Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Sweetpea.
Alongside having a fantastic opening theme song,Sweetpeais full of great music that helps give the show a memorable tone, adding to its quality. The balance between comedy and drama can be hard to get right, butSweetpea’s exciting cast of charactershelps bring a light-hearted feel to the British drama, while Ella Purnell’s Rhiannon Lewis brings some sinister vibes. Despite developing murderous tendencies, Rhiannon maintains her endearing traits, creating a twistedly complicated protagonist. However, these qualities are what makesSweetpea’s reviews so goodandthe show’s excellent soundtrack compliments the action and humorous moments perfectly.
While the series is filled predominately with pop music, the songs are used in a clever way that often conveys an intense and even unsettling atmosphere on occasion.Sweetpeaepisodes 1and 2 use these catchy tracks to help build an identity, treating the audience to some bangers in the process. Although the story and characters alone are more than enough to makeSweetpeaa popular project, the killer soundtrack is a key part of making the series so iconic, and with its theme song also standing out as a major talking point, Starz’s hit show looks like a classic.
“Fall In to Me”
Sweetpea Opening Song Explained: Who Sings “‘Do You See Me Now”
CHINCHILLA & Isobel Waller-Bridge Created Sweetpea’s Intro Song
Sweetpea’s opening song is a catchy introduction that helps perfectly set the tone of the series, andCHINCHILLA is the artist responsible for the vocals of “Do You See Me Now”. The British pop singer has produced hits such as “Little Girl Gone” and “Cut You Off”, with her powerful voice lending itself perfectly toSweetpea’s theme song. Additionally, Isobel Waller-Bridge co-wrote the track and also created the show’s score. Having already crafted an impressive resume while working alongside her sister Phoebe onFleebag, her experience was on full display asSweetpeadoesn’t disappoint in the music department.
Although “Do You See Me Now” has a trendy alternative pop sound, there is also a slightly sinister vibe that helps captureRhiannon’s transition into a killer. The song starts off relatively mellow but bursts into life, reflecting Rhiannon’s journey from the shy and quiet type into a rage-induced killer. Although there is far more to her character,Sweetpea’s intro is a subtly great indicator of how the protagonist will change over the course of the season, and thankfully, Waller-Bridge combined with CHINCHILLA to create an iconic theme song that nails the show’s overall vibe.
Sweetpea Season 1 Episode 1 Songs
“Sorry for Your Loss”
“I’m On Fire” by The Staves:Outside ofSweetpea’s theme song and score, “I’m On Fire” is the first song to feature in the show. The track plays during Rhiannon’s father’s funeral, who passed away at the beginning of the episode. It acts as a tribute to his legacy, and Rhiannon’s sister, Seren, even acknowledges that it’s a nice fit despite her otherwise cold attitude.
“New Rush” by Gin Wigmore:Gin Wigmore’s energetic pop track also plays at the funeral, albeit under very different circumstances. “New Rush” kicks in as Rhiannon spots her childhood bully Julia alongside her friends at the event. Bringing back bad memories, she asks her sister why Julia is even invited in the first place before walking away and reaching for her hair out of stress while the music plays in the background.
“Destroy Everything You Touch (Vector Lovers Lost Version)” by Ladytron:Ladytron’s appropriately titled song plays while Rhiannon is looking at Julia’s profile on her phone. The song starts right after Seren informs Rhiannon that she plans to sell their father’s house and has hired Julia as the real estate agent. While Rhiannon rides home on the bus, she angrily scans Julia’s real estate account, and the song continues to play as she gets off the bus before walking home with her dog, Tink.
My Biggest Fear For Ella Purnell’s New Show Came True In The Very First Episode
Ella Purnell leads Starz’s new show Sweetpea as Rhiannon, a woman who suffers a lot of loss and trauma, including a few dark events in episode 1.
“Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying” by Labi Siffre:The emotional piece of music plays as Rhiannon pulls the knife that belonged to her dad out of her bag and begins cleaning it. After falling asleep on her dad’s chair, the music continues, providing a sentimental feeling as Rhiannon attempts to move on with her life while still remembering her father.
