The second season of Bad Sisters started on a promising note, hinting that the Garvey sisters might finally escape the chaos of their past. They were all trying to rebuild their lives, but trouble reappeared when Grace (Anne-Marie Duff) trusted yet another unworthy man.
Questions about Ian’s (Owen McDonnell) true intentions had been raised earlier, and this episode confirms it—he’s another toxic figure who has infiltrated their lives, dragging them into turmoil once more.
Eva’s Shocking Discovery
The episode opens with Eva (Sharon Horgan) receiving a text from Dublin City Bank during her morning run. It informs her of a completed transfer from Blanaid Williams’ Child Saver Account. This immediately connects to Ian’s actions from the previous episode, where he manipulated Eva into adding his name to the account.
Now, Eva realizes Ian has stolen all the money. Panicking, she tries to contact him, but he avoids her calls. When she visits his house, she discovers he has vanished, taking all his belongings with him.
Ian’s betrayal runs deeper—he anonymously delivers a flash drive to Detective Una Houlihan (Thaddea Graham). The drive contains video evidence of the Garvey sisters and Angelica boarding a boat, incriminating them. Ian has effectively turned them in to the authorities.
Arrests and Revelations
Eva checks on Blanaid to ensure her safety and then learns that her sisters have been arrested. At the police station, Houlihan interrogates Bibi (Sarah Greene), Ursula (Eva Birthistle), and Becka (Eve Hewson) individually. Despite the mounting pressure, none of them reveals Angelica’s (Fiona Shaw) location.
Frustrated, Houlihan’s investigation takes an unexpected turn when Detective Fergal Loftus (Barry Ward) interrupts to announce that Angelica has been found alive. He declares the case closed, releasing the sisters.
Eva, still reeling, confirms her fears at the bank—Ian has cleaned out Blanaid’s account, taking $100,000. Legally, the bank can’t intervene since Eva authorized Ian’s access. Devastated, she confesses everything to her sisters, admitting that Ian played her.
Worse still, they can’t report him to the police because he knows their secrets. Together, they piece together more of the puzzle. Eva suspects Grace also realized Ian was using her, and the money Grace withdrew wasn’t for Angelica as they assumed—it was to pay off Ian. Ursula decides to speak with Angelica to buy them more time.
Angelica’s Recovery and Fears
At the hospital, Angelica is recovering from severe injuries caused by the sailboat’s boom striking her in Episode 5. She has visible bruises and a gash on her forehead, but she survived three hours in the water before being rescued. When Ursula visits, Angelica is initially fearful.
Roger (Michael Smiley) explains that Angelica remembers boarding the boat but nothing afterward. Ursula recounts the accident and Becka’s near-drowning attempt to save her. However, Roger is skeptical about why the sisters didn’t report Angelica’s location earlier. Ursula reluctantly admits Ian convinced them to stay silent, claiming they’d be accused of murder.
Houlihan also visits Angelica, who reflects on her friendship with Grace, saying they bonded over shared grief. When asked about Ian’s story of losing a sister, Angelica reveals she never believed it was true. This adds more suspicion to Ian’s already questionable character.
Searching for Ian
Determined to confront Ian and recover Blanaid’s money, the sisters begin their search. Becka approaches Joe (Peter Claffey), Ian’s friend, for information. However, their conversation turns heated as unresolved feelings surface. Joe, hurt by Becka’s withdrawal and her secrecy about the pregnancy, refuses to help.
Despite their argument, Joe softens when Becka says she’s keeping the baby but insists she needs his help. He acknowledges the Garvey sisters’ poor judgment, saying, “You Garveys really know how to pick a prick.” While Joe storms off initially, he later provides the sisters with a critical clue—Ian is a gambler.
This information leads Bibi and Becka to Roger, who also enjoys gambling. They apologize for Angelica’s accident and convince him to assist. Roger recalls seeing Ian at the horse races and offers to help track him down, saying, “Girls, you had me at honor Grace.”
At the horse races, the sisters’ search proves challenging. Eva spots someone resembling Ian, but it’s a false lead. Roger eventually learns Ian’s real name is Cormac, and he’s from Tyrone. This revelation adds another layer to Ian’s deceit.
Houlihan’s Growing Suspicion
Despite Loftus’ insistence that the case is closed, Houlihan continues investigating. She searches for Ian’s name in police databases but finds no matches.
