The Horniest Show on TV Returns — And It’s Raunchier Than Ever!
“Why are men so bloody useless?” Taggie bluntly asks in the sizzling new season of Hulu’s “Rivals.” The second season of this British “bonkbuster” kicked off Friday, diving straight into the chaos that ensues when two rival broadcasting companies, Corinium and Ventura, battle for a lucrative commercial contract. Spoiler alert: the men are still as foolish as ever, leaving the women to pick up the pieces.
On the Ventura side, sweet but naive Taggie (Bella MacLean) is left heartbroken after the dashing Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) vanishes right after their steamy kitchen kiss. Turns out, the Tory Cabinet minister has fled to a cottage in Devon, where he’s busy “protecting” (read: getting it on with) fierce producer Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams), who’s on the run after a violent encounter with Corinium’s villainous Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant).
While Rupert and Cameron are holed up in their love nest, the rest of the crew is left to juggle their own romantic entanglements. Hunky Irish broadcaster Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner) is at odds with his whimsical wife Maud (Victoria Smurfit), who’s ditched him for the London stage. Meanwhile, married businessman Freddie Jones (Danny Dyer) is stuck with his vapid wife Valerie (Lisa McGrillis) while pining for romance novelist Lizzie Vereker (Katherine Parkinson), who’s shackled to the oblivious Coronium TV host James (Oliver Chris).
At Corinium, Baddingham has survived a bloody office brawl and is now plotting revenge with methods that his practical wife Monica (Claire Rushbrook) finds utterly distasteful. To add to his woes, he’s also dealing with the fallout of having knocked up his network’s married host, Sarah Stratton (Emily Atack). But for Baddingham, these setbacks are mere speed bumps on his path of debauchery, as he continues to smoke cigars and chase after other women.
As these lust-driven adults vie for both the coveted contract and each other’s affections, viewers are left like Puck, watching lovers tumble in and out of misguided romances against a lush countryside backdrop. The second season of “Rivals” is just as addictive as its predecessor, offering a bird’s-eye view of chaotic love lives.
From which company will cover the big polo match to how a pre-election dinner party devolves into pantry rendezvous, each episode is a frothy escape. The show remains delightfully rooted in the realities of the ’80s while delivering sharp social commentary reminiscent of Jilly Cooper’s “Rutshire Chronicles.” This unique blend is what makes “Rivals” stand out.
Much like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the lust-filled antics of these adults reflect broader themes about society and love. Taggie, the moral compass in this morally bankrupt world, asks her friend about the play’s essence. Her friend nails it: it’s “about the fragility of being in love,” highlighting how easily one can fall for the wrong person while making true love all the more rewarding.
“Rivals” boldly explores this timeless theme, proving that love in this corner of the British countryside will never be smooth sailing. With too many steamy encounters in pools and pantries, it raises the question: can any of this love be genuine when men are caught up in their ruthless games and women are weary of being collateral damage?
The only downside? Viewers must endure a frustrating release schedule. The first three episodes of this 12-episode season dropped Friday, but subsequent episodes will roll out weekly, with the final six airing at an undisclosed time later this year. It’s a streaming nightmare: mixing weekly episodes with two-part seasons.
Yet, despite this inconvenience, nothing can deter me from watching because “Rivals” is one of the freshest, funniest, and most tantalizing shows around. I’m eagerly anticipating how these “useless” fools will continue their lustful escapades in pursuit of love.
The first three episodes of “Rivals” are now streaming on Hulu, with more to come weekly.
