As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the glamorous and scandalous worlds of primetime soap operas, I must say that Rivals is a delightful addition to my streaming queue. The show’s opening scene, which finds Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) joining the mile-high club in style, sets the stage for an eight-episode romp through the ’80s world of independent television.
Starting a critique of Disney Plus’s version of Jilly Cooper’s adaptation without discussing the initial scene might be challenging due to its significant impact on the overall feel of this delightfully chaotic yet enjoyable series. In essence, it establishes the tone quite effectively.
The setting is reminiscent of the Concorde era, with “Addicted to Love” playing in the background. The initial scene unfolds with none other than Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell), a charming character, casually joining an exclusive club mid-flight – the mile-high club – with a stylish journalist. As the flight continues, glossy magazines and shrimp are passed around among passengers, interspersed with occasional moans. The peak of excitement is signaled by the popping of a champagne bottle – if that doesn’t encapsulate the essence of Rivals, I’m not sure what does.
Over the course of eight captivating episodes, we embark on a vivid journey through the 1980s, exploring the realm of independent television. While the intricacies of this industry might be unfamiliar to many, Rivals skillfully immerses us in the world of TV production by focusing on universal themes such as loyalty, power struggles, and ambition.
In a world much like ours, filled with an undeniable focus on financial worth and predominantly male-led industries, Rivals crafts a dazzling fictitious universe that mirrors reality quite closely.
But back to the fun!
When people learned that Jilly Cooper’s famous 1988 novel was being transformed for television, enthusiasts of the Rutshire Chronicles felt a mix of excitement and apprehension about how their cherished characters would be portrayed on-screen. Though I haven’t read the books myself, it’s safe to say that it’s challenging to find someone in the UK unfamiliar with Cooper’s novels.
The situation became quite extraordinary as the cast for the Disney Plus adaptation was unveiled. Notably, it included David Tennant, who played the Doctor in Doctor Who, Aidan Turner known for his role in Poldark, Danny Dyer from EastEnders, and Emily Atack, famous for her work in The Inbetweeners. This led many to wonder, ‘Who isn’t part of this impressive ensemble?’
Although the promotion suggests that Turner, Hassell, and Tennant form the main trio in this series, with their characters taking center stage, it’s essential to note that this production is an ensemble work in essence. We can’t help but admit our fascination as a curious nation; there’s nothing quite like having numerous well-developed characters within a single drama and gaining a glimpse into their personal lives. However, we can’t hide the fact that we crave more!
This production, featuring Cameron Cook’s powerhouse performance, delves deeply into complex characters like Sarah’s intricate bond with Paul Stratton (Rufus Jones) and the peculiar mother-daughter dynamics between Taggie (Bella Maclean) and Maud (Victoria Smurfit), balancing both character development and laughter. It’s as much a drama that explores personalities as it is a comedic rollercoaster ride.
Due to the large cast of characters in the storyline, there’s a concern that some character development might seem rushed or uneven compared to others. Admittedly, I would prefer more detailed exploration of certain characters, but the series skillfully provides sufficient insight into the lives and personalities within the affluent circle of Rutshire society.
Upon viewing, one might find themselves reminiscing about series like the original American primetime soap Dynasty, or perhaps imagining EastEnders transposed in the Cotswolds. For a while, people who don’t typically watch soap operas have held a dismissive attitude towards the genre. However, what makes Rivals unique is that it’s challenging to distinguish it from its boldly flamboyant soap opera origins. Instead, it wholeheartedly embraces them.
It’s worth noting that the creator of Rivals, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, is well-known for his work on Albert Square and the revival of Family Affairs on Channel 5. Consequently, the traditional feel of a soap opera is deeply ingrained in the very foundation of Rivals.
In which show am I going to find a scene of someone luxuriously devouring a jam roly-poly, another making an entrance at a dinner party on a camel, and Tennant shattering a TV with his bare hands? The answer is Rivals – and let me tell you, it’s the drama we all need!
This series manages to demonstrate that television can indeed be enjoyable – it’s glitzy, vibrant, and full of humor, yet simultaneously captivating with its dramatic moments. Despite its flashy elements like the wigs, catchy tunes, and abundance of expressive faces, Rivals is a program that carries significant substance.
This show maintains a light-hearted tone most of the time, yet handles serious topics such as media misogyny, prejudice, and sexuality exceptionally well when it does. Throughout each episode, Rivals tackles these significant issues without feeling heavy or overly ambitious, striking a balance between humor and depth that keeps viewers captivated. The show’s unexpectedly darker moments add intrigue, making it hard to look away.
It’s essential to acknowledge Tennant for his outstanding portrayal as the primary antagonist in our show, consistently embodying the chilling darkness he masterfully displayed in series such as Deadwater Fell, Inside Man, and Des.
Among the many appealing aspects of this series, I find the portrayal of strong female characters to be particularly captivating. While the stories often revolve around Declan, Tony, and Rupert, it’s rare nowadays to find such a diverse group of well-rounded women in a single drama. Characters like Sarah, who boldly pursues her ambitions, Lizzie (Katherine Parkinson), who embodies romantic longing, and Taggie, going through her own personal growth journey, make the female leads in Rivals truly captivating.
In simple terms, “Rivals” is a shining gem among Disney Plus’s original UK content, deserving of the excitement surrounding it. For those who might blush easily, consider this your warning – the rest of us eagerly anticipate the renewal of “Rivers,” which we believe it truly deserves.
Exciting news, fellow film lovers! The much-anticipated movie “Rivals” is set to premiere on Disney Plus on October 18th, 2024. To ensure you don’t miss out, why not sign up to Disney Plus today? You can choose from a monthly fee of £4.99 or opt for a yearly subscription at £79.90. Don’t let this cinematic adventure pass you by!
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2024-10-09 14:36