Fans of the Disney+ drama Rivals have voiced their frustration after the streaming service released only three new episodes of season 2, opting for weekly instalments rather than making the full series available at once.
The three episodes, which arrived on Wednesday, November 11, continue the 1980s-set story in the aftermath of the mid-season finale. The new series follows the battle for supremacy in the Cotswolds between Tony Baddingham, played by David Tennant, and Declan O'Hara, played by Aidan Turner, amid the fallout from Lady Monica Baddingham's death.
Monica, portrayed by Claire Rushbrook, was struck by a falling tree in the mid-season finale after running into a storm, having discovered Tony's affair with Maud, played by Victoria Smurfit.
What Happens in the New Episodes
As those around her grapple with their grief, the synopsis teases: "Rupert Campbell-Black is forced to confront his own personal demons."
It continues: "Against a backdrop of hedonistic parties, Bonfire Night chaos, the Hampshire Hunt Ball and a turbulent Christmas, affairs unravel, alliances fracture and rivalries intensify. Caught in the middle of the frenzied franchise war, Taggie O'Hara must find the courage to follow her heart, while those around her face the consequences of ambition, power and secrets that can no longer remain hidden."
Viewers React to the Release Schedule
Following this week's three episodes, Rivals will release a new instalment every Wednesday until December 2, according to the Mirror. The mid-season finale aired in June, leaving fans waiting five months for fresh episodes, whereas the entire first series was made available in one go.
Taking to Reddit to vent their frustration, one viewer said: "Okay but why...? Why do we have to wait even longer for the rest of the series to drop? All these months waiting for part two and we only get the first half of that for now as well? Not a big fan of this move."
Another viewer echoed the sentiment, posting: "It's ruined the momentum for me." A third wrote: "Making us wait this long for part 2 and only dropping half of it is painfullllll."
Some Fans Defend the Weekly Format
Some viewers had even assumed the series had ended, with one admitting: "Omg guys I thought that was the end of the series."
However, others defended the weekly release format, saying it helped sustain their interest. One viewer said: "I like it. Keeps me excited. I miss episodes dropping week to week for shows it keeps me interested longer and actually makes me retain what happens. I get bored binging!!"
Another added: "I like weekly release. It gives you time to think about the show, 'be' in it. If you binge you forget about it two days after."
Rivals season 2, part 2 is streaming now on Disney Plus.
