Rivals review: David’s Tennant’s new ’80s drama is a soapy shagathon

As a seasoned gamer of both virtual and real-life dramas, I must say that “Rivals” is a rollercoaster ride through the decadent 80s, reminiscent of a game of “Simon Says” with Margaret Thatcher as the unyielding game master. The show’s setting, Rutshire, might as well be renamed “Ridiculousville” for its over-the-top antics and steamy escapades.

If you enter “Rivals” without knowing it’s based on a popular romance novel, the quirky fictional location might hint at this fact. Welcome to Rutshire, a charming corner of the Cotswolds. You won’t have to stretch your imagination much to figure out what happens here.

The latest Disney+ series, titled “Disney+ Shagathon,” is a TV adaptation from a Jilly Cooper novel that was originally published during the ’80s, an era when television stations held significant power and rumor has it, there were ministers in Margaret Thatcher’s government who were exceptionally steamy. However, be assured that this series is not based on real events or incidents from that time period.

The minister being referred to is Rupert Campbell-Black, who is admired like a legendary heartthrob among Cooper-ites, much in the same way fans adore Mr. Darcy, Daniel Cleaver, or James Bond. Portrayed by Alex Hassell, we’re introduced to him while he’s joining an exclusive club on Concorde, in the airplane’s restrooms, at high altitude.

One passenger is Tony Baddingham, portrayed by David Tennant, who heads Corinium Television Network and bears a resemblance to an over-dramatic version of Logan Roy. At times, he can be quite blunt, such as when he exits a room, saying “Now scram, the whole bunch of you.” When not speaking sharply, he seems to rely heavily on cigars for breathing.

At the center of this ongoing dramatic conflict is the age-old dispute between Campbell-Black and Baddingham, resembling a never-ending television soap opera. To be honest, the rivalry leans more towards one-sidedness as Campbell-Black appears to be preoccupied with romantic pursuits rather than taking the feud seriously. People usually address him affectionately as “Rupert! Charming!” unless they’re scorned love interests. It goes without saying that his ministerial responsibilities seem quite trivial.

In this production, we have Aidan Turner from “Poldark” playing Declan O’Hara, joined by Nafessa Williams, whose infectious laugh is unforgettable, as Cameron Cook, a tough-as-nails producer. Also in the cast are Danny Dyer as a tech millionaire, Katherine Parkinson portraying a character similar to Cooper who writes racy literature, and Emily Atack playing an ambitious wife of an MP. This is merely a glimpse into the diverse array of characters we’ll encounter.

According to Showrunner Dominic Treadwell-Collins, the series “Rivals” was the final program ordered during the streaming industry’s expansion phase and the era of expensive productions. It is rich in historical context, featuring elements such as cigars, fax machines, unattractive food, large shoulder pads, Tom Selleck-style mustaches, widespread workplace misconduct. The soundtrack is sprinkled with ’80s hits like Starship, Paul Simon, and Robert Palmer.

Many early episodes showcase Rutshire’s continuous spring season, filled with parties featuring vivid attire and questionable hors d’oeuvres. Occasionally, it’s about shooting, hunting, or even tennis played without clothes (surprisingly true). As the press suggested before its release, it’s quite over-the-top and playfully ironic.

But is it any good?

As the TV series progresses through its eight episodes, the lighthearted antics in Rutshire take a backseat to focus on a serious matter: a competitive bidding process for acquiring an ITV broadcasting franchise. This part of the show is quite lively and energetic.

As a gamer, I find myself immersed in a thrilling narrative reminiscent of an engaging episode from “EastEnders” or a humorous installment of a “Carry On” film. The game “Rivals” becomes as effortless to engage with as the champagne they’re always popping open. Working at Corinium is nothing short of enjoyable, because it’s the kind of environment where a casual suggestion could be met with instant acclaim, labeled as a brilliant, groundbreaking concept.

The standout aspect is the heartwarming romantic relationship between Katherine Parkinson’s character Lizzie and Freddie, portrayed by none other than Danny Dyer. Despite being married to less endearing individuals, they find common ground in their shared love for food, drinks, and each other. This portrayal of Dyer is unlike any other, serving as the emotional backbone of the series. The relationship develops at a Bridgerton-esque pace, building tension towards an outdoor romantic scene.

The series or Jilly Cooper never seemed overly concerned with being overly serious, but when heavy topics like a severe sexual attack and its aftermath surface, it’s as if an entirely different, more dramatic production has suddenly appeared on our television screens.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but notice the long-standing, subtle connection between Campbell-Black, the former Olympian-turned-MP in his forties, and Tag O’Hara, the ambitious 20-year-old cook (portrayed by Bella Maclean). The age gap, with him being old enough to be her father, is certainly noticeable. While such relationships might have been more acceptable in the ’80s, today, considering our contemporary perspective, it just feels uncomfortable.

As a devoted fan, I must say that when the series manages to balance its focus on scandals, finance, and intrigue without veering too much towards explicit content, it becomes an engaging, soap-operatic delight – complete with a nail-biting cliffhanger that could potentially have you gasping for breath, given the uncertainty over whether Disney will be willing to invest another substantial budget on more episodes.

You will blush. You will cackle. You will gasp.

Rivals premieres on October 18 exclusively on Disney+.

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2024-10-08 11:19