Everyone’s favourite TV rivals are back with a bang. Picking up weeks after season one’s explosive finale, Rivals season two wastes no time diving headfirst back into its trademark mix of scandal, tension and irresistible chaos. Whilst season one spent its time building up the world of Rutshire, season two feels more confident in its chaos as rivalries continue to surge full throttle, dropping viewers straight back into the drama, without losing the sharp wit that made the first season work.
But it seems a little knock over the head can’t keep Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) down as he is back at Corinium and more ruthless than ever, with the war between Corinium and Venturer for the Central South West television franchise reaching fever pitch and entering a dangerous new phase. Tony will stop at nothing to keep Corinium on top as he seeks to dismantle his rivals piece by piece, weaponising scandal and manipulating those closest to him, to maintain his grip on power.
Based on Jilly Cooper’s The Rutshire Chronicles and set amidst the hedonistic glamour of the 80s, the personal lives of our Rutshire heroes spiral into chaos as marriages fracture under the weight of ambition, illicit affairs threaten to shatter families, and buried secrets ignite with explosive consequences. As the ongoing rivalries are pushed to the brink, loyalties are tested, and hearts are broken in the pursuit of victory, but what is the true cost of war?
Visually, the series leans into the excess of its 80s setting. With bold colours, flamboyant styling and glossy scenery, the world of Rutshire feels deliberately heightened to match the overtly posh, steamy, outlandish, but entirely enjoyable story. Every shot is designed to move the story forward, showing some scenes through the angle of an 80’s TV with others working alongside the seductive score to build tension. Additionally, the production design shines as each grand estate is deliberately designed to feel tied to its character, becoming part of the storytelling rather than just a background, whilst also looking consistently great on screen.
Tennant has never been so unlikable, as Tony Baddingham is not afraid to be the villain of everyone’s story. Setting out with the sole goal of ruining everyone at Venturer one by one, he seemingly will not rest until that mission is complete, whatever the consequence. With the show finding success in the chaos of the friendship and rivalry, we know by now that no one is an angel in Rutshire, but Tony is everyone’s villain, and Tennant plays that extremely well. As a known national treasure, it can be difficult to play such a disliked character without everyone immediately thinking of the actor playing him. Still, Tennant succeeds here, making you feel active discomfort every time Tony is on screen. His scenes opposite Alex Hassell and Aidan Turner are some of the season’s strongest, with the tension between the trio driving much of the season’s drama.
But things over at Venturer are far from smooth sailing, as Rupert Campbell-Black (Hassell) and Declan O’Hara (Turner) seek to take their business to new heights while also becoming entangled in messy family affairs. After Taggie O’Hara (Bella Maclean) and Rupert became involved in season one, tensions remain high. At the same time, Declan’s wife, Maud O’Hara (Victoria Smurfit), continues to pursue her career on the stage, leaving the family dynamic more fractured than ever. But these entanglements take the show to entertaining new heights, perfectly balancing the humour of it all with its more dramatic yet emotional moments.
Much like season one, even with so many storylines overlapping and many stellar actors involved, the series still gives every cast member their moment, weaving them together in a way that keeps every episode consistently fun and engaging so that nothing ever feels like filler. The performances across the board are consistently strong, with each actor fully leaning into the tone of the show.
There is a real sense of momentum in the new season, with events moving at a fast and gripping pace, as storylines shift through personal drama and professional rivalries. The show keeps you on your toes, constantly hooked to wonder what’s coming next. And with 12 episodes confirmed, it’s bound to get even more intense from here.
Bigger, messier and even more addictive than before, Rivals season two doubles down on everything that made the first season so entertaining. Packed with scandal, strong performances and plenty of drama, it doesn’t let up, and if anything, it just leaves you keen to see where it all goes next.
★★★★ 1/2
Premieres May 15th on Disney+ (Episodes viewed: 1-4) / David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner, Nafessa Williams, Bella Maclean, Katherine Parkinson, Danny Dyer, Victoria Smurfit, Claire Rushbrook, Oliver Chris, Lisa McGrillis, Emily Atack / Disney+ / 18
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