She's a smart cookie, that Sharon Horgan. And she's got the impressive CV to prove it. Now, she's back both on and off-screen with a second season of the deliciously dark comedy-drama Bad Sisters.
As we as being an executive producer of the show, Sharon also plays Eva, one of the five Garvey girls who always seem to have murder on their minds.
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The first season was adapted from the superb Flemish series Clan (broadcast on Channel 4 as The Out-Laws, swapping Belgium for Dublin and co-starring Anne-Marie Duff as Grace, Eva Birthistle as Ursula, Sarah Greene as Bibi, and Eve Hewson as Becka.
This time around, Bad Sisters move beyond its Belgian roots with a completely new story. It's two years after the, eh, 'accidental' death of Grace’s abusive husband JP, and the close-knit Garvey sisters have moved on.
Well, that is until a new nightmare begins.
When we meet the Garveys again, Eva, the eldest Garvey sister who, now in her 50s, is seeking equilibrium in a life that's both chaotic and rewarding.
Grace is meanwhile grappling with her past while embracing a new romance and navigating life with a renewed sense of optimism, while Ursula remains committed to her career and children but is faced with the painful reality of separation.
Bibi continues to play the role of the sisters' protector, though it increasingly conflicts with her responsibilities to her own family.
Then there's 'Baby' Becka, who is slowly stepping into adulthood and responsibility, or at least making an effort.
"I was thrilled to return as Eva and to reunite with my incredible cast mates in Ireland," says Sharon Horgan, who also resumes her roles as executive producer and writer on Bad Sisters. "We’re diving into even more provocative and engaging stories this season."
The ensemble cast's enthusiasm for returning to tell more of the Garvey’s story was palpable. "Coming back was like reconnecting with family," says Eva Birthistle. "We had such a great time working together the first time around."
Anne-Marie Duff echoes this sentiment. "The camaraderie on set was tangible and it translates beautifully on screen," she says. "It’s a key part of what resonates with viewers."
At the end of season one, viewers found the Garvey sisters revelling in Grace’s newfound freedom from her oppressive past. Season two picks up a couple of years later, showcasing how each sister has pursued her own happiness - including Eva’s shift from alcohol to fitness and Bibi’s success as an online poker player.
However, the sisters’ peace is shattered when the dismembered body of JP’s father surfaces, and a close acquaintance goes missing.
The Garveys once again find themselves under suspicion, pushing their unity and resilience to the brink.
"Season two is all about secrets," says Eve Hewson. "They don’t stay buried for long, and the past resurfaces in unexpected ways. If season one was about saving Grace, this season is definitely about seeking justice for her."
With the appearance of dead bodies and unexplained disappearances, it's no surprise that DI Loftus (Barry Ward) is back this season. And he's got a new partner who spells more trouble for the Garveys.
Una Houlihan (Thaddea Graham) is a fledgling detective whose go-getter style couldn’t be more different from her DI’s world-weariness.
Another new character is Owen McDonnell, who plays Ian - he's the man who seems set to give Grace the happily-ever-after she so richly deserves.
McDonnell was thrilled to join the cast of Bad Sisters. "Sharon Horgan is a brilliant observer, but she’s also very good at allowing her characters to say what we might all think but would be too afraid to say," he says.
Season two also adds acclaimed Irish actress Fiona Shaw to the cast in the role of Angelica, a domineering woman who has recently moved in with her brother Roger, another of JP’s victims, and a neighbour to Grace.
"We knew the role of Angelica was perfect for her, but we weren't confident Fiona would take it," says Horgan. But Shaw was already a fan of the show and was well up for joining the cast.
"I was so overwhelmed by Bad Sisters because I was brought up in Ireland, but the Ireland it portrays, and the young Irish women, are so completely different from what I was brought up with," Shaw insists.
"We were much more strait-laced, much more old-fashioned. I felt I was getting a chance to experience my country in a completely new way.
"Sharon has an extraordinary brain and brings something amazing to the set, not just from acting opposite her, but also with her writing and the little tweaks she makes while we’re shooting a scene. It was a great privilege."
The eight-episode second season of Bad Sisters will make its global debut on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on Wednesday, November 13, followed by one episode weekly, every Wednesday until December 25.
Now there's a Christmas treat that's really worthy of a bit of anticipation.
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