SPOILER ALERT: Major spoilers ahead for Season 2, Episode 8 of “Unhealthy Sisters,” which is currently available for streaming on Apple TV+.

Showrunner and actor Sharon Horgan has chosen to conclude the second season of the popular Apple TV+ series with a literal cliffhanger, aptly titled “Cliff Hanger.” This season finale is sure to leave fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what comes next for the Garvey sisters.

In the dramatic eighth and final episode of the season, the surviving Garvey sisters — Eva (Horgan), Bibi (Sarah Greene), Ursula (Eva Birthistle), and Becka (Eve Hewson) — find themselves entangled once again in a grim scenario involving a dead body. In a shocking twist, Angelica (Fiona Shaw) severely injures the abusive conman Ian (Owen McDonnell) by striking him on the head, leaving him seemingly lifeless in a pool of blood, thus setting off a series of frantic decisions and moral dilemmas for the sisters.

Determined to dispose of Ian’s body, the sisters load him into the trunk of their car, intending to throw him off a cliff. However, upon reaching their destination, they discover that Ian is not as dead as they initially believed. In a chaotic turn of events, he escapes from the trunk, only to accidentally tumble off the cliff himself, yet somehow survives the fall. This unexpected twist leaves the Garvey sisters grappling with an urgent question: Should they let Ian perish on the cliff or call for emergency assistance?

After some heated discussions and disagreements among themselves, the sisters ultimately choose to call for an ambulance, mirroring the tense moral choices made in Season 1 when Grace survived while her abusive husband JP, a.k.a. The Prick, portrayed by Claes Bang, met his end. This decision reflects the complex dynamics within the sisters’ relationships and the haunting repercussions of their past actions.

Before the Season 2 finale premiered on Apple TV+, the cast and lead director Dearbhla Walsh participated in an insightful discussion with Variety. They delved into the challenges of filming on a cliff edge, the motivations behind the sisters’ choice to show mercy to Ian, and the exciting prospects of a potential Season 3.

Sharon, what inspired the compelling Ian storyline?

Sharon Horgan: The fundamental question driving the narrative was, “Can lightning strike twice?” It focuses on women who have been in abusive relationships and explores how they often find themselves repeating patterns without realizing it. They can become targets once again, and I was initially hesitant to introduce this theme, fearing it might be too bold. However, as the storyline developed, particularly concerning Grace, it evolved naturally in the writers’ room. We aimed to illustrate the collateral damage of having a man like [JP] in your life. Just because he is gone doesn’t mean the pain and guilt disappear. Grace is portrayed as a good person trapped in a horrific situation, and the story raises the question of whether she can truly move on with her life.

Dearbhla Walsh: It was surprising how much audiences connected with The Prick character, and how passionately they loved to loathe him. In crafting the second season, we wanted to avoid simply recycling that character and instead focus on deeper themes and character growth.

Anne-Marie, what are your thoughts on Grace’s recurring pattern of relationships with abusers?

Anne-Marie Duff: Unfortunately, many individuals, regardless of gender, who find themselves in unhealthy relationships tend to be repeat offenders until they uncover the reasons behind their choices. There’s a tragic inevitability to this behavior. The character of Ian appears to be the ideal partner at first glance, which makes it all the more devastating for the audience. The casting of Owen, with his charm and good looks, adds to this complexity. As Eva becomes more involved with him, her discoveries reflect the intricate nature of these relationships, but there is a sad inevitability that seems to pervade their dynamics.

Did you create a detailed backstory for Grace to understand her inclination towards abusive relationships?

Duff: We all recognized that the Garvey sisters lost their parents at a young age, and the trauma associated with that loss manifests differently in everyone. Some individuals wear their trauma like a badge, while others strive to heal. Grace’s attempts to find safety in someone else’s support system ultimately lead her to make poor choices, reflecting the complex and often painful journey of healing from trauma.

What was the experience like filming the intense cliffside scene during winter?

