Derry Girls fans absolutely loved the euphoric finale to Season 2

Paul Moore

Breathtaking.

Let’s pick up with Bill Clinton’s wonderful words that gave Season 2 of Derry Girls a euphoric finale;

“Standing here in front of the Guildhall today, looking over these historic walls, I see a peaceful city, a safe city, a hopeful city that’s full of young people that should have a peaceful and prosperous future. A future where their roots and roots and families are. That is what I see. And so I ask you, to build on the opportunity that you have before you. To believe that the future can be better than the past, to work together because you have so much more to gain by working together than by drifting apart. Have the patience to work for a just and lasting peace”.

That speech may have been delivered in 1995, but it’s as timely as ever because in the uncertain environment of Brexit and the Good Friday Agreement seemingly being ignored, Derry Girls matters. It really does.

The visit of the US president may have been the main event in the season finale, but the arrival of James’ mother and his decision to follow her back to London provided the real dramatic weight.

With Granda Joe and Da Gerry heading off on an adventure to Burt, Ma Mary panicking about the Clinton’s getting a ‘notion’ and visiting the Quinn house, and Aunt Sarah obsessed over Kathy Maguire’s eyebrows, it was left to the wee English fella to provide the dramatic heartbeat of the show.

In a rare act of vulnerability, Michelle stripped away all of her bravado and insults as she pleaded with her cousin to stay. “You’re a Derry Girl now James. I’m serious. It doesn’t matter that you’ve got that stupid accent, or that your bits are different to mine. It’s because being a Derry Girl is a fucking state of mind! And you’re one of us”.

Be honest, did you well up a little when East 17 – Stay came on? Of course you did!

Well, while Clinton was on stage, a far more important person for our beloved Derry girls made an appearance at the Guildhall and in typical Lisa McGee fashion, it was amazing.

James (shouting): “I’m a Derry Girl. I AM A DERRY GIRL”
Stranger: “You’re a fucking prick, that’s what you are!”

After last season’s heartbreaking finale, Derry Girls ended on a far more optimistic note. Right, who wants Season 3?

Well, it’s coming!

Until that happens, let’s remember that wonderful ending, starting with the drama of James leaving.

If James leaves I'll genuinely start sobbing #DerryGirls pic.twitter.com/946FR14WIo

— Georgia Beaumont (@G_M_Beaumont) April 9, 2019

https://twitter.com/treehggertweets/status/1115709752028356611

James better not be fucking leaving #DerryGirls pic.twitter.com/grKDg4tcnG

— C A T H E R I N E (@C_A_Price98) April 9, 2019

#derrygirls James can't leave, he's a proper Derry Girl sure

— mellers1313 (@Mel_Navan) April 9, 2019

Well, it looked like he was off. We even got ‘Stay’ by East 17. Yep, we had to hold back the tears too!

James is breaking my heart right now #DerryGirls

— Audrey FitzHagan (@AudgeFitzHagan) April 9, 2019

https://twitter.com/DavidMackayy/status/1115711709870792706

James don't you dare go. you're a Derry boy now. you're staying. well he better be. since his mum is so nasty #derrygirls

— jodie portugal (@JodiePortugal) April 9, 2019

As for that scene with Michelle, well, people were moved…