her frantic search, a social services worker appears at the Garvey home. Although the worker claims it’s a routine welfare check, there’s an underlying sense of unease, possibly orchestrated by Angelica. The house’s disarray from the previous night’s party raises suspicions about Eva’s capacity to care for Blanaid. Following the worker’s departure, Eva, overwhelmed with anxiety, heads to the police station to report Blanaid as missing. She expresses her concerns regarding the trustworthiness of those surrounding Blanaid, particularly referencing Angelica. Just as she goes on a frantic rant about Angelica’s influence and Grace’s missing money, Ian calls to reassure her that Blanaid has returned safe and sound, prompting Eva to backtrack her earlier comments, attributing her distress to a state of panic and hormonal upheaval.
Eva’s reunion with Blanaid reveals her niece’s annoyance at the unnecessary fuss, as she chastises Eva, “You’re not my mam. You’re no one’s mam!” Ian attempts to soothe Eva, explaining that Blanaid simply went shopping with money given by Angelica. As Eva nearly hyperventilates in her panic, Ian unexpectedly kisses her, leaving Eva in shock. This moment complicates their already tangled emotions, highlighting Angelica’s accusations as painfully accurate.
