New Show ‘RIVALS’ Review
Based on the book of the same name by Jilly Cooper, ‘Rivals’ has hit Disney Plus this year and immediately captivated the attention of audiences with its racy and dramatic storyline. Having not read the book, but convinced by the numerous videos online talking about how good the show was, I sat down to watch it this week. The show launches its audience into the 1980s, exploring the lives of the upper-class community of (fictional) Rutshire during the height of Thatcher’s premiership.
The drama series felt like a BBC period show but with hints of comedy, and a ton of sexual chemistry - not just between two characters, but across the whole cast. The show addresses questions of infidelity, love and betrayal in a world that is disconnected from its viewers, but that also features realistic life dilemmas.
Rivals’ characters are complicated and meticulously considered, whilst Aidan Turner remains the shining protagonist throughout, each separate character and their storyline interweaves itself slyly into the show’s overarching plot. The result is a constant manipulation of us, the audience, who watch confused as to who it is that we actually like throughout the length of the show’s mere 8 episodes. Cooper’s ‘will they, won’t they?’/‘enemies to lovers’ trope holds viewers transfixed and forces us to evaluate our moral judgments - did we jump the gun with our initial ideas of who the antagonist would be?
Despite its heavy themes, the show stays lighthearted with its hints of comedy - this is less ‘laugh-out-loud’ funny and more of a ‘giggle to yourself’ show, which feels appropriate given the genre. Danny Dyer especially contributes to this, as typecast as the man may be, he is always a familiar and funny face on our screens.
The show offers a good middle ground which may be why it has been so popular amongst viewers since its release. Those that enjoy a smutty, slow-burn romance will love this; likewise, anyone looking for some thought provoking television can sink their teeth in. At the end of the day, the show is a reflection of the society we live in - dictated by the rampant politicisation of our media. Ultimately, Cooper’s society reflects upon the patriarchal monopolisation of politics and discourse. As sexually enlightened as some of her female characters may be, they are still thrust into a world of gendered and racialized stereotypes which seem inescapable to the detriment of the insightful audience.
