‘Rivals’ Season 2’s Return Teases Its Most Ambitious Shakeup Yet | Review

The second half of *Rivals* Season 2 follows Rutshire’s residents as they deal with Monica Baddingham’s death and the secrets and betrayals it exposes. The review says the episodes shift towards a darker tone, with more grief, conflict and heartbreak, while still drawing on the series’ glamour and sexual intrigue.

David Tennant is singled out for a compelling portrayal of Tony as a man pushed to his limits, while Alex Hassell’s Rupert develops into a more emotionally mature character. The review also highlights new consequences for Freddie and Lizzie’s affair, and a more assertive Taggie, though it says the season’s pacing suffers from its split release, with a five-month gap between parts.