It was “Grand” as Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara from How to Get to Heaven From Belfast would probably put it, when talking about their wild journey to find out the truth about their long-estranged, missing friend. From Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee, How to Get to Heaven From Belfast is a murder mystery following three friends who are shocked to learn of the sudden death of their friend, Greta. However, when they arrive at her wake, they discover a bizarre secret, which is that the woman lying in the coffin might not be their friend after all.

As they dig deeper, the Belfast girls soon realize they are being threatened, with their own long-guarded secret at risk of being exposed. This sees the trio set out for an eerie and adventurous journey that is frightening, unsettling, and surprisingly hilarious.

The friendship and connection shown in How to Get to Heaven From Belfast was not surprising to see, since both this series and Derry Girls were inspired by Lisa McGee’s experience with her friends. However, this series shows a refreshing bit of the characters’ friendship. Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara get matching tattooed symbols, as does Greta, and they even helped the latter during a time of crisis.

They helped her when they found out that Greta may have accidentally ki---- her abusive ex-boyfriend. That shows their bond and connection and how far they are willing to go for their friends. Yet during Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara’s journey to investigate Greta's disappearance, it is shown how they often get upset over each other’s flaws and fight. In one of the scenes, Dara even slapped Saoirse after getting over the fact that she was the one who had sent the letters to them.

This dynamic was both heartwarming and refreshing to watch amid the chaotic chase that followed throughout the eight episodes.

As creator Lisa McGee hinted, How to Get to Heaven From Belfast is a clear genre shift from Derry Girls. This time, she leaned into a murder mystery, though still with her signature humor throughout the series. It immediately sets an eerie tone with a quiet uneasiness, with moments where the characters hold awkward, unsettling silences far longer than expected. 

The blend of chaos and horror was seen at first, when Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara, still hungover, arrive at Greta’s wake and are received by her family, who appear mysterious and odd around them as if they are hiding something. And this uneasiness ends with the trio running away from the wake as Greta’s husband, Owen, chases them, only to get into an accident. All three, being hungover, had a blurred image of reality and imagination.

Whether Booker, who almost ki---- and ki------- the trio, or the fear of the secrets of their past, the horrors were never-ending for the trio, and the tension was palpable for those watching it on screen. The same can be said about the scene where Saoirse ends up on a live reality show to talk about her own series, Mu---- Code. But after taking too many painkillers and almost hammered, she nearly lets their secret slip on air, but only to drift off mid-confession instead.

While the chaos is present, it is much less than the version seen in Derry Girls, which is understandable considering Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara are not teenagers.

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But again, who can beat the Derry Girls squad lying about the Statue of Mother Mary’s tears? However, the series clearly delivers the best blend of dark comedy and murder mystery.

It is safe to say How to Get to Heaven From Belfast brings a brilliantly written murder mystery to life without ever straying too far from its signature humor. There were quite such instances, such as when the story took a dark turn with the characters finding out that they may have helped their friend Greta bury an innocent man in the ground. And another is when Robyn, intoxicated, runs over Greta and believes that she has killed her. 

Moreover, the series deals with a terrifying incident that involves the four friends as well as a much deeper and darker past about Greta and her identity. However, the comic timing perfectly keeps the show balanced while the viewers are on edge to find out what happens next in the show.

When it comes to writing, the beautiful yet flawed characters were the life of the show and something many would relate to. Robyn is a mother of three who is struggling to balance everything as a person of her own and as a mother. She is strong and determined. On the other hand, Dara is a working woman. However, she holds the pain of having struggled to be open about her identity and losing someone special.

And Saoirse, who is a writer, struggles to continue to be creative among the mundanity of her life. While Saoirse is engaged, she is shown struggling with her feelings about young cop Liam, whom she met in Donegal. It is admirable how the characters and their relationship, which is sometimes complicated is beautifully presented.

Now, the show stealers were also the return of familiar faces from Derry Girls.

There were quite a few familiar and beloved actors from Derry Girls featured in How to Get to Heaven From Belfast. And the first name is Sinéad Keenan, who appeared for a brief scene as Aideen O'Shea in Derry Girls. This time, she joined the cast and creators to play the role of Robyn. Another familiar name is Art Campion.

He played the role of Father Peter in the sitcom, and this time, he appeared as Robyn’s troubled husband Jim. In his wife's absence, he struggles to take care of their kids, which shows how Robyn, as the mother, handles the house and children. It was nostalgic to see him back with a different role, even though he had less screen time. Now, the most unforgettable appearance was of Saoirse Monica Jackson, who played the role of Erin in the sitcom.

However, in How to Get to Heaven From Belfast, she took the grey role of Feeney, who is shown to be working with Booker. With syringes tucked around her skirt and a lively appearance in the rather eerie setting, she played a crucial role in helping Greta escape with her family.

Mu----, secrets, a missing friend, and complicated relationships, somehow, Lisa McGee still finds room for humor without taking away the emotional weight of it all. This is what makes How To Get To Heaven From Belfast a must-watch. As for Season 2, the streaming platform has yet to comment. 

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Do you want How To Get To Heaven From Belfast to return for season 2? Let us know in the comments.