As someone who grew up in the 80s and can vividly remember the wild and free spirit of that era, I must say that Rivals has truly captured the essence of that time. The show is a delightful blend of sex, politics, and TV, all wrapped up in a package that’s as addictive as a bag of chips on a Friday night.
On October 18, 2024, the English drama “Rivals” will debut on both Hulu and Disney+. This gripping political tale revolves around cabinet minister Rupert Campbell-Black (played by Alex Hassell) and Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant), who are locked in a fierce struggle for power within the fictional nation of Rutshire. Often described as a twisted take on traditional British society, “Rivals” has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
As a film enthusiast, I must admit that those who are acquainted with the 1988 source novel might harbor valid concerns about the explicit sexual content and crude language being softened for Disney viewers. However, delightfully, Disney hasn’t flinched from tackling the provocative and daring themes. Instead, the streaming service has remained true to the lewd spirit of the novel, resulting in one of the most entertaining new TV comedies of 2024 that had me rolling with laughter.
3 What Is the Rivals TV show About?
Based on Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel, “Rivals” is an hour-long English drama series set in the fictional country of Rutshire during 1986. The main storyline revolves around the intense rivalry between cabinet minister Rupert Campbell-Black and TV director Lord Tony Baddingham, who are engaged in a power struggle on both the sociopolitical front and the local independent TV station Corinium. This 80s-era show delves into more than just a satirical exploration of high society politics; it also explores the impact of Corinium’s sphere of influence, as both Rupert and Tony vie for control over public opinion and popularity through this media outlet.
In the words of Cooper, her novel is about “low morals and grand estates” (as reported by BBC). The series “Rivals” portrays high-ranking socialites, influential figures, esteemed politicians, and respected dignitaries behaving in the most scandalous manner, creating a captivating contrast between their public image and the naughty secrets unfolding within the vast Cotswolds manor. The entertaining aspect of the show lies in observing how these refined, sophisticated, wealthy public figures engage in devious, depraved, and debauched acts that border on the absurd, resembling a coarse and vulgar blend of “Veep” and “The Favourite“, set amidst the extravagance of the 1980s.
In a stark contrast to the usual moral standards upheld by well-behaved yet shallow figures in leadership and entertainment, the gritty content of Cooper’s source material stands out unapologetically; a welcome deviation, even in a TV series produced by Disney, renowned for its family-friendly and wholesome shows. Despite appearing somewhat incongruous on Disney’s platform, Rivals has garnered instant popularity due to its brazen embrace of its racy nature, rather than toning it down.
2 Rivals Embraces its Racy Raunchiness
Disney has nailed the adaptation of “Rivals” by preserving the elements that made Cooper’s novel appealing. The series retains the raw passion, extravagant ’80s lifestyle, bold actions, and explicit language that contributed to the book’s popularity in 1988, a time period more permissive than today’s societal norms. By placing the story within the ’80s, the characters are given ample freedom to behave according to the less censored and repressed attitudes towards sexuality during that era.
As David Tennant tells the BBC:
In Jilly Cooper’s fictional world, characters can embody contradictory traits. They might engage in infidelities with their top producers, yet still maintain strong, committed marriages. This isn’t how I recall the 1980s in Bathgate, but according to her stories, it was commonplace in the Cotswolds. There were plenty of hairstyles and a lot of intimate relationships.
In “Rivals,” the book’s boldness is evident right from the start as Rupert engages in a sexual encounter on an airplane with a journalist, and Prime Minister Stratton’s (Rufus Jones) secret affair is uncovered by TV anchor Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner). Simultaneously, Tony endeavors to persuade high-profile TV producer Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams) to boost his TV ratings, all while navigating a romantic entanglement. The series thrives on the intriguing blend of sex, television, and politics, and the captivating chemistry between the actors is a pleasure to behold.
1 Critics Are Loving Rivals
As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but sing praises for the series “Rivals,” boasting a staggering 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The critical consensus aptly sums it up as, “A bitingly funny show that revels in class struggle and catty behavior, making it hard to look away.
As The Guardian’s 5/5-star review notes:
Essentially, the original 1988 bestseller by Cooper hasn’t been watered down for mass consumption like Disney typically does. The streaming service has maintained the raw, gritty elements, including explicit content, the over-the-top behavior of the characters, and a significant portion of Cooper’s keen eye for social nuances and emotional intelligence. In fact, they’ve preserved more of these aspects than most adaptations, and they’ve also retained the exuberant spirit that characterized the original work.
To preserve the adult-leaning tone and visual style of the novel, Disney has made it clear to their subscribers that their streaming service is not limited to child-friendly content. In fact, “Rivals” is equally captivating and hard to resist as anything currently airing on television, as The Observer points out.
The show shines when it’s a mix of absurdity and sensuality, often challenging conventional norms by revealing the bare truth, so to speak. It’s important to understand from the start that many characters you encounter will eventually engage in explicit sexual scenes, regardless of whether these scenes contribute to the plot or not.
Rounding out the critical plaudits, Empire Magazine adds:
Throughout this series, there’s a consistent thread of self-awareness. In essence, it appears as if the show was born complete, already understanding its intended identity – a wild, indulgent spectacle. It’s incredibly dynamic, and ‘explosive’ in multiple aspects.
Rivals is available to stream on Disney+ & Hulu.
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2024-10-26 22:31