At Loftus’ retirement party, Houlihan confronts him about his past lies. Loftus defends his unethical actions, claiming he stole money to win custody of his daughter. Disgusted, Houlihan reluctantly congratulates him during her speech but privately resolves to uncover more.
Later, Ursula approaches Loftus for help locating Ian, but he refuses, claiming he’s retired. However, Loftus accidentally reveals he found the stolen money at Grace’s house, not her car as previously claimed. Ursula realizes his deception and leaves in anger.
Houlihan’s persistence uncovers Ian’s true identity. She learns Ian’s real name is Cormac Sweeney, a former police officer who stole the identity of a deceased man named Ian Reilly. His record includes embezzlement, fraud, and domestic abuse, further confirming his dangerous nature.
Eva Confronts Ian’s Double Life
Determined to find Ian, Eva recalls his lucky number, “5,” from the horse races. Using this to unlock Ian’s phone (found earlier in the season), she discovers his address. When Eva visits, a pregnant woman answers the door, claiming not to know Ian or Cormac.
Eva shows her a photo of Grace and mentions her death, but the woman denies involvement. After Eva leaves, the woman confronts Ian, revealing he’s been hiding with their children. She warns him to “sort this out” before the Garveys get closer.
Still from Bad Sisters (Credit: Apple TV)
Eva’s investigation aligns with Houlihan’s findings. The detective discovers Ian’s history of domestic abuse—including photos of his current partner’s injuries—and his deep involvement in fraudulent schemes.
The episode ends on a tense note when Eva goes to pick up Blanaid from school, only to learn Ian has already taken her. Arriving at Grace’s house, Eva is horrified to see Ian waiting for her.
What Lies Ahead?
With only one episode left, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Ian’s betrayal has left the Garveys vulnerable, and his dangerous nature poses an immediate threat. Will the sisters find a way to protect themselves and Blanaid, or will Ian’s deceit lead to more destruction? The tension continues to build, leaving viewers eager for the season finale.
This week’s Skeleton Crew Episode 4 brings directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert to the forefront as they add their unique storytelling flair to the series.
Searching for Home on At Achrann
Following their meeting with Jod’s former ally, Kh’ymm (Alia Shawkat), in Episode 3, the group sets out to locate At Attin. Instead, they land on a nearly identical planet called At Achrann. The planet’s eerie similarity to At Attin raises questions: Why are there so many planets that seem like replicas?
What was the Republic’s purpose in creating such worlds? As the crew shows At Achrann, these mysteries become central to the episode.
The episode opens on a lighthearted note, with Fern asserting her authority as captain by banning adults from the cockpit. SM-33 (Nick Frost), the group’s droid, enforces this rule enthusiastically, much to Jod’s dismay. After landing, Fern assigns SM-33 to babysit Jod, and the droid humorously announces he is activating his “babysitting sequence.”
While the children show the planet, Jod takes advantage of the situation by rummaging through their belongings. He discovers a stash of Republic credits in Wim’s bag but is caught by SM-33, who accuses him of theft.
Jod’s embarrassment is short-lived as the droid begins recounting his past experiences on At Achrann, calling it a “dangerous place.” SM-33’s memory of the planet seems fragmented, but his cryptic comment, “Can’t say I remember no At Attin,” sets the tone for the episode’s title and the events to come.
A Ruined World and New Friends
As the young crew ventures deeper into At Achrann, they notice unsettling similarities between this planet and At Attin. However, it is evident that At Achrann has suffered a great catastrophe. Buildings lie in ruins, schools are abandoned, and homes are overgrown with trees.
While examining a headless statue humorously nicknamed “King No Head” by Wim, they are ambushed by two children who have been following them since their arrival.
The older of the two children, Hayna (Hala Finley), demands to know what flag they fly. When the group fails to answer, Hayna becomes suspicious. Before she can press them further, Hattan warriors arrive, forcing everyone to hide in a derelict tram car.
Once the danger passes, Hayna leads the crew to her clan’s base in an abandoned school. There, they meet her father, General Strix (Mathieu Kassovitz), the leader of the Troik clan. Strix explains that on At Achrann, children are treated as adults, a principle that reflects the harsh realities of their world.
When the group asks General Strix about At Attin, he dismisses their questions and states that the Troik have no interest in off-world matters. Hayna, however, mentions ancient carvings in a location called the “Fallen Sanctum” that might provide answers.