“Round Round” by Sugababes:Sugababes' classic dance song plays as Rhiannon arrives at a local club. Having heard her dog die after getting distracted by a billboard of Julia, she goes home to bury him and gets drunk before heading out to confront her former bully. Spotting Julia laughing and drinking with a man and a woman, the song plays over the club’s speakers while Rhiannon builds up the courage and waits for the opportunity to speak with Julia one-on-one.
“Who Do You Think You Are” by Spice Girls:Spice Girls' iconic “Who Do You Think You Are” quietly plays in the background as Rhiannon finally confronts Julia. Letting out years of emotion and frustration, Rhiannon angrily tells Julia about all the reasons she resents the bully, yet Julia seems disinterested and claims Rhiannon has no significance in her life. The song distorts as Rhiannon has flashbacks about an incident where Julia pulled her wig off in school, prompting Rhiannon to leave the club.
“Kids” by Sleigh Bells:Sweetpeaepisode 1’s final song begins right as the credits kick in. After killing the man by the canal, Rhiannon returns home and looks in the mirror while her shirt is covered in blood. As she growls aggressively into the mirror, the screen fades to black before “Kids” starts playing while the credits roll.
Sweetpea Season 1 Episode 2 Songs
“This Sort of Thing Needs Some Feminine Energy”
“Sh*t Makes The Flowers Grow” by Folk Uke:Episode 2’s opening song is accompanied by an upbeat scene featuring Rhiannon waking up after taking her first life. Feeling great after what seems to be a peaceful sleep, the protagonist happily starts her day before realizing the blood stain on her neck. The music quickly stops as the events of the previous night catch up with Rhiannon, but Folk Uke’s song highlights how great she was feeling after the event.
“The Time Has Come” by The Untouchables:There’s a long gap between episode 2’s opening song and “The Time Has Come”, but the track plays an important role. After being praised by Norman and invited out for drinks, the music kicks in and once again provides an uplifting tone. With Rhiannon gleefully accepting her boss' offer, she begins to wrap up her work and heads out with the rest of her colleagues for a rare night out.
“Total Eclipse Of The Heart” by Bonnie Tyler:With Rhiannon and the rest of the Gazette’s staff arriving at a pub, Bonnie Tyler’s classic track is heard being sung by a woman. She seems to be the owner/manager and is hosting a karaoke night with her rendition of “Total Eclipse Of The Heat” kicking off the performances. In the meantime. Rhiannon settles down with her coworkers and they all share a drink while the music plays in the background.
“Fight For This Love” by Cheryl:Moments after the first performance, another woman hits the stage and sings “Fight For This Love” by Cheryl. The song continues as Rhiannon heads over to the bar where she orders a drink for herself and AJ. While waiting for her drinks to be poured, she spots Craig by a pool table, before being interrupted by a rude man at the bar who Rhiannon recognizes from episode 1.
Sweetpea Episode 2 Recap: Rhiannon’s Next Victim & 9 Other Reveals
After Rhiannon claimed her first life in episode 1, Sweetpea’s second outing revealed more vital information as the protagonist killed another victim.
“It Must Have Been Love” by Roxette:Not long after making eye contact with Rhiannon, Craig makes his way over to talk about his offer to buy her dad’s business. With Rhiannon realizing it’s the only reason he’s interested in her, she blows him off and claims she’s unsure if she can trust him with such a responsibility. “It Must Have Been Love” plays quietly in the background during this scene before cutting to Norman on stage as he passionately performs the song.
“Roar” by Katy Perry:“Roar” is Rhiannon’s song choice as she finds the courage to sing. Given she has been timid her whole life, performing the song is not only a huge step forward for her, but the track has a more symbolic meaning. Her roar at the end of episode 1 signaled she had much more fire about her after killing someone, making the song a subtle nod to her change in attitude. Her performance is interrupted as the police walk into the bar, causing everyone to go silent as Rhiannon slowly stops singing.
“One Love” by Blue:With the police’s arrival killing the atmosphere, Rhiannon heads off-stage where the pub owner/manager tries to lift the mood with some Blue. The song plays briefly as Rhiannon quickly heads towards the toilets in panic, clearly worried that the police could be there after finding some sort of evidence about the murder she committed.
