"Sadly, I'm unable to come on this trip as I despise the French."
Given the hilarious absurdity that unfolded on Foyleside during the first season of Derry Girls, it's to the immense credit of Lisa McGee (writer/creator) and Siobhán McSweeney (Sister Michael) that in a show that's brimming with great performances and hilarious one-liners, the best character is a sardonic and wonderfully nuanced nun.
In terms of the group dynamic in Derry Girls, it's pretty clear.
We've got Erin's constant neurosis, Michelle's gleeful 'two fingers to the world' attitude, Clare's infectious nervousness, Orla's wonderful weirdness, and James', well, his eternal patience.
Given this molotov cocktail of madness, it's easy to overlook the fact that in many ways, Sister Michael is the glue that holds the show together. Yep, wise up because she's a bloody revelation.
All of these people that were
asking for a Sister Michael spinoff can't be wrong.
Our favourite Derry girls - and lad - will always be a ticking time bomb of atrocious ideas, teenage hormones and wide-eyed optimism, but it's Sister Michael that really grounds the show and reminds everyone of just how much laughter can be found in the most mundane and normal things - like the daily life of working in an all-girls Catholic school.
Just like Fathers Ted, Dougal and Jack, Siobhán McSweeney's character has a fairly 'relaxed' approach to the church as seen by her her views on praying - "sure what use would that do?" - and her attitude to helping any students that are feeling anxious and worried about their exams - "please, please...don't come crying to me."
When the gang gets together, they're like an affable tornado of destruction but Sister Michael just couldn't be bothered dealing with them.
Truth be told, she'd rather be watching Rawhide or heading along to her Judo practice.
While she might seem to be distant and sarcastic, that little half-smile that she gave the girls as they helped Orla during her step aerobics routine is enough proof that she still cares...she's just brilliant at not showing it!
Long may that continue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zogCo3flBsc
Clip via - Hat Trick
