Becka Garvey is a disaster. She is also, quite frankly, the only reason many of us kept clicking "Next Episode" on Apple TV+. While the other Garvey sisters are busy plotting murders or managing crumbling marriages, Eve Hewson’s Becka is just trying to get her massage studio off the ground and maybe not fall in love with the one guy who could put her in prison.
Honestly, it’s a lot.
When Bad Sisters first dropped, the buzz was mostly about Sharon Horgan’s sharp-as-a-tack writing and the collective hatred everyone felt for JP, aka "The Prick." But as the story unfolded, it was Eve Hewson who became the show's emotional anchor. She brought a specific, chaotic energy that felt less like an actor playing a role and more like that one friend we all have who accidentally sets their life on fire once a week.
The "Wild Child" Identity
Hewson has been pretty vocal about how much she relates to Becka. In interviews, she’s called the character a "wild child," a label she doesn't shy away from herself. She’s mentioned that playing Becka felt instinctive because she grew up around women just like the Garveys in Dublin. It’s in the blood.
There’s this one scene where Becka cannonballs into the Forty Foot, and Hewson says that moment basically defines the character. She’s the one who jumps in first. No plan, no safety net, just pure, unadulterated "let's see what happens." That optimism is what makes her so magnetic, but it’s also what makes her the easiest target for JP’s psychological warfare.
What Most People Get Wrong About Becka
A lot of viewers initially wrote Becka off as the "flaky youngest sister." You've seen the trope: the one who’s always late, always broke, and can't be trusted with a secret. But that’s a shallow read.
If you look closer, Becka is the only sister who actually loses something tangible and personal because of JP. The others are protecting Grace, sure, but JP actively destroys Becka's dream by pulling the rug out from her business. Then there's the Minna situation.
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The relationship between Becka and Minna is arguably the most heartbreaking thread in the first season. Hewson plays those scenes with a raw vulnerability that hits different than the dark comedy of the murder plots. When Becka realizes what she’s done—even if it was an accident—it’s the moment she stops being the "baby" of the family. She grows up, and it’s painful to watch.
The Chemistry That Made the Show
You can’t talk about Eve Hewson in Bad Sisters without mentioning the chemistry. The sisters’ dynamic is so real it feels like they’ve been fighting over the same bathroom for thirty years.
Hewson admitted that they all did a chemistry read over Zoom during the pandemic, and even through a screen, it was obvious. They actually have a "Sisters" WhatsApp group in real life. That’s not just PR talk; they spent ten months filming the first season and another eight on the second. You don't survive that kind of schedule without actually liking the people you’re with.
- Sharon Horgan (Eva): The mother hen/boss.
- Anne-Marie Duff (Grace): The one they’re all trying to save.
- Eva Birthistle (Ursula): The one with the most to lose.
- Sarah Greene (Bibi): The muscle.
- Eve Hewson (Becka): The heart (and the chaos).
Season 2: The Stakes Get Weirder
If you thought things would settle down after JP’s "accident," you haven't been paying attention. Season 2 picks up the pieces, and Becka is right back in the thick of it.
One of the biggest twists for Becka this time around involves a pregnancy. Fun fact: Hewson didn’t even know her character was going to be pregnant until she was helping a friend audition for the role of Joe (Becka’s new boyfriend). She was reading the "sides" for the audition and suddenly realized she was reading about her own character’s life-changing news.
"I was like, 'Oh my God, I’m pregnant?'" she told People. It’s such a Becka way to find out.
The second season explores what happens when you have to live with the consequences of a "perfect" crime. The sisters are back at a funeral (classic), and the tension is higher because now they actually have something to hide. Becka is forced to move past her self-absorbed world and make real decisions about her future. It’s a coming-of-age story wrapped in a thriller, and Hewson carries it effortlessly.
Why This Role Changed Everything for Hewson
Before Bad Sisters, Eve Hewson was often talked about in relation to her father (Bono, in case you’ve lived under a rock). She’s been very open about the "nepo baby" conversation, mostly finding it funny and moving on. But Becka Garvey changed the narrative.
This role proved she has the comedic timing of a veteran and the dramatic range to hold her own against heavyweights like Fiona Shaw (who joined the cast in Season 2). She isn't just "the daughter of;" she’s a lead who can carry a global hit. Between this and Flora and Son, Hewson has carved out a niche for herself playing gritty, funny, and deeply Irish women.
She almost quit acting at one point after a bad experience on a different film. Imagine that. We almost didn't get Becka Garvey because of some bad onset vibes. Thankfully, she stuck it out.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of the Garvey sisters or Hewson's work, here’s the move:
- Watch Flora and Son: If you love Becka, you’ll adore Flora. It’s on Apple TV+ and showcases Hewson's musical talents alongside her acting.
- Follow the Cast’s Socials: The Garvey sisters often post behind-the-scenes clips that are just as funny as the show itself.
- Re-watch Season 1 with an Eye on the Timeline: The show is famous for its "Then" and "Now" structure. Notice how Becka’s wardrobe changes as she gets closer to the truth about JP. It’s subtle, but it’s there.
- Check out the Belgian Original: Bad Sisters is based on a show called Clan. If you want to see how the story translates across cultures, it’s worth a look.
The genius of Bad Sisters is that it makes you root for people doing terrible things. And at the center of that moral grey area is Becka, just trying to find a version of happiness that doesn't involve a dead body. She’s messy, she’s loud, and she’s exactly what the show needed.
For those of us waiting for the next twist, one thing is certain: whatever Becka Garvey does next, she’s probably going to jump in headfirst. And we’ll be right there watching.