Rivals’ biggest scene-stealer isn’t David Tennant this time – it’s Emily Atack in masterclass moment

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Season one of Rivals features a large cast, but David Tennant’s performance as Tony Baddingham truly stood out, overshadowing even the other talented actors like Alex Hassell and Aidan Turner. He dominated every scene he was in.

He’s clearly relishing this role, bringing a legendary energy and delightfully wicked performance reminiscent of his work as Kilgrave in Jessica Jones. You can almost feel his excitement and commanding presence.

After a dramatic season one ending that left many wondering if the show would continue, Baddingham is now confirmed to be back for season two, much to the relief of fans.

David Tennant remains captivating in season two, driving the central conflict with his compelling villainy. Meanwhile, a previously understated character has emerged as a key player, potentially becoming the emotional core of the series.

The story starts with Sarah Stratton (played by Emily Atack) beginning her new late-night talk show, but she soon finds out she’s expecting a baby. Complicating things further, the baby’s father isn’t her husband.

When Stratton reveals the news about the child, Baddingham – the show’s villain – reacts with typical heartlessness, telling Stratton to get rid of the child if he wants to keep his job.

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The bombshell drops when Stratton announces he’s the baby’s father, a result of a brief encounter last season. However, this revelation doesn’t sway Baddingham, and surprisingly, he attempts to completely disown any responsibility just one episode later.

Baddingham insists, ‘Unless he appears with a cigar, there’s no way to prove it’s mine.’ This immediately ends Stratton’s attempt to get what she wants. He then adds dismissively, ‘Don’t try to outsmart me, Sarah. You’re simply not up to it.’

This story vividly portrays the sexism of the 1980s, showing how Stratton faces challenges balancing her work and pregnancy while being underestimated and dismissed by the men around her.

Even Stratton’s husband took control of the situation by unexpectedly announcing their pregnancy on live television, preventing Baddingham from pressuring her to have an abortion.

However, no one considers what Stratton actually desires. It’s in this dynamic of competing for control that Atack really shines.

David Tennant still consistently attracts attention when he’s on screen, and deservedly so, but the added depth to the character of Stratton is a great addition to the show. It’s refreshing to see a story where the focus isn’t always on the male characters, even though the series is set in the 1980s.

This season, the comedian delivers a surprisingly moving performance as Stratton, skillfully showing the character’s hidden desperation behind a brave face as her life falls apart.

Desperate to appear normal, Stratton throws a dinner party, but since she’s not a cook, she surprisingly asks for help from Taggie, whom she considers an opponent.

The story unfolds with a hilarious series of mishaps, as Taggie and a group of unexpected guests repeatedly hide in closets and pantries to avoid anyone who might be upset by their presence. It’s a classic display of slapstick comedy.

The story becomes almost farcical at times, with guests constantly overhearing secrets at the worst possible moments. These scenes are where the show Rivals really shines, bringing to mind both over-the-top ’80s dramas and classic British sitcoms known for their silly but clever situations and humor.

The humor in this situation is clear, and Atack delivers it well, as she’s known for. But beneath the laughs, there’s a subtle sadness – it’s heartbreaking to see how much Stratton feels she needs to put on a brave face and make a good impression while her personal life is crumbling. Atack truly anchors the scene, keeping it engaging and emotionally resonant.

The change in how Atack’s character acts reflects the overall tone of the second season, which is noticeably more serious than before.

Despite still having romantic encounters and a large cast of characters, Rivals has improved significantly in its second season. It now gives more of the supporting characters opportunities to have impactful dramatic moments, both large and subtle.

After all, who says Baddingham should get to have all the fun?

The second season of Rivals starts streaming on Disney+ in the UK on May 15th, with the first three episodes available immediately. The remaining episodes will be released later this year.

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2026-05-16 14:20