The Garvey sisters have always had a strong bond. However, in Season 2, Episode 3 of Bad Sisters, the family faces a devastating new challenge. After losing Grace (Anne-Marie Duff) in a tragic car accident, the once tight-knit group is left broken and grieving.
The episode begins with a somber atmosphere, picking up right where Episode 2 ended. Each sister is trying to process Grace’s death in her own way, but the weight of their loss is overwhelming.
The Garvey sisters—Eva (Sharon Horgan), Ursula (Eva Birthistle), Bibi (Sarah Greene), and Becka (Eve Hewson)—are all mourning Grace, but true to form, they find themselves pulled into new troubles. Grace’s death has left questions unanswered, and her absence has brought lingering guilt and fears to the forefront.
Adding to their challenges is the arrival of Angelica (Fiona Shaw), a meddlesome figure who quickly establishes herself as a new antagonist.
While John Paul, the abusive husband they eliminated in Season 1, is no longer a threat, Angelica’s presence poses fresh dangers. The Garvey sisters are forced to face their grief while trying to protect themselves and their family from unraveling further.
A Somber Beginning and Lingering Questions
The opening scene shows the Garvey sisters in a heartbreaking state. Ursula sits in her car taking pills to cope with her anxiety before breaking down and collapsing into Eva’s arms. Bibi and Becka join in the emotional moment, and the four sisters share a collective grief that underscores the depth of their bond. Once a group of five, they are now reduced to four.
Eva listens to a voicemail Grace left her on the night of the accident. The sisters wonder what Grace might have needed help with and what caused her fatal car crash. They try to rationalize their earlier assumptions that Grace had harmed her husband Ian (Owen McDonnell). The group agrees it was probably “group hysteria” that made them think Grace was guilty of anything.
However, the circumstances of Grace’s accident remain suspicious. Ursula becomes increasingly anxious, knowing she had given Grace pills to help with her anxiety. She worries the medication might have impaired Grace’s driving and led to her death. Desperate to find answers, Ursula searches Grace’s house for the pills but comes up empty-handed.
When the police inform the family that someone must identify Grace’s body, Ursula steps forward. She claims her experience as a nurse makes her the best choice, but her decision also seems to be driven by guilt. Ursula asks Detective Inspector Fergal Loftus (Barry Ward) to let her know when Grace’s toxicology report is ready.
Loftus, however, dismisses her request, making it clear that their brief romantic encounter after a speed dating event won’t earn her any favors.
The Sisters Grapple with Guilt and Grief
Eva struggles with her emotions and impulsively quits her job after angrily yelling at her boss during a phone call. After hanging up, she casually remarks, “I just handed in my notice,” showing a glimpse of her dry humor amid the chaos.
Still from Bad Sisters (Credit: Apple TV)
Becka notices that Bibi hasn’t shed a single tear for Grace and questions her sister’s lack of emotional response. Bibi, as always, uses sarcasm as a defense mechanism.
The sisters bicker but come together to choose Grace’s final outfit. Blanaid (Saise Quinn), Grace’s teenage daughter, joins them and helps them select the perfect dress. Despite the tension, the moment allows the sisters to reflect on their memories of Grace.
Bibi laments their decision to target John Paul in Season 1, declaring, “I wish we’d never started this… never gone after The Prick.” The sisters are reminded that their actions against John Paul, though justified, have come with heavy consequences. Grace’s death feels like the ultimate price.
A Funeral Full of Drama and Surprises
Grace’s funeral brings unexpected guests and emotional confrontations. Angelica arrives at the church, visibly distraught, but her behavior rubs the sisters the wrong way. Bibi labels her a “grief thief,” accusing Angelica of turning their loss into her own drama. When Angelica tries to sit in the front row with the family, the sisters insist she move, setting the stage for further conflict.
Blanaid initially refuses to sit with her aunts, still processing her mother’s death, but eventually moves to the front to sit beside Eva. Just as the service begins, Matt Clafflin (Daryl McCormack), Grace’s insurance agent, makes an appearance. His presence raises eyebrows, particularly from Loftus and Detective Una Houlihan (Thaddea Graham), who note that it’s unusual for an insurance agent to attend a client’s funeral.
