Who stole the tapes in Rivals? Episode 5’s whodunnit double-cross explained

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If you enjoy watching TV and are a fan of Rivals, you probably suspected something was wrong with Venturer’s tapes before it actually happened – even before Declan (Aidan Turner) looked absolutely devastated, which was really heartbreaking.

The betrayal felt like a sudden, painful blow, and you almost wished the truth about Tony and Maud had come out instead – though not quite.

Honestly, watching Tony just gleefully trash Declan and Rupert’s (Alex Hassell) latest film, The Golden Gauntlet, was tough. Seeing those tape reels flying around as he danced while ruining everything… it was awful, but part of me almost expected it, knowing Tony!

The competition between the two shows is legendary, and every time Venturer captured a great shot of their Gladiatorslike challenge – reminiscent of the 90s show Fun House* – you could see the crew members constantly rushing back and forth, successfully completing shot after shot.

Honestly, if that didn’t worry fans, nothing would. It felt like the show Rivals was practically telling viewers that the tapes weren’t secure.

It was clear Tony was the mastermind behind this scheme. Even though he wasn’t present at Declan’s set, evidence strongly pointed to his involvement in the theft. The real mystery is who carried out his orders?

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So, during the shoot, a bunch of people loyal to Tony were hanging around – his wife, Lady Monica (played by Claire Rushbrook), and their kids were there. While Monica’s pretty smart and a good strategist, I don’t see her jumping right into the revenge plot, especially after how upset she was during and after filming that ‘How to Stay Married’ show with Tony. She clearly wasn’t thrilled with him, and it felt like she was really conflicted.

Okay, so if it wasn’t a couple trying to mess with each other, who was really acting shady on this episode of Rivals? I’m just saying, someone definitely seemed up to no good!

Who stole the tapes in Rivals season 2, episode 5?

Perdita (Holly Cattle), the new arrival, seemed a bit odd, and her claim that “rules are for breaking” felt deliberately provocative. Although she raises suspicions, we probably shouldn’t assume she’s the one responsible for the theft.

Perdita confidently responded with a firm “yes” when playfully asked if she could join the Jones Jets, and announced her goal to be the first woman golfer to achieve a handicap of 10. Her flirty behavior towards Rupert hinted that he might be able to help her reach that goal, suggesting she already had a specific plan in mind.

Let’s focus on Beattie Johnson, played by Annabel Scholey, who was seen in the crowd.

When Rupert asked Beattie what she was doing there, she pretended to be naive and pointed out it was a public event. She said, referring to Maud’s first televised performance of Shakespeare in Corinium, “You all came to watch our play, and I’ve come to watch your mess.”

When Bishop Brenton (Guy Siner) enthusiastically praised The Golden Gauntlet, calling it “bloody brilliant” and complimenting Rupert on a job well done, Beattie’s expression immediately turned sour.

She’s definitely willing to do whatever it takes to win. Did she steal the tapes on a whim, or was she sent by Tony to search for evidence of someone else tampering with things?

We currently believe Maud is our prime suspect. Although she and Declan seemed to make up after their dramatic kiss, it’s unlikely years of built-up anger have simply disappeared.

Tony is likely manipulating her as part of his ongoing feud, but he’s also genuinely trying to show her that he understands and appreciates her in a way her husband hasn’t lately. She’s a driven and talented artist who is passionate about her work and determined to succeed.

The change he’s encouraging in Maud hasn’t demanded anything from her yet, but it could easily cause her to change sides. She might feel she owes Tony a favor beyond just their intimate moments, and that could influence her actions.

This would also explain why Maud suddenly refused Declan’s suggestion to leave the party and go home. She made him stay and congratulate Rupert, avoiding eye contact in a way that seemed secretive. It’s very possible Maud was stalling, perhaps to keep him occupied while something else was happening.

Right now, it’s just a guess. Fans will have to wait until next week to find out who caused problems for Declan and Rupert’s photoshoot.

New episodes of Rivals season 2 is air Fridays on Disney+.

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2026-05-29 13:21