Rivals

Perfect autumn viewing. 80's Jilly Cooper novels were passed around until pages fell out, so I was curious about the idea of bringing one to life on TV in 2024. It's perfectly done. The show is able to make well placed acknowledgements to life 40 years ago; and while it is amusing, it is never comic. It is also blunt about the era's inequities. The story is great, a proper romp but not sordid, with twists & turns you'd expect from a JC book and a Disney + show. The styling is spot on. The casting + characters are brilliant. Bit of a Danny Dyer crush now actually! A must watch. Season 2 please!

I was 19 in 1980, so I reached manhood in the "decade of greed", but American, not British. However, this struck me as very true to the 80s. The characters were larger than life, the excess was correct (can't tell you how many times I went to a party and got coked up and watched the sun come up) and the narcissism is spot on. The casual sex is also on par with the 80s. Enjoying thios series and hoping there is more. And yes, I did think this is very much like "Dallas" by the 3rd episode. Thing is: I liked Dallas.

Why do I need six hundred characters to post a review? It seems absurd. Am I right, or is this review not good enough to print? What do you think? Do we expect more? Getting penalized for brevity seems silly. Yet still I need more characters. WHY? WHY? WHY?

This series is hilarious it's kind of is like a mixture of League of Gentlemen, Pride and Prejudice, Alan Patridge and maybe a bit of Industry !!

So much British talent keep this engaging and compelling so that you just have to keep on watching. Anyone who grew up watching British ITV (channel 3) in the 80s can relate to almost every character. Still strange to think we only had 4 TV channels during this decade so each channel commanded huge viewing figures. Each character reminds me of someone on TV during that era or who they may have been slightly modelled on.

Definitely worth watching just to see who is going to do what next. Even if you didn't grow up watching British television definitely recommend.

I haven't read the books so I can't comment on how accurate it is. Or if they picked the correct actor to play RCB. However I can say I really enjoyed this show and I really hope the have a second series.

It's a little bit on the cheesy side. But it makes for great television. And great escapism. I managed to watch it all in 2 days. I wish there was more episodes. However it's nice they don't drag it out too much.

David Tennant is great as per usual. But I was actually more surprised how good Danny Dyer was. I've seen him in a few things. (Who hasn't) And I was a bit sceptical to see him in this. But he was brilliant. There are so many characters that I just love and some I loved to hate. Too many to mention. Highly recommend.

Please Disney plus renew this show.

In terms of TV shows, this year has been fairly average. Rivals stands out as an absolute highlight. It's a multi-layered work that definitely deserves a sequel.

Conceptually, it's a soap opera, narratively a satire, and stylistically a period piece. A careful viewer will find a message within that, for once, isn't superficial or forcefully pushing political idealism but instead seeks truth. Rivals is entertaining, clever, raunchy, and funny. Not a single episode feels loose, unnecessary, or forced; the story and characters build beautifully toward an outstanding climax.

The writing, scenes, lines, and direction all serve the greater whole. The soundtrack appeals to every child of the '80s. The acting is a pleasure to watch. The always excellent David Tennant shines as a humanized villain, with Alex Hassell as his opposing force. Victoria Smurfit and Aidan Turner form a believable, well-matched broken couple. The audience witnesses the rise of a few new stars, especially Bella Maclean will be name to recon in the future.

Highly recommended, the best show of the fall.