Sweetpea, a new and highly engaging show on Starz, is taking the streaming world by storm. With only six episodes currently available, it has managed to attract audiences with its gripping narrative and intense character development.
The show’s near-perfect pacing and intriguing plot twists have kept viewers glued to their screens. While many questions remain unanswered after a maddening cliffhanger, fans can’t help but speculate about what the future holds for the main characters: Rhiannon (Ella Purnell), AJ (Calam Lynch), Marina (Leah Harvey), and Julia (Nicôle Lecky).
As of now, a second season has not been officially confirmed, leaving fans eagerly waiting for news. In the meantime, let’s revisit what made Season 1 so compelling, and look closely at where the characters stand after the shocking finale.
What Is Sweetpea About?
At its core, Sweetpea is a dark comedy that shows themes of rage, revenge, and isolation. The story follows Rhiannon Lewis, a young woman stuck in a dead-end job as an admin assistant for a small local newspaper called the Carnsham Gaze.
From the very beginning, we are introduced to Rhiannon’s inner world through voiceovers that reveal her deep-seated anger and frustration with life. She feels invisible, neglected, and overlooked by everyone around her. This is partly due to the intense bullying she suffered as a teenager at the hands of Julia Blenkingsopp, her former schoolmate, and her cruel clique.
Rhiannon’s trauma manifests in harmful ways. During her teen years, she developed a compulsive habit of pulling out her hair, which left her balding in places. Her emotional pain is buried beneath layers of resentment and unexpressed anger.
The show opens by showing Rhiannon listing off people she hates, and in her mind, she fantasizes about killing them. The list includes rude convenience store workers, her misogynistic boss, her often-absent sister Seren (Alexandra Dowling), and others who she feels have wronged her.
One of the key themes Sweetpea addresses is how society dismisses people like Rhiannon—those who feel alienated and lost in the world.
Still from Sweetpea (Credit: Starz)
Through her eyes, we see her struggle to find her place and the disturbing ways she copes with her feelings of invisibility. This inner turmoil sets the stage for the violent path Rhiannon eventually takes.
The Start of Rhiannon’s Murder Spree
The moment that changes everything comes early in the show. After years of bottling up her emotions, Rhiannon’s rage finally boils over one night in a secluded area by the river. She encounters a rude and drunken man who inadvertently urinates on her.
When he shrugs it off, saying he didn’t even notice her standing there, something snaps inside Rhiannon. Already overwhelmed by grief after her father’s recent death and years of emotional neglect, she pulls out a small knife and stabs the man, leaving him dead in the water.
This first murder gives her a twisted sense of satisfaction, as if she’s finally found a way to assert herself in a world that has ignored her for too long.
From this point on, Sweetpea takes viewers on a dark and bloody journey as Rhiannon continues to kill. Each murder becomes a form of release for her, a way to channel her deep-rooted anger. But unlike many crime dramas, Sweetpea doesn’t present Rhiannon as a typical psychopath.
She is a complex character, and while her actions are unquestionably violent, they are also the product of years of pain, marginalization, and untreated trauma.
Rhiannon’s Complex Relationships
While Rhiannon’s killing spree is central to the plot, Sweetpea also goes into her personal relationships, which are just as complicated and fraught with tension. At work, she harbors resentment toward AJ, a colleague who beat her out for the position of junior reporter at the Carnsham Gaze. Though she initially considers killing him, she hesitates, unable to follow through.
Rhiannon’s relationship with her sister Seren is another source of frustration. Seren left Rhiannon to take care of their dying father, and the two sisters have never fully reconciled.
Seren’s return, particularly when she begins working with Julia to sell their father’s house, only deepens Rhiannon’s feelings of betrayal and abandonment. The house itself becomes a symbol of Rhiannon’s emotional state—neglected, decaying, and filled with memories of a broken family.
The Developing Bond Between Rhiannon and AJ
One of the show’s most intriguing dynamics is the evolving relationship between Rhiannon and AJ. Despite her initial resentment toward him, Rhiannon starts to develop feelings for AJ as the series progresses. They even spend the night together in the Season 1 finale.
This moment of vulnerability between them, however, is quickly shattered when AJ discovers a crucial piece of evidence linking Rhiannon to the murders.