Horgan: We were filming right at the edge of the cliff, secured by harnesses. It was incredibly terrifying, yet there was a strange sense of confidence that came with the safety equipment. However, we had to be cautious not to lean into that false sense of security, as it could lead to complacency in our performances.

Walsh: I remember reminding everyone, “Okay, can we do this again, and this time can you look like it’s actually dangerous?”

Sarah Greene: Dearbhla had to keep reminding us that it was genuinely dangerous. The weather that night was chaotic, as it rained continuously, and we spent much of the evening huddled together in our trailer, napping. The crew, however, was soaked. Despite the discomfort, it was an authentic cliff, not CGI or a studio set. Dearbhla was committed to capturing that reality.

Eve Hewson: We experienced multiple nights of filming at various cliff locations. There were times when we were harnessed in and had to climb down the cliff to perform scenes while hanging off the edge. Those moments were both hilarious and grueling, especially when the rain would start just as we were getting ready to shoot. It fostered a sense of camaraderie among us, despite the cold and exhaustion we faced.

Eva Birthistle: The weather was truly dreadful. We were suspended off the side of the mountain in the middle of the night, secured by harnesses. The ground was slippery due to the rain, and it seemed like every time we were ready to roll, the rain would pour down again. The health and safety team was constantly telling us to stop and then get ready again, making the entire experience a surreal challenge. Meanwhile, poor Owen lay on a rock by the sea, waves crashing over him.

Horgan: Poor Owen indeed. He would come in between takes, and even when we had a brief moment to relax, he didn’t remove his harness.

Birthistle: Eventually, Owen decided that he wouldn’t keep getting up and down. He ended up lying on that rock, splashed by the ocean, for what felt like six hours.

Walsh: Everyone was eager to perform their own stunts; there were no complaints about the challenges we faced.

Why did the sisters ultimately choose to save Ian? Sharon, what factors influenced Eva’s decision?

Horgan: Given everything that transpired, the sisters are not murderers. Their reactions often stem from the chaos surrounding them. In this case, it was about making it believable that they would deal with the aftermath of Ian’s situation following Angelica’s actions. Ultimately, it’s a matter of survival and the instinct to protect one another. They feel the weight of scrutiny on them, especially regarding Angelica, and the decision to save Ian becomes a moral crossroads for them. Despite the risks involved, Eva understands that this is an opportunity for redemption. It’s a significant risk, but deep down, she believes it’s the right choice.

Walsh: Additionally, Blanaid plays a crucial role in guiding the sisters’ decisions throughout the series.

Horgan: Eva’s choices are rooted in her desire to do what’s best for her family and herself.

Walsh: For ordinary people, taking a life is a significant moral dilemma, and we wanted to keep that grounded in reality.

Horgan: There’s a vast difference between putting someone in the trunk of a car and actively pushing them off a cliff and witnessing their demise. The sisters are not at a point where such a drastic action feels justified or natural for them. Crossing that line would have far-reaching consequences, and they are aware of that.

Becka strongly advocates for Ian’s survival. Eve, do you believe this was the right decision?

Hewson: I found it to be a very intelligent choice. It reflects their true nature. The writing is astute; no one dies in Season 2, and in fact, no one is murdered throughout the series. Grace is the only one who has committed a murder. The sisters find themselves in situations where it seems like they might resort to murder, yet they never follow through due to various moral considerations. Although Mina’s death was an accident, the cliff scene illustrates Becka’s innocence and ability to articulate the heart of the matter. Despite their disdain for Ian, they collectively realize that murder is not an option.

Sarah, what is Bibi’s stance on the decision to spare Ian’s life?

Greene: Becka is correct: They are not murderers. The writing by Sharon is incredibly clever, as the sisters never actually kill anyone. While there have been deaths, they are not directly responsible. I believe Bibi would indeed want him to survive, as it aligns with their moral compass.

Birthistle: I appreciate stories that leave certain elements unresolved, as they present opportunities for further exploration.

Sharon, have you begun to outline a storyline for a potential third season?

Horgan: We are always in discussions about future story arcs and potential directions for the series.

These interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.