There is something salacious about Rivals on Hulu and Disney+ that makes this guilty pleasure feel irresistible. Season 1 may have set up a cavalcade of characters that brought to together the ‘perfect’ cast, but Season 2 goes one better by giving these people heart and soul. From the effortless chemistry between Bella McLean and Alex Hassel through to David Tennant’s scenery chewing, this second season never puts a foot wrong.
Very few actors could carry off the idiosyncrasies of Rupert Campbell-Black that veer between isolated aristocrat to narcissistic playboy without losing an audience. Thankfully, this is a tightrope Alex Hassell seems capable of walking with ease, encountering countless obstacles but coming through unscathed. Campbell-Black and Taggie O’Hara also remain a compelling couple, despite obvious complications, achieving moments of emotional honesty often conveyed without words.
That relationship might appear to take centre stage, but both Danny Dyer and Katherine Parkinson make this feel like a real romance. Take away the ‘80s vibe that surrounds them and these two actors continue to catch audiences off guard as their connection grows over Season 2. Freddie and Lizzie are the beating heart and Danny Dyer shows such a kindred connection to Freddie Jones, it would be a travesty if his performance gets overlooked.
Image Courtesy of Disney+
In a time when cancel culture mentalities combine with social media to make any kind of entertainment a creative minefield, Rivals remains resolute in staying true to the source material. Dame Jilly Cooper may have passed on, but the spirit of her novels is alive and well in this Hulu original. There is a brazen quality to the characterisation that embraces British farce without losing any dramatic edge, while acknowledging sexual liberation without making this feel like a Carry-On pastiche.
For the uninitiated who might have their doubts about diving into this world of romance novels have no fear. Rivals still manages to feel like a contemporary show despite the ‘80s soundtrack. Emily Atack and Oliver Chris continue to be stand outs in an ensemble who are almost pitch perfect in every way. A cast who acknowledges the cliches and stereotypes but still attempts to make them feel as grounded as possible.
Between the polo matches and sordid affairs in country cottages, Rivals feels like a nostalgic romp down memory lane with side orders of social commentary. Not only touching on the Thatcher years of Conservative rule but addressing an end to sexual liberation that signalled an epidemic of another kind. Demonstrating a show that comes with a conscience and an inherent understanding of current contemporary culture.
These are characters touched by tragedy locked in loveless marriages, seeking solace from soul mates who are unobtainable. It is rare that romance fiction translates so well to the small screen without losing its essence, but Rivals remains a rare animal in a sea of streaming content where choices are infinite. To find something that reflects, explores, and acknowledges contemporary times with honesty is unique. Roll on that Season 3 renewal.
Rivals Season 2 premieres on Hulu and Disney+ from May 15th.