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Rivals returns with grief, betrayal and deeper emotional stakes
The second half of Rivals’ second series returns to the tangled lives of Rutshire’s wealthy residents, picking up at Monica Baddingham’s funeral after her death in the Great Storm of 1987. The review says the episodes retain the show’s mix of sexual intrigue, betrayals and comedy, while giving greater weight to grief and the consequences of past actions.
Across the six episodes, the rivalry between Venturer and Corinium continues, but the review considers the personal dramas more compelling. Tony, grieving and furious, becomes increasingly unsettling; the series also reveals the father of Sarah’s baby and deepens several relationships. Monica’s death scene is singled out for its poignancy, with the critic arguing that the mix of melodrama and emotional sincerity is what makes the show work.
In short
- Rivals returns after a five-month break with six new episodes.
- The story balances sexual intrigue with grief and consequences.
- Monica’s death scene brings the series notable emotional weight.
Explained simply
Rivals is a drama set among wealthy residents of the fictional county of Rutshire in the late 1980s. It follows their romantic entanglements and personal rivalries, alongside a contest between Venturer and Corinium, two competing television companies.
Monica Baddingham is a central figure whose death in the Great Storm of 1987 leaves those around her to deal with loss and its consequences. Other key characters include Tony, who is grieving, and Sarah, whose pregnancy connects to questions about her relationships and family life.
The story combines personal relationships with competition for influence and success. Its characters’ choices affect both the people closest to them and the wider circle in which they live.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Rivals review – this TV joy is so much more than just a romp”.