Sweetpea Season 1 Episode 3 Songs
“Black Spots in the Garage”
“Fall In to Me” by Emanative & Liz Elensky (ft Ben Hadwen):After Rhiannon tampers with Jeff’s drink and the reporter is sent home, Rhiannon wishes him a speedy recovery before beginning to do her make-up where “Fall In to Me” begins playing. Her spike in confidence allows her to happily prepare for her dinner with Craig during work hours, something she would have been unlikely to do before her murders. The music plays as she applies her beauty products, before stopping abruptly as AJ begins questioning her.
“My Love For You” by ESG:“My Love For You” plays as Craig and Rhiannon’s friendly dinner turns into something more. After they share a kiss, Rhiannon ends up going home with Craig, where the two hook up before spending the night together. The music cuts off when Rhiannon exits the house and begins celebrating after the evening went exactly as planned.
“Get Some” by Lykke Li:With Rhiannon canceling her real estate meeting with Julia after getting cold feet about killing her, she instead asks Craig if he wants to hang out again. Unfortunately, he tells Rhiannon he has to work late, which prompts the protagonist to make a surprise visit. Dressing up nicely and bringing a bottle of alcohol to Craig’s garage, Lykke Li’s song plays in the background as she prepares herself for the impromptu visit. However, the music cuts off as Rhiannon arrives to see Craig already chatting with Julia.
Sweetpea Episode 3 Recap: Rhiannon’s Failed Third Kill & 9 Other Reveals
Sweetpea’s third episode saw Rhiannon’s confidence continue to soar after becoming a murderer, but things began to take a turn for the protagonist.
“Yes Sir, I Can Boogie” by Baccara:Having sabotaged Julia’s car after leaving Craig’s garage, Rhiannon offers her school bully a ride home. With very few other options, Julia reluctantly agrees and gets in Rhiannon’s car as the two have an awkward conversation. The topic of music comes up, where Julia claims she likes Magic FM. Rhiannon replies “Yeah me too” before turning on the radio, which happens to be playing “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie” as Rhiannon drives them to her own house while beginning her plan to kill Julia.
“Rose Garden” by Lynn Anderson:Episode 3’s final song doesn’t get introduced until the credits. Having once again confronted Julia about the pain she caused the protagonist in school, Rhiannon reveals she was the one who killed the two victims. Pulling out a knife, she attempts to murder Julia and store her body in a freezer that she prepared earlier. However, without the element of surprise, Rhiannon struggles, leading to a messy fight between the duo inside Rhiannon’s house. Just as Julia looks to get away, she slips and falls, allowing Rhiannon to smack her over the head.
Unfortunately for the protagonist, this isn’t enough to kill her long-term enemy, as Julia opens her eyes right as the episode ends and “Rose Garden” begins to play.
Sweetpea Season 1 Episode 4 Songs
“Everybody Loves Julia”
“For Your Mind” by Honey Ltd:Sweetpeaepisode 4 didn’t feature much music, but Honey Ltd’s “For Your Mind” can be heard in the background as Rhiannon is getting ready for her night out. After stealing Julia’s clothes, Rhiannon applies her makeup in the bathroom while Julia tries to make noise from the garage after being kidnapped. The protagonist then tells Julia to be quiet while drinking the wine stolen from her bully’s house, before she eventually heads down to address Julia, who continues making noise until Rhiannon arrives.
Sweetpea Episode 4 Recap: Marina’s Kill List & 10 Other Reveals
After Rhiannon failed to kill Julia in episode 3, Sweetpea continued its huge reveals, including what happened next alongside Marina’s kill list.
“Boys Wanna Be Her” by Peaches:The only other song to feature inSweetpea’s fourth episode comes during the end credits. Having spent a large part of the episode investigating the murder cases, Marina believes Rhiannon could be involved and finds out some vital information in the closing moments of “Everybody Loves Julia”. Realizing that Julia had gone missing and Rhiannon had written an article about the incident, Marina seemingly connects the dots and makes Rhiannon her prime suspect, setting up an exciting fifth episode as the credits role while “Boys Wanna Be Her” plays.
