Diving into Rivals: An Over-the-Top Tale of Love, Lust, and Laughter
Get ready for a wild ride with Rivals, the latest gem on Disney+. The opening scene is nothing short of sensational. Picture this: we’re introduced to Rupert Campbell-Black, portrayed by the charismatic Alex Hassell, as he confidently struts his stuff aboard a Concorde, complete with an eye-catching shot of his bare backside. And just to set the mood, Robert Palmer’s classic hit “Addicted to Love” plays in the background. As he returns to his seat, charming all the female passengers around him, he’s confronted about his cheeky escapade in the airplane restroom. “A loo,” he corrects with a touch of class. “Don’t be plebeian.” Welcome to a world where sex, class, and the flamboyance of the Eighties collide in a riotously entertaining package. And trust me, we haven’t even gotten to the naked tennis yet—so buckle up for the ride!
One of the most refreshing aspects of Rivals is that it doesn’t shy away from the source material, which is based on Jilly Cooper’s beloved novel. For those worried about a Disney-fied version of the story, fear not! This adaptation fully embraces the unapologetic hedonism of the era. Characters indulge in affairs, smoke like there’s no tomorrow, and engage in hunting and shooting as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. Off-color jokes abound, and no one delivers a tedious lecture on human rights when they land a punchline. It’s a breath of fresh air in a time when political correctness often stifles creativity.
At the center of this whirlwind of debauchery is Campbell-Black himself, a Tory politician who, let’s be honest, you’d probably want to take home to meet the folks. He’s described as the “handsomest man in England,” and it’s easy to see why. The show does wonders for the image of the Conservative Party, portraying a character that’s both alluring and scandalous.
The plot, while perhaps a touch improbable, expertly weaves together high drama and sexual tension around an ITV franchise set in the idyllic Cotswolds. Enter Lord Tony Baddingham, played by the ever-talented David Tennant, the ruthless mastermind behind Corinium. He hires fiery Irish journalist Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner, rocking an impressive moustache) as his star interviewer. Along for the ride are O’Hara’s anxious wife Maud (Victoria Smurfit) and their doe-eyed daughter Taggie (Bella Maclean). This trio finds themselves neighbors to the irresistible Campbell-Black, a former Olympic show-jumping champion turned Minister for Sport, living large in a lavish estate with his pack of dogs.
Now, let’s talk about the casting. Jilly purists might raise an eyebrow at the fact that Campbell-Black, in the book, is described as having blond hair and blue eyes, but Hassell completely captivates the screen with his charm and charisma. He even revealed that, on set, everyone was instructed to treat him as if he were the most attractive man in the world. This little psychological trick works wonders, especially when every woman around him blushes at his mere presence, conditioning us to feel that same thrill.
When Campbell-Black first encounters Taggie, he’s a bit of a cad, but somehow, you find yourself rooting for their romance, despite the fact that she’s just 20. It’s hard to imagine a show today handling such a storyline with the same carefree spirit, but Rivals remains steadfastly true to the era it represents. The only nod to modern sensibilities comes in the form of equal opportunity nudity: for every scene showcasing naked female bodies, there’s a corresponding moment featuring male nudity. I can already hear the pause and rewind buttons wearing out on remotes across the nation after the jaw-dropping full-frontal scene on the tennis court!
Writer Dominic Treadwell-Collins clearly had a blast with the show’s period setting and the advantages of hindsight. A hilarious moment comes when Baddingham quips about the BBC scheduling Top of the Pops against them, saying, “So you need to be more popular than Jimmy Savile.” The music choices are a delight, too, featuring iconic artists from Eurythmics to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Paul Simon, and The Bangles. Although younger viewers might scratch their heads during a garden party scene where guests bust a move to “The Birdie Song,” it’s a charming reminder of the cultural zeitgeist of the time.
Class is a recurring theme in Rivals, as Rutshire is packed with unbearable snobs. The arrival of self-made electronics millionaire Freddie Jones and his wife ignites plenty of gossip and snickering. Danny Dyer, perfectly cast, brings a surprising sweetness to his role as Freddie, particularly in his interactions with romantic novelist Lizzie Vereker (Katherine Parkinson). The supporting cast is a hoot, with standout performances from Rufus Jones as a bumptious politician and Oliver Chris as a self-absorbed daytime TV presenter, providing laugh-out-loud moments that keep the energy high.
The series spans eight episodes, and while it does sag a bit toward the end, focusing more on regional television franchise politics than on love and lust, it still serves as a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. In a recent interview, Cooper, now 89, lamented, “Today there seems to be far less bonking.” Thankfully, Rivals more than makes up for it with a plethora of steamy scenes. But don’t let the risqué nature fool you; this show has heart, just like its author.
In conclusion, Rivals offers a delightful mix of humor, drama, and romance wrapped in the decadent package of the Eighties. It’s an invitation to step back in time, indulge in some deliciously scandalous escapades, and enjoy a world where sex and class collide in the most entertaining ways. Whether you’re a fan of the original book or new to Jilly Cooper’s world, this show promises to be a thrilling escape. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, laughter, and perhaps even a few gasps as you dive into the vibrant and unapologetic world of Rivals.
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