In a tense confrontation, AJ realizes that the knife found at the crime scene matches the one Rhiannon had in her possession. Desperate to protect herself, Rhiannon tries to convince AJ that she’s not the same person anymore, that she has changed.
But AJ doesn’t believe her, and in a panic, Rhiannon stabs him, leaving him to bleed out on the kitchen floor. The season ends with Rhiannon holding AJ’s bloody body, sobbing uncontrollably, as her sister Seren arrives at the house. It’s a shocking and emotional moment that sets up many questions for the future.
Julia’s Role in the Finale
Julia Blenkingsopp, the woman who bullied Rhiannon mercilessly during their school years, plays a significant role in the show’s finale. On the surface, Julia appears to have it all.
Still from Sweetpea (Credit: Starz)
She’s a successful real estate agent with a large following, and as Rhiannon notes, she seems to be living the “ideal life.” However, beneath this polished exterior, Julia’s life is far from perfect.
When Rhiannon lures Julia to her home with the intent of killing her, she ultimately changes her mind. Instead, she ties Julia up and keeps her captive. As the days go by, Rhiannon begins to see Julia in a different light. She learns that Julia is trapped in an abusive relationship with her fiancé Marcus and feels sympathy for her former tormentor. This unlikely bond between the two women becomes one of the show’s most unexpected twists.
Rhiannon even goes so far as to concoct a plan to help Julia escape her abusive relationship. She stages a fake kidnapping, threatening Marcus in an attempt to get him to back off. But things quickly spiral out of control when Rhiannon, feeling like Julia is falling under Marcus’s influence once again, accidentally kills him by pushing him to his death.
While Rhiannon and Julia form a fragile connection during the latter’s captivity, it doesn’t last. Julia ultimately realizes that her relationship with Rhiannon is just as toxic as the one she had with Marcus.
In the final episode, Julia secures a plane ticket using Rhiannon’s credit card and disappears. Her whereabouts are unknown by the end of Season 1, but it’s clear that she has escaped the chaos that Rhiannon has created.
Detective Marina and the Hunt for Rhiannon
Another key figure in Sweetpea is Marina, a local detective investigating the string of stabbing murders that have rocked the small town. Marina is a sharp and determined investigator, but she faces pushback from her colleagues, who dismiss her growing suspicion that Rhiannon is the killer.
Marina’s frustration builds as she starts to see a clear pattern linking Rhiannon to the murders. However, she struggles to find enough concrete evidence to convince her peers.
Despite this, Marina is relentless in her pursuit of justice. In one pivotal scene, she confronts Rhiannon directly at her home, warning her that she knows what she’s done. Marina predicts that Rhiannon will kill again, and when she does, Marina vows to be there to catch her.
The cat-and-mouse game between Marina and Rhiannon adds another layer of tension to the show. Marina’s dogged determination contrasts with Rhiannon’s increasingly reckless behavior, setting up a potential showdown between the two in future episodes.
Themes of Isolation, Revenge, and Identity
Sweetpea shows several complex themes throughout its first season, with isolation being one of the most prominent. Rhiannon’s feelings of being invisible and overlooked are at the heart of her character’s motivations. She believes that the world has treated her unfairly, and her violent actions are, in her mind, a way of reclaiming power.
Revenge is another driving force behind Rhiannon’s journey. Whether it’s targeting her former bully Julia or fantasizing about killing those who have wronged her, Rhiannon’s actions are fueled by a desire to make others feel the pain she has endured.
But as the show progresses, it becomes clear that revenge doesn’t bring her the satisfaction she craves. Instead, it only leads to more chaos and destruction in her life.
Identity is also a key theme, particularly in relation to how Rhiannon sees herself versus how others perceive her. Throughout the show, she struggles with feelings of inadequacy and self-loathing.
Her violent outbursts are a way of asserting her existence, of proving to herself that she is not as invisible as she believes. But this quest for validation comes at a high cost, as Rhiannon’s actions ultimately alienate her from those she cares about.
The Season 1 Cliffhanger and Speculations for Season 2
The Season 1 finale of Sweetpea leaves viewers with more questions than answers. Rhiannon’s emotional breakdown after killing AJ is a pivotal moment that marks a turning point for her character. Will she be able to escape the consequences of her actions, or will Marina finally catch up to her? And what will happen when Seren discovers what her sister has done?
