Lisa McGee, the creative force behind the belovedDerry Girls, returns with a strikingly different, yet equally compelling, series:How to Get to Heaven from Belfast. This isn’t a simple continuation of her signature humor; it’s a deliberate genre shift, a thrilling mystery woven with the same sharp wit that captivated audiences before.
McGee admits the final episode ofDerry Girlscarried a weight she doesn’t feel with this new project. WhileHow to Get to Heaven from Belfastpresents its own unique challenges – a complex mystery unfolding over eight parts – it feels liberatingly distinct. The pressure to replicate past success has been replaced with a hopeful anticipation: she simply wants viewers to connect with the story.
The series centers on Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara, three lifelong friends in their thirties, whose lives are upended by the death of a former classmate. What begins as a somber reunion at a wake quickly spirals into a ‘dark, dangerous, and hilarious odyssey’ across Ireland, as they attempt to unravel the truth behind his passing.
The inspiration for this gripping narrative struck during a visit to McGee’s former high school. The abandoned convent, frozen in time, sparked a profound reflection on the distance between who we once were and who we’ve become. She discovered a haunting stillness, as if the students had simply vanished mid-lesson, leaving behind remnants of their youthful lives.
Walking the deserted halls, McGee experienced a surreal sensation – a feeling of almost encountering her younger self. This potent image became the seed for the series, a visual metaphor for confronting the past and its lingering influence. It was a deeply personal moment, even if it did end with a reprimand from a passing nun for trespassing – some things, she laughs, never change.
Set against the backdrop of Northern Ireland, spanning from 2003 to the present day,How to Get to Heaven from Belfastdoesn’t shy away from acknowledging The Troubles. However, it approaches the subject with a characteristic blend of dark humor and poignant observation. A simple exchange with a police officer – a playful jab about wasting petrol – encapsulates the region’s complex history.
Initially hesitant to address the conflict in her work, McGee found herself drawn to it as her career progressed. As a teenager, she’d grown weary of the constant news coverage, yearning to tell different stories. Ironically, it was the very subject she’d avoided that captured the attention of producers and audiences alike.
Derry Girlsunexpectedly became a vehicle for educating a global audience about this period in Irish history. McGee’s father even remarked on her surprisingly accurate portrayal, acknowledging her sometimes-tenuous grasp on historical details. The series allowed her to share her lived experience, infusing humor into a narrative often dominated by tragedy.
McGee recognized that dark humor served as a vital coping mechanism during decades of conflict, a natural response she witnessed growing up in Belfast. Weaving these observations into her writing felt authentic and organic, a way to reflect the resilience and wit of the people she knew.
Despite initial anxieties about potential offense, McGee believed that framing these sensitive topics through the lens of teenage conversations provided a crucial filter. It allowed her to explore difficult themes with a degree of nuance and accessibility, softening the edges without sacrificing honesty.
Remarkably, throughout the entire run ofDerry Girls, McGee received only one complaint. The offense? A line delivered by Orla stating that “the Protestants hate Abba,” prompting a surprised tweet from the Orange Order declaring their love for the Swedish pop group. McGee still laughs at the absurdity of it all.
While fans have speculated about a potential revival ofDerry Girls, McGee remains firm in her decision to leave the story as it is. She doesn’t rule out revisiting these characters in the future, but for now, she feels a sense of completion. The series ended on a powerful note, coinciding with the Good Friday Agreement, and she believes it’s a fitting conclusion.
How to Get to Heaven from Belfastis a testament to McGee’s storytelling prowess, a captivating blend of mystery, humor, and heartfelt emotion. It’s a journey into the past, a confrontation with the present, and a celebration of the enduring bonds of friendship.