The elderly priest officiating the service struggles to deliver his speech coherently, causing Bibi to burst into laughter. This unexpected moment of humor soon turns into genuine tears, marking the first time Bibi openly grieves. Though the sisters agreed not to give a eulogy, Grace’s admirer Roger (Michael Smiley) honors her with a heartfelt song. Bibi joins in, creating a bittersweet tribute.
As the service ends, another surprise guest arrives—Ian, Grace’s estranged husband. Ian reveals that he and Grace had an argument the night of her accident, which led him to stay with a friend. This revelation confirms that Grace hadn’t harmed him as the sisters had suspected.
When Ian confronts the sisters, he directly asks if they helped Grace kill John Paul. Eva admits, “We covered it up,” hinting at the guilt that continues to weigh on them.
Angelica’s Manipulation and Ursula’s Desperation
At the post-funeral gathering, Angelica begins her calculated interference. She approaches Ursula, offering sympathy and sharing her own experiences with loss. Believing Angelica’s intentions to be genuine, Ursula confesses her guilt about giving Grace pills and admits, “I think this is my fault.” Angelica, however, uses this confession to gain leverage.
In the days following the funeral, Ursula tries to contact Angelica, but her calls go unanswered. When she confronts Angelica at the community center where she volunteers, Angelica subtly blackmails her, claiming that repairs to a broken window would cost 200 euros. Ursula, desperate to keep Angelica quiet, pays her with an envelope labeled “For Quiet.”
Things worsen for Ursula when she learns her ex-husband’s new girlfriend, Ally (Deirdre Mullins), is conducting an audit at the hospital. The investigation is tied to missing pills—pills Ursula had stolen for personal use. Although she tries to cover her tracks, Ursula suspects Angelica is behind the report.
Ursula confesses to Ally that she started taking the pills to help her son with nightmares but continued using them herself after experiencing relief from her own stress. This revelation could cost Ursula her job, further adding to her troubles.
A New Villain Emerges
Meanwhile, Loftus and Houlihan continue their investigation into Grace’s death and other suspicious events connected to the Garvey sisters. Houlihan uncovers details about Bibi’s poker-playing past and suspects a connection between Becka and Matt.
When questioned about her interactions with Matt, Becka denies any involvement, but the detectives remain skeptical of the sisters.
Eva tries to reconnect with Blanaid, who has grown distant. Eva reminds Ian that Grace wanted her to step in as a parental figure if anything happened to her. Ian reassures Eva that he only wants what’s best for Blanaid. In a poignant moment, Ian admits, “I wish I could have saved Grace.”
While at Ian’s house, Eva discovers bank slips in one of Grace’s coats, revealing that Grace withdrew over 20,000 euros before her death. The purpose of this money remains a mystery, adding another layer of intrigue.
When the toxicology report finally arrives, the sisters learn that Grace has not taken any of the pills Ursula gave her. Overcome with relief, Ursula breaks down in tears, knowing she isn’t responsible for Grace’s accident. However, the detectives remain determined to uncover the truth, warning the sisters, “We will get to the bottom of it all.”
A Tense Conclusion
Ursula confesses to her sisters about the pills and her conversation with Angelica. Recognizing Angelica as a threat, Becka states, “We need to get one step ahead of her.”
The episode ends with a chilling twist. Blanaid secretly meets with Angelica, hinting that Angelica’s manipulation may extend to Grace’s daughter. As “Dedicated to the One I Love” by The Mamas and The Papas plays, the tension rises, leaving viewers wondering what Angelica’s next move will be.
While some questions are answered in this episode, new complications arise. The Garvey sisters may have to revisit their dark past to protect their family once again. The third episode of Bad Sisters Season 2 masterfully balances grief, guilt, and suspense as the Garvey sisters face mounting challenges.