Julia’s fate is also uncertain. While she manages to escape at the end of the season, it’s unclear whether she will ever return or if her story is truly over. Given the complicated bond she formed with Rhiannon, it’s possible that their paths could cross again in the future.
Still from Sweetpea (Credit: Starz)
As for Marina, her determination to bring Rhiannon to justice remains one of the most compelling aspects of the show. Season 2 could potentially see Marina closing in on Rhiannon, but whether she succeeds in arresting her remains to be seen.
Sweetpea is a dark, thrilling, and thought-provoking show that shows the depths of human emotion and the consequences of unchecked rage. With its complex characters, gripping plot, and shocking twists, it’s no surprise that the show has garnered a loyal fanbase.
While the status of a second season is still uncertain, there’s no denying that Sweetpea has left a lasting impact on viewers. Whether or not we see more of Rhiannon’s story, the first season stands as a chilling scheme of what happens when one woman’s anger turns deadly.
Season 26 of The Voice has reached one of its most exciting stages — the Battle Rounds. After assembling their teams, coaches now face tough decisions. For fans of the show, this means sitting back, enjoying the performances, and, of course, analyzing the judges’ choices.
For the contestants, however, this is where the competition heats up. Emotions run high, and even the judges themselves struggle to make difficult decisions about which performers will move forward and who will leave the competition.
With the excitement comes the knowledge that you can’t get too attached to your favorite contestants. Just like in Game of Thrones, a fan favorite could be sent home at any moment, no matter how talented they are.
Contestants have to prove they are more than just a great voice; they need to show that they can continue to grow and adapt in the competition.
Even if a contestant is eliminated, there’s still hope that another coach might steal them, but there’s no guarantee. With the stakes high, the Battle Rounds are where The Voice truly becomes a fierce competition.
The Judges: Familiar Faces and Newcomers
This season introduces two new coaches, Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé. Both music icons are respected in their fields, but this is their first time on The Voice coaching panel. Their fresh perspectives add an interesting dynamic to the show.
Snoop Dogg, known for his iconic rap career, has ventured into multiple genres of music over the years, showing his versatility as an artist. On The Voice, fans are eager to see how his laid-back but sharp approach will translate into his coaching style.
Michael Bublé, a celebrated crooner with years of experience in jazz, pop, and soul, brings a different flavor to the coaching panel. His reputation for technical excellence and emotional depth in performances means that his team is likely to benefit from his keen insights into vocal technique and stage presence.
Bublé’s calm demeanor contrasts with Snoop Dogg’s more energetic and spontaneous personality, which could make for some interesting clashes between the two.
Meanwhile, Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire return to the panel with their wealth of experience in the music industry. For Gwen, a veteran coach, this is familiar territory, but for Reba, this season is a continuation of her successful first stint as a coach.
Both of them know exactly what it takes to win The Voice, and they have a keen eye for spotting talent. Gwen, known for her pop-punk roots and innovative approach to music, often looks for contestants who can bring something unique to the stage.
Reba, with her decades of experience in country music, values authenticity and emotional connection in performances. Together, these four judges set the stage for an intense and unpredictable Battle Round.
The Battle Round: Tough Decisions and Emotional Performances
In the Battle Round, coaches pair up their team members to compete against one another in a duet. The contestants must sing the same song, and at the end of the performance, the coach must choose which contestant to keep and which one to send home.
Still from The Voice Season 26 (Credit: NBC)
It’s a heart-wrenching decision for the coaches, as both performers often give it their all. But the show must go on, and hard decisions must be made.
The contestants, of course, are aware of what’s at stake. They’ve worked hard to make it through the Blind Auditions, and they know that this could be their last chance to prove they deserve to stay in the competition.
For some, this is their first taste of the music industry, while others have been trying to break into it for years. The Battle Round performances are filled with emotion, and you can see just how much this opportunity means to each contestant.
Despite the stress and pressure, the Battle Round is also a time when strategy comes into play. Each coach has the ability to “steal” a contestant from another team if they are eliminated. This adds an extra layer of drama to the competition, as coaches must decide not only who to keep on their own team but also whether they want to take a risk on a contestant from another team.
