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Adapted from a Flemish television program Clan, Bad Sisters is an Irish comedic drama centered on the five Garvey Sisters, and their recently deceased under questionable circumstances brother-in-law, John Paul, JP, who had been a controlling, emotionally abusive, and belittling
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husband. The story follows twin linear timelines, one after JP’s sudden death with a private insurance firm suspicious of the circumstances, and the other a few months prior as the other four sisters plot his murder.
JP, played with excellence by Danish actor Claes Bang, manages in every succeeding scene to justify the audience’s sympathy with the Garvey sisters and their desire to murder the man. Even in Episode Eight when, after witnessing the emotional abuse he suffered at the hands of his father, and I found some measure of pity for hi, the character managed to destroy that ember of good will with his own selfish and evil actions.
Each of the sisters is a well-drawn and performed character in their own right with their own motivation for their hatred of JP.
The series maintains a careful balance between drama, with JP’s cold, hurtful nature a dagger to anyone with a heart, and the comedy of errors as the sisters, not one with any sort of criminal experience, fumble repeated attempts to rid the world of JP’s baneful existence.
Complicating the situation are the half-brothers Thomas and Matt, inheritors of the small insurance firm responsible for JP’s policy, facing criminal charges and bankruptcy due to their deceased father’s fraud and mismanagement. Their only salvation would be finding the truth to avoid paying on the claim.
Bad Sister is a native Irish production and filled with familiar Irish actors. The program’s cinematography is lush, fully capturing the Emerald Isle’s beauty while never losing focus on the characters and their dilemmas. At the heart of the story is family and the bonds of blood that can drive people to extremes to defend and protect their siblings.
Currently streaming in Apple TV+, Bad Sisters, is enjoyable excursion and a welcome diversion.