Still from Bad Sisters (Credit: Apple TV)
Grace’s death leaves unanswered questions, while Angelica’s manipulative behavior introduces a dangerous new antagonist. The sisters’ bond is tested by old secrets and new threats, with Ursula’s pill-related guilt and Blanaid’s growing distance adding emotional depth.
As the toxicology report clears Grace of wrongdoing, the mystery surrounding her final days deepens. With Angelica’s schemes intensifying and the detectives closing in, the Garvey sisters must confront their past decisions to safeguard their future. The stakes have never been higher.
Season 26 of The Voice has reached its high-stakes Playoffs stage, where each coach must make some of the toughest decisions yet. The task is to narrow their teams from five talented artists to just two who will advance to the live shows.
This point in the competition is crucial, as the decisions made now can define the rest of the season. The Playoffs are known for producing moments of brilliance and drama, as both veterans and newcomers to coaching weigh their choices carefully.
Gwen Stefani, one of the veteran coaches, is tasked with whittling her team down. After working with Sting as her team mentor during the Knockouts, Gwen has invited a new mentor to help in the Playoffs: Machine Gun Kelly (MGK). Known for his daring style and ability to cross musical genres, MGK brings fresh energy and industry expertise to the coaching sessions.
Before the performances begin, Gwen shares a humorous personal detail: she is slightly dyslexic, which makes her joke that referring to Machine Gun Kelly by his nickname might be a challenge.
She also mentions her famous track Hollaback Girl, referencing its iconic spelling of the word “bananas.” This light-hearted exchange sets the tone for a night that mixes intense competition with moments of levity.
Jose Luis Proves He’s a Star
Jose Luis, one of Gwen’s standout contestants, receives high praise right from the start. Gwen describes him as a “monster” on stage, acknowledging his immense talent. She even admits she doesn’t know how to coach someone of his caliber and decides to simply cheer him on.
MGK takes a different approach, showing he has done his homework by watching Jose Luis’ previous performances. This preparation allows MGK to give detailed and thoughtful advice tailored to Jose’s style and strengths.
For his Playoffs performance, Jose Luis chooses No More Drama by Mary J. Blige, a powerful anthem that resonates deeply with him. The song reflects his journey and his struggles with bullying during childhood for being perceived as too feminine.
Jose pours his heart into the performance, accompanied by backup singers who add richness to the sound. On stage, he exudes star power, delivering a performance so polished it could have easily been part of an awards show. Jose’s ability to connect with the song emotionally and his commanding stage presence make him one of the strongest contenders in the Playoffs.
Jake Tankersley Brings Country to the Stage
Still from The Voice Season 26 (Credit: NBC)
After hearing about Jake’s admiration for country legends, MGK encourages him to channel the mystique of Johnny Cash in his performance.
Jake selects The Painter by Cody Johnson for his Playoffs performance. His performance is clean, solid, and very much in line with what country music fans would expect. While Jake has a smooth, radio-ready voice that could easily find a place on the country charts, his performance feels safe.
Compared to some of his competitors, Jake lacks the dynamic energy that could upgrade his stage presence and set him apart.
Gabrielle Zabosky Stands Out With Creativity
Gabrielle Zabosky is placed in the middle of the performance lineup, a spot that can sometimes be a disadvantage in competition shows. However, Gabrielle’s quirky charm and talent make her memorable.
During her coaching session, she quickly bonds with MGK, who is thrilled to learn that she quit her job at Olive Garden to pursue her dream on The Voice. MGK is so impressed by her determination that he jumps out of his chair to give her a fist bump.
For her Playoffs performance, Gabrielle makes a bold choice by reimagining Roxette’s Listen To Your Heart as a stripped-down piano ballad. This decision allows her to showcase her artistry and vocal skills in a way that feels deeply personal.
Her performance transforms the song, turning it into something uniquely hers. Gabrielle’s ability to take creative risks and her polished delivery make her a standout contender, proving she knows exactly who she wants to be as an artist.
Jan Dan’s Bold Song Choice
Jan Dan is no stranger to high-pressure moments, having been saved by Gwen during the Knockouts. Known for choosing interesting and unconventional songs, Jan decides to take on Dust in the Wind by Kansas for the Playoffs.
