Sorry, You’re Wrong About ‘Rivals’

Think the Disney+ series is just sex and shoulder pads? Think again

I was at a dinner party in London recently when the topic of Rivals came up. Conversations about what shows people are watching are a natural icebreaker, and I was thrilled to have the chance to gush about my love for the Disney+ series, based on Jilly Cooper’s 1980s novels, especially in such familiar company. (The series is set in the Cotswolds, after all.) But the negative reaction around the table caught me off guard: “Whoa, OK. Isn’t that all just tons of sex?”

To those naysayers (and those who are just simply afraid to watch), I say: You’re wrong about Rivals. Sex is certainly a big part of the series. (Cooper’s romance books were dubbed “bonkbusters” for a reason.) So are the 1980s-inspired shoulder pads, hairstyles and a soundtrack guaranteed to give you all the feels. But beneath all the glamour and sauciness, the storylines and character arcs are poignant and empowering.

In fact, I’d argue that Rivals is probably one of the best shows on TV right now. And you don’t have to just take my word for it. The series boasts a 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and has already been renewed for season three. Even Queen Camilla revealed last year that she binge watched the first season at warp speed.

With the return of season two, part two this week, I stand by my assessment: Rivalsis so much more than its sexy reputation suggests. And its brilliance is only becoming more clear. *Spoilers ahead*

We Need to Talk About Monica

To be clear, as I write this review, I’ve only watched the first episode of part two so far. The series returned from its five-month hiatus (part one dropped in May) this week, picking off where we last left off—with heartthrob Rupert Campbell-Black (played by Alex Hassell) breaking the news to his arch-enemy Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) that his wife, Monica (Claire Rushbrook), had been killed in a car crash. (Flashing back to those final scenes in the concluding episode of part one for a minute: I was so shocked and gutted, I immediately began messaging the only other person at that London dinner party who joined me in pressuring everyone else to watch. He replied with this meme.)

But Monica’s end was a true loss. And one that, based on the beginning of part two, which picks up at her funeral, has the propensity to reset the entire series. After all, Tony—the mogul behind TV station Corinium—was already quite the villain in his efforts to block the success of rival station, Venturer. Monica’s death also comes following her discovery of the true depth of her husband’s nefarious behavior (ahem, having an affair with the wife of his nemesis is pretty low) and finally asking for what was long overdue: a divorce.

Alas, her future happiness would never come. Instead, we’re left with an angry and emboldened Lord Baddingham who, according to one of the guests at the reception following Monica’s funeral, will carry forth without “a conscience,” something his late wife was the only one to provide.

Tony’s Not the Only One Rocked

Back to the sex: In the opening episode of Rivals season two, part two, I found myself devastated and delightfully reminded of exactly what makes this show so great. The funeral scenes are dark and heavy; the picturesque (and colorful) world of the Cotswolds in the 1980s is absolutely turned upside down. But what do we know about grief? It tends to make people…frisky. Let’s just say the scenes change from somber to sexy quite quick.

Cut to the rest of the cast, who—rivals or not—are also reeling from Monica’s loss. Rupert was the last person to see the great matriarch alive (he came across her car in the accident), a moment that spawns a full-blown identity crisis and renews his forbidden love—or is it lust?—for Taggie (played by Bella Maclean). Freddie and Lizzie (Danny Dyer and Katherine Parkinson) are once again drawn to each other and with a renewed sense of clarity surrounding their affair. Even Gerald and Charles (Hubert Burton and Gary Lamont) are overcome with the power of love—despite the obvious complications (ahem, Gerald’s fiancée, Muffy, played by Eliot Salt).

Yes, the series does what it does best: Mixing emotional depth and soapy betrayals with the vibrant backdrops of the British countryside in the 1980s. Also, lots of sex. (During one scene, Freddie’s frilly bedroom—designed by his wife—almost steals the show.)

The Twists and Turns Keep Coming

As the final credits of episode one neared, I found myself ready to make like Queen Camilla and keep binging: There were so many new plotlines still to untangle. Will Declan (played by Aidan Turner) discover his wife Maud’s (Victoria Smurfit) reckless affair? Will Gerald be compelled to tell all to Muffy about his love for Charles? Will Rupert and Taggie finally make a go of it? Heck, who is the mole feeding TV production secrets to Tony Baddingham and will the loss of Monica release a new level of fury on his rivals? (The list goes on.)

Bottom line: Trust me when you say you need to prioritize this sexy series. But remember: Its must-watch status is about so much more than that.