Strix deems the Sanctum too dangerous to visit but offers the group a deal: if they train and prove their worth in the Troik’s ongoing fight against the Hattan, he will allow them access to the carvings. Though reluctant, the young crew agrees.
During their training, KB demonstrates exceptional sharpshooting skills, while Wim struggles as a marksman. Meanwhile, Neel bonds with Hayna, who introduces him to the Troik settlement and shares her perspective on the hardships of life on At Achrann.
Their growing friendship highlights the contrast between the relatively peaceful lives of the crew and the constant battles faced by the Troik.
Leadership Tested in the Face of Conflict
As the crew’s training concludes, General Strix declares that Captain Fern and her friends will lead the Troik into battle against the Hattan. Fern is hesitant, but Strix’s insistence leaves her with no choice.
The young crew marches with the Troik warriors through the smoky streets of At Achrann, feeling the weight of their new responsibility. Fern begins to question her role as a leader, especially when veiled threats from the Troik discourage any thoughts of desertion.
Fortunately, when they reach their destination, they do not find Hattan warriors waiting for them. Instead, they are greeted by Jod and SM-33, who have retrieved the Troik’s stolen eopies. Jod reveals that he used Wim’s credits to buy the eopies back from the Hattan, a risky but ultimately successful move.
His actions earn him the admiration of the Troik, and General Strix offers him rewards. However, Jod only asks for the safety of the children in return. This unexpected gesture surprises Fern, though it remains unclear whether Jod’s motivations are entirely selfless.
A View of Hope and the Fallen Sanctum
With the Troik’s trust secured, Hayna takes the crew to the Fallen Sanctum. The towering structure is ominous and decayed, much like the rest of At Achrann. Inside, the group discovers ancient intergalactic coordinates etched into the columns.
Still from Star Wars Skeleton Crew (Credit: Disney+)
These carvings point to various planets, including At Attin, but the coordinates for their home planet have been destroyed. SM-33 reveals that he was responsible for destroying the coordinates during his time on At Achrann with his former captain. However, his fragmented memory offers little clarity on why this was done.
This revelation overwhelms Fern, who runs off to process her emotions. She worries that she has failed as a captain and questions whether she was ever suited for the role. Wim finds her and tries to reassure her, emphasizing the courage and leadership she has shown so far.
Though Fern initially doubts herself, she regains her resolve and returns to confront SM-33. Using her authority as captain, she orders the droid to recall everything about At Attin.
SM-33 complies but reveals a chilling detail: his former captain ordered him to eliminate anyone who sought At Attin. This command causes SM-33 to malfunction and turn on the crew.
A Heroic Stand and a Bittersweet Goodbye
As SM-33 begins attacking, Neel steps forward to distract the droid, giving Jod enough time to deactivate it. Though Neel’s bravery saves the day, the ordeal leaves him exhausted.
The crew’s relief is short-lived as they realize they are no closer to finding their way back to At Attin. However, their journey has brought them new allies and strengthened their bond as a team.
Before departing, Neel tries to convince Hayna to join them in search of a better life. Hayna declines, explaining that her responsibilities to her people come first.
She expresses hope that one day, as the leader of the Troik, she can bring about change inspired by her time with Neel. Their farewell is marked by a tender moment as Hayna kisses Neel’s cheek, leaving him blushing and hinting at the beginning of a deeper connection.
The Road Ahead
The episode closes with the crew preparing to continue their journey. Though their path remains uncertain, their determination to find At Attin grows stronger.
The Daniels’ direction captures the youthful spirit and emotional depth that make Skeleton Crew stand out within the Star Wars universe. While the plot’s logic occasionally stretches thin, the episode’s humor, heart, and sense of adventure deliver an engaging experience for viewers.
With four episodes now available to stream on Disney+, Skeleton Crew has reached its halfway point. New episodes premiere every Tuesday at 9 PM ET, promising more challenges, discoveries, and moments of growth for Jod, Fern, and the crew as they search for a place to call home.
Set in the New Republic era, four kids from At Attin, Wim, Fern, KB, and Neel, find a hidden spaceship, get lost in the galaxy, and enlist the help of pirate Jod Na Nawood to get home. It’s Goonies-meets-Star Wars, full of mischief, mystery, and coming-of-age moments.
