Exclusive: Three Critical Questions for How to Get to Heaven From Belfast Season 2
Lisa McGee, the creative force behind the hit series Derry Girls, has exclusively revealed her preliminary plans for a potential second season of the Netflix crime comedy How to Get to Heaven From Belfast. The discussion centres on three pivotal questions that would drive the narrative forward, including the enigmatic contents of a mysterious bag and the possible return of beloved characters from McGee's previous work.
The Lingering Mysteries from Season One
The inaugural season of How to Get to Heaven From Belfast concluded with several storylines seemingly resolved, yet it introduced a fresh enigma in its final moments. The series follows three women—Saoirse (Roisin Gallagher), Robyn (Sinéad Keenan), and Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne)—as they embark on a cross-border adventure across Northern Ireland and the Republic to investigate the supposed death of their school friend Greta (Natasha O'Keeffe).
Throughout the eight episodes, the trio discovers Greta is actually alive and attempting to erase her identity after involvement in a significant crime. She ultimately reunites with her husband Owen (Emmett J. Scanlan) and daughter Maria (Matilda Freeman). Meanwhile, fixers Booker (Bronagh Gallagher) and Feeney (Saoirse-Monica Jackson) uncover corruption within their secret organisation and decide to establish a new one.
However, the closing scene of episode eight presents a new puzzle: the girls retrieve a bag that Greta possessed following a confrontation with Conrad (Conor MacNeill) and a mysterious group in the woods. This bag's contents remain unknown, and a second season would likely address this, along with the unresolved murder of Conrad, who was killed with a screwdriver to the neck.
McGee's Vision for the Future
In an exclusive interview, creator Lisa McGee shared insights into her intentions for a potential second series, pending Netflix's approval. "I know right now what's in the bag," McGee hinted, "but I'm not saying I might not change my mind, which is why I left it so vague. I have a very clear idea of what it is, but if I think of something that works better or that might be more interesting when I start to write season two, I want to be able to change my mind."
The season one finale also hinted at the potential return of Booker and Feeney, possibly recruiting Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara into their new organisation. Originally part of a clandestine society designed to assist women in starting anew, the pair disbanded it after discovering its exploitative nature. With the help of a midwife (Shauna Bray), they eliminated the other members, paving the way for a revamped team in season two.
McGee expressed openness to incorporating fan favourites from Derry Girls into this new organisation. "The idea that that organisation is all from Derry really makes me laugh. It's so stupid. And that they operate out of this hairdresser's, it's just ridiculous," she said. "So, I'd like to add more people to the organisation. Everyone from Derry has been in Derry Girls, probably, but whether they're from Derry Girls or not, yeah."
Character Developments and Cast Hopes
Regarding the main trio, the lead actors remained mostly reserved about their visions for a second series. However, actress Caoilfhionn Dunne revealed a specific wish for her character Dara, whose romantic endeavours in season one were notably disastrous. "I would like Dara to maybe have the opportunity of love in season two," Dunne disclosed. "Or even, just a chance to exorcise those demons from season one. At least try... she couldn't possibly get it right. She'll make an absolute mess of it."
Her co-star Sinéad Keenan playfully added, "Dara needs a ride, basically," highlighting the comedic tone that defines the series. For now, the fate of this fresh Irish crime-comedy remains uncertain, but its popularity could justify a follow-up. How to Get to Heaven From Belfast is currently available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a blend of mystery, humour, and heartfelt moments.
