Bad Sisters is an Irish black comedy set in Dublin, focusing on the five Garvey sisters and their complex relationships. Created by Sharon Horgan, Dave Finkel, and Brett Baer, the first season, which aired on August 19, 2022, was highly praised.
It won a Peabody Award and the BAFTA for Best Drama Series in 2023. Due to its success, Apple TV+ renewed it for a second season, which aired on November 13, 2024.
In season two of Bad Sisters, Angelica, a new character played by Fiona Shaw, adds fresh dynamics to the story. She is introduced as Roger Muldoon's sister, a lonely and eccentric woman seeking connection.
Angelica's relationship with her brother Roger and her involvement with the Garvey sisters weave new threads into the plot. While initially portrayed as a harmless busybody, Angelica’s actions take a darker turn as she begins blackmailing the sisters.
All about the character Angelica in Bad Sisters
Roger Muldoon, who performed a significant role in season one, has relocated to reside with Angelica in the aftermath of John Paul's passing.
Angelica is depicted as a religious yet isolated individual who frequently exhibits a lack of self-awareness. She is depicted as obnoxious and brazen, which has earned her the Irish slang nickname 'The Wagon.'
Fiona Shaw characterized Angelica as a self-important and lonely individual who believes she can integrate herself into the Garvey sisters' lives.
Through the course of season two, her character undergoes a significant transformation. She is initially perceived as eccentric; however, she rapidly discloses a more malevolent aspect by blackmailing the sisters upon discovering their involvement in John Paul's death.
Angelica's manipulative behavior creates challenges for the Garvey sisters. Her mix of vulnerability and calculated actions makes her a complex and captivating character.
Her interactions with the sisters reveal her insecurities and her desperate need for control, with Fiona Shaw's performance highlighting these contradictions.
Key moments featuring Angelica
Angelica’s storyline takes several shocking turns. After learning about Roger’s role in covering up John Paul’s murder, she uses this information to blackmail the sisters. In a dramatic episode, Angelica demands to spread Grace’s ashes in the Irish Sea, coercing the sisters to comply.
However, the situation spirals out of control when Angelica falls off the boat during the trip. The scene, filmed in the English Channel, is intense, showcasing both her vulnerability and the unintended consequences of her manipulations.
This moment underscores Angelica’s complex character. While her actions stem from loneliness and a desire for significance, they also lead to chaos and conflict. Fiona Shaw’s performance adds authenticity to these moments, making Angelica a memorable figure in Bad Sisters.
All about Fiona Shaw: The actress who plays Angelica in Bad Sisters
Fiona Shaw is a renowned Irish actress who is recognized for her diverse roles in theater, television, and film. She was born on July 10, 1958. Fiona was recognized for her contributions to the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Shaw's illustrious career includes roles in the Harry Potter series, in which she played Petunia Dursley, and the highly regarded BBC series Killing Eve, for which she was BAFTA Award recipient. Along with the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in 1990, she has been nominated many times for her work on stage and film.
Fiona Shaw is a standout actor in Bad Sisters. Her performance of Angelica, which so reinforces her legacy as a great actress, shows even more her ability to bring varied characters to life.
Other cast members in Bad Sisters
Alongside Fiona Shaw, the main cast of Bad Sisters includes:
- Sharon Horgan as Eva Garvey
- Anne-Marie Duff as Grace Riley
- Eva Birthistle as Ursula Garvey
- Sarah Greene as Bibi Garvey
- Eve Hewson as Becka Garvey
- Brian Gleeson as Thomas Claffin
- Daryl McCormack as Matthew Claffin
- Michael Smiley as Roger Muldoon
Stay tuned for more news and updates on Bad Sisters and similar projects as the year progresses. The show is currently streaming exclusively on Apple TV+.