The steals can completely change the dynamic of the competition, as a strong contestant who might have been eliminated gets a second chance with a new coach. Coaches must be strategic in how they use their steals because they only have a limited number.
Snoop Dogg Learns That Letting Go Is Hard
For Snoop Dogg, the Battle Rounds bring a new challenge: saying goodbye to talented contestants. As a first-time coach, he must now show the emotional task of deciding who stays and who goes.
Snoop kicks off his Battle Round experience with a sit-down session with Clyde Lieberman, the Co-Executive Producer of The Voice, who helps guide him through the decision-making process.
Lieberman provides valuable advice on how to pair his artists and make tough choices, but it’s clear that this is going to be a difficult process for the rapper-turned-coach.
Snoop’s strategy is to pair artists who will sound good together, but this approach carries a risk. If two equally talented contestants are paired up, one of them will inevitably have to leave the competition. For his first pairing, Snoop decides to take a risk and go with a country song.
He pairs Gail Bliss, a veteran with a powerful voice, against Christina Eagle, a young up-and-coming artist, for a performance of “Redneck Woman” by Gretchen Wilson.
The performance is electric. Gail Bliss brings a natural power and confidence to the stage, her voice steady and grounded in the classic country sound. Christina Eagle, on the other hand, brings a youthful energy and stage presence that makes her stand out.
The two artists create a mother-daughter dynamic on stage, with Gail taking on the role of the seasoned veteran and Christina embodying the scrappy newcomer. It’s a battle of experience versus raw talent, and Snoop has a tough decision to make.
After much deliberation, Snoop decides to keep Christina Eagle on his team. His reasoning is that Christina has more room to grow in the competition, and he believes she has the potential to become a real star.
While Gail Bliss gave a solid performance, Snoop feels that Christina’s charisma and stage presence will serve her well as the competition progresses. It’s a tough decision, but Snoop ultimately feels he made the right call.
Snoop’s Second Battle: A Clash of Styles
Snoop’s second Battle Round brings together two very different singers: Eliza Pryor and Mikaela Ayira. These two young artists have bonded during their time on the show, even making videos together before the big performance.
Snoop decides to challenge them with Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles,” a song that has been performed many times on reality competition shows.
While Snoop’s song choice is a bit predictable, it’s clear that both Eliza and Mikaela are eager to give it their all. Eliza’s voice matches the light, airy feel of the song, while Mikaela brings a bit more power to the performance. However, the song forces Mikaela to hold back a little, which limits her ability to show off her full range.
Still from The Voice Season 26 (Credit: NBC)
Although Mikaela is the stronger vocalist, Eliza’s performance is more cohesive. She captures the essence of the song and stays true to its spirit.
In the end, Snoop makes the difficult decision to name Mikaela the winner of the battle, but it’s clear that both contestants impressed him. This is the nature of the Battle Rounds — sometimes the decision comes down to small details, and both artists walk away having learned valuable lessons.
Gwen Stefani Shocks the Audience with a Bold Choice
Gwen Stefani begins her Battle Round with two sweet, young pop singers: Sloane Simon and Sydney Sterlace. Both contestants have a similar vibe, and Gwen pairs them because she believes their voices will complement each other. For their performance, they sing “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish, a song that perfectly suits their artistic styles.
On stage, Sloane and Sydney bring a big sister-little sister energy to their performance. Their voices blend beautifully, and they both exude a pop star sensibility.
However, when it comes to individual performances, Sloane’s age and experience give her an edge. She has a confidence on stage that comes from having spent more time honing her craft, while Sydney is still finding her footing.
Despite Sloane’s stronger performance, Gwen shocks everyone by choosing to keep Sydney on her team. It’s a bold move, and one that leaves the other coaches scrambling to steal Sloane.
All three of them jump at the chance to add Sloane to their teams, but in the end, she chooses to join Team Bublé. Michael Bublé tells her that he believes she has what it takes to win the whole competition, and Sloane is excited about the opportunity to work with a new coach.
Gwen’s decision to keep Sydney shows that she is thinking long-term. While Sloane may have been the stronger performer in this round, Gwen sees potential in Sydney and wants to give her the chance to grow under her guidance. It’s a risky move, but Gwen is known for taking risks, and this could pay off in the long run.