Sweetpea Season 1 Episode 5 Songs
“Someone’s Been A Naughty Girl”
“Count Your Blessings” by Mattiel:Sweetpea’s fifth episode features just one song, as Mattiel’s “Count Your Blessings” plays after a dramatic end to the episode. Having set up a scheme to frame Marcus for kidnapping and murder, Rhiannon and Julia head to a private property to put their plan into motion. With Julia tied up, Marcus arrives and shows initial concern for his partner, but things quickly turn toxic. Accusing Julia of having sex with her kidnapper, Marcus begins getting hostile and eventually grabs Julia, causing Rhiannon to come out of hiding.
Sweetpea Episode 5 Recap: Rhiannon’s Third Victim & 10 Other Reveals
Sweetpea’s penultimate episode increased the action and suspense, as Rhiannon claimed her third victim while the walls continued to close in on her.
She confronts Marcus who begins getting hysterical, and he eventually threatens to jump from a ledge. Rather than showing sympathy, Rhiannon pushes him to his death before the police arrive, with Marina looking up at Julia and Rhiannon together. The chaotic conclusion is rounded out by “Count Your Blessing”, with the penultimate episode setting up an intense season finale.
Sweetpea Season 1 Episode 6 Songs
Life 2.0
“Dance With Me Tonight” by Olly Murs:The first song inSweetpea’s finale is a classic British pop song by Olly Murs that plays during Rhiannon and Julia’s night out. Having lied to the police about what really happened with Marcus, the two seem to settle their differences and celebrate their newfound freedom by going out clubbing together. As they share some drinks, “Dance With Me Tonight” plays in the background, with Julia mentioning Marcus used to love the song and played it when he proposed. Rhiannon then suggests Julia share her story about what happened as the two continue to grow closer.
“9 PM (Till I Come)” by ATB:After taking drugs, Rhiannon walks to the upper floor of the club where Julia is sharing drinks with her friends as “9 PM (Till I Come)” plays over the speaker. Julia is excited to see her and even calls the protagonist her best friend, which is cemented by the two sharing a hug. The moment symbolizes their new life - as the episode title suggests - and with the music representing that free spirit sort of vibe, it perfectly captures Rhiannon’s change in personality.
“Heaven” by DJ Sammy & Yanou ft. Do:The music in the club quickly transitions from ATB’s dance banger to “Heaven” as Rhiannon and Julia hit the dance floor. With both characters feeling on top of the world and experiencing an all-time high, they dance together alongside Julia’s friends. The short scene is quickly interrupted as it cuts to Marina searching through Rhiannon’s house, showing the contrasting experiences the two central characters are having after their confrontation at the police station earlier in the episode.
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“I Love It” by Icona Pop ft. Charli XCX:The majority ofSweetpeaepisode 6’s soundtrack comes from the club sequence, and “I Love It” rounds off Rhiannon and Julia’s time partying. With Rhiannon’s confidence continuing to soar, she texts AJ just moments before Craig shows up. Despite her message suggesting AJ is the one she wants to be with, she kisses Craig, followed by Julia as the three all dance together. Like the previous song, the night out abruptly cuts to Marina snooping around Rhiannon’s house.
“Lullaby” by Grace Ives:Sweetpea’s penultimate song plays as the show seems to be building towards a happy ending. Despite Marina confronting Rhiannon and the protagonist having a messy breakup with Craig, things seem to look up as AJ visits her house and the two finally act on their romantic spark. After Rhiannon reveals she’s broken up with Craig, she quickly gets with AJ. The two kiss and spend the night together while Grace Ives' upbeat song plays, suggesting Rhiannon’s new life will be with the man she was destined to be with.
“Sweet Pea” by Christina Perri:WithSweetpea’s finale ending with a dark twist, Christina Perri’s appropriately titled song plays alongside the credits after an eventful final few minutes. The song’s happy tone doesn’t reflect the atmosphere ofSweetpea’s conclusion, but it does perfectly sum up Rhiannon’s journey. Despite the horrific nature of what transpired, the song maintains a sweet demeanor, much like the protagonist. Even though she is a serial killer, most people believe she is a harmless, innocent girl, making “Sweet Pea” a fitting song to close the show both in terms of sound and name.
Sweetpea
Sweetpea (2024) follows Rhiannon Lewis, an unremarkable woman who goes unnoticed by those around her. However, her life takes a dark turn when she loses control, leading to a transformation filled with dangerous secrets she must conceal.
