Disney Plus's new series, Rivals, based on Jilly Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles, has been a massive success. The star-studded cast includes David Tennant, Danny Dyer, and Aiden Turner. Given the show's immediate popularity and a dramatic twist in the season finale, a second season seems certain.
The biggest twist comes at the end of the season 1 finale when Cameron (Nafessa Williams), in self-defence, clubs Tony (David Tennant) over the head with a TV award. Tony lies motionless on the floor as blood pools around his head. It is not confirmed whether Tony is dead, but if he survives, he might use the incident to blackmail Cameron.
After a season of stolen glances, Rupert (Alex Hassell) and Taggie (Bella Maclean) finally kiss at a party. Rupert admits he feels trapped in a relationship with Cameron and tells Taggie he 'can't breathe without her'. This comes after he swore to Taggie's father Declan (Aiden Turner) that he would not pursue her. Declan is likely to discover the forbidden romance, threatening their alliance.
Sarah Stratton (Emily Atack) has spent the season sleeping her way to the top, but at the end of the series, Lizzie (Katherine Parkinson) finds her having an emotional breakdown after discovering she is pregnant. Lizzie comforts her despite knowing Sarah is sleeping with her husband James (Oliver Chris). Either James or Sarah's husband Paul (Rufus Jones) could be the father, a mystery likely explored in season 2.
Before their big interview, Declan alludes to Rupert's 'big secret', so shocking that even the laidback politician would be lost for words. Declan chooses not to reveal it after Taggie implores him not to, but later burns a piece of paper with the word 'Perdita' written on it. Who Perdita is and her connection to Rupert remains a key question. With Tony possibly dead and Declan's team successful in their bidding war, Corinium looks set to change hands, but things are rarely that simple.