An Uncomfortable Pairing
For her second battle, Gwen faces one of the most awkward pairings of the night: Jan Dan and Jaylen Dunham. The two artists have a large age gap, and their voices are at very different levels of maturity.
Gwen pairs them together because they were the last two contestants left, and they didn’t quite fit with anyone else on her team. It’s clear from the start that this is going to be a lopsided performance.
Gwen chooses “For Once in My Life” by Stevie Wonder as their song, hoping to showcase their vocal range. However, it’s clear that the song is not the best fit for either contestant.
Jan Dan, the older of the two, has a voice that suits the track, while Jaylen struggles to connect with the lyrics. Despite the mismatch, their performance is heartfelt, and it even moves Reba McEntire to tears.
In the end, Gwen decides to keep Jan Dan on her team, feeling that he is more ready to continue in the competition. Jaylen, who had been one of her favorites from the Blind Auditions, is sent home. It’s a tough decision, but Gwen believes that Jan Dan has the experience and maturity to go further in the competition.
Reba McEntire Brings the Country Showdown
Reba McEntire, a country music legend, kicks off her Battle Round with a classic country duet. She pairs Kendall Eugene, who was her Coach Replay Button recipient, with Alison Elena, the last singer to join her team.
Still from The Voice Season 26 (Credit: NBC)
Together, they perform “Bring On the Rain” by Jo Dee Messina and Tim McGraw, a song that allows them both to showcase their individual strengths while blending their voices in a harmonious duet.
Kendall Eugene, with his guitar in hand, delivers a powerful performance, but he feels a bit confined behind the microphone.
Alison Elena, on the other hand, moves freely across the stage, connecting with both the audience and the judges. While Kendall’s voice has more power, Alison’s purity and grace shine through in the performance.
Reba ultimately decides to keep Kendall Eugene on her team, valuing the gravelly texture of his voice. She believes that he has the potential to go far in the competition, and she wants to continue working with him to help him refine his sound. However, she also praises Alison for her beautiful performance and encourages her to keep pursuing her dreams.
Michael Bublé Goes “Full Gladiator” for His Battle
Michael Bublé, known for his smooth and suave demeanor, surprises everyone by going “full Gladiator” mode during his first Battle Round. He pairs two young artists, Mor Ilderton and Kiara Vega, for a performance of “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls. While the song is a bit out of their comfort zones, both contestants give it their all.
Mor, who is new to performing, struggles with harmonizing during rehearsals, but he works hard to improve before the big performance. Kiara, on the other hand, is used to performing Latin music, and this rock ballad is a challenge for her as well. Despite the difficulties, both contestants rise to the occasion and deliver a heartfelt performance.
In the end, Michael decides to give the win to Kiara Vega, citing her potential as the deciding factor. However, he is so impressed with Mor’s growth that he offers him his personal contact information to help him with his musical journey. Before Mor can leave the stage, Gwen Stefani swoops in with a surprise steal, giving him a second chance in the competition.
The Battle Continues
With six high-stakes performances and two steals already, The Voice Season 26 Battle Rounds have proven to be unpredictable and emotional.
Snoop Dogg’s unique approach to coaching, Gwen Stefani’s shocking decisions, and Michael Bublé’s strategic steals are all adding to the excitement. Each round brings new challenges for the contestants, and the judges are forced to make increasingly difficult decisions.
As the competition moves forward, it’s clear that anything can happen. Strong performers could be sent home, while underdogs might surprise everyone and rise to the top. With two steals already off the table, the remaining coaches will need to use their final steals wisely if they want to build the strongest teams possible.
Fans of the show can look forward to more incredible performances, surprising twists, and emotional moments as the Battle Rounds continue. With each performance, the contestants get one step closer to achieving their dreams, but the path to victory is far from easy.
Still from The Voice Season 26 (Credit: NBC)
In the end, only one contestant will be named the winner of The Voice Season 26, but the journey to get there will be full of unforgettable moments.
The Voice airs on Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC, with episodes available to stream on Peacock in the U.S. Fans around the world are tuning in to see who will come out on top, and with so many talented contestants, it’s anyone’s game.