The classic rock ballad allows Jan to show new dimensions of his voice, showcasing depth and versatility. Vocally, he delivers a polished performance with impressive runs and smooth transitions.
However, while his singing is strong, his stage presence leaves something to be desired. Jan’s performance, though technically sound, lacks the charisma and star power needed to attract the audience truly.
Sydney Sterlace Steps Into the Spotlight
Sydney Sterlace is Team Gwen’s youngest member. At 15, she is relatable to MGK, who notes that his own daughter is the same age. Sydney shares her aspirations to be a singer-songwriter and her admiration for Taylor Swift, calling herself a devoted Swiftie.
For her Playoffs performance, Sydney chooses betty from Taylor Swift’s Folklore album. She aims to focus on storytelling rather than vocal gymnastics, hoping to connect with the audience through her interpretation of the lyrics. Gwen advises her to pay closer attention to the song’s emotional tone, suggesting that her initial take is too cheerful for its reflective mood.
In her performance, Sydney sits next to a guitarist, creating an intimate atmosphere that highlights her storytelling. While her approach is sweet and sincere, it lacks the polish and presence expected on such a big stage. Sydney’s performance feels more like a talent show act than a Playoffs performance, which might make it difficult for her to stand out among her competitors.
Gwen Stefani’s Surprising Final Picks
After all five performances, Gwen faces the difficult task of choosing just two artists to advance to the live shows. Her decision is clearly emotional, and she even breaks down in tears while considering her options.
Based on the performances, Jose Luis and Gabrielle Zabosky seem like the obvious choices. Both delivered standout performances that showcased their artistry, vocal ability, and potential as stars.
However, Gwen surprises everyone with her final decision. She chooses Jan Dan and Sydney Sterlace to represent Team Gwen in the live shows.
While both are talented, their Playoffs performances were not as strong as those of Jose and Gabrielle. Gwen’s decision leaves fans and viewers questioning her strategy, as this is not the first time this season she has made unexpected choices.
What Lies Ahead for the Contestants?
The Playoffs are just the beginning of the intense competition leading up to the live shows. For Jan Dan and Sydney Sterlace, advancing means they’ll need to bring their A-game to compete with the other teams’ strongest performers. Meanwhile, fans are left wondering how Gwen’s unconventional decisions will impact her team’s chances in the live shows.
As always, The Voice continues to be a platform for incredible talent and unpredictable moments. Whether Gwen’s choices pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the competition is only going to get tougher from here.
Conclusion
As the Playoffs for The Voice Season 26 come to a close, the competition is only heating up. Gwen Stefani’s decision to pick Jan Dan and Sydney Sterlace to represent her team in the live shows has left many questioning the logic behind her choices, especially given the standout performances from Jose Luis and Gabrielle Zabosky.
Still from The Voice Season 26 (Credit: NBC)
While these decisions are surprising, they are not entirely without merit. Gwen has shown time and time again that she is willing to make bold moves, even if they go against the grain of fan expectations.
For Jan Dan and Sydney, the path to the live shows now holds even more pressure. Both contestants have shown promise, but they will need to step up their performances to prove they are worthy of advancing further.
Jan Dan’s ability to impress with his vocal range is undeniable, though his stage presence will need to match his vocal ability. Similarly, Sydney, with her youthful charm, will need to refine her storytelling and emotional connection to her songs to stand out against stronger competitors.
The decisions made in the Playoffs are critical not just for the artists themselves but also for their coaches. With only a few spots left in the live shows, every move counts. Gwen’s choices will be closely scrutinized, and the impact of her picks will unfold in the coming weeks.
The Voice has once again proven that it is full of surprises, and the road to the finale is never predictable. Fans can expect more unexpected twists, powerful performances, and emotional moments as the battle for the crown intensifies.
As the show continues, the question remains: Will Gwen’s controversial picks pay off, or will the other artists prove that her decisions were the wrong ones? Only time will tell.
The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC, with episodes available to stream on Peacock.
