Disney+ has unveiled the highly anticipated trailer for the second season of its drama series Rivals, sparking intense speculation among fans with a subtle hint at a new romantic entanglement for Taggie O'Hara. The trailer, released on Thursday, offers a tantalising glimpse into the upcoming episodes, set to premiere next month, and suggests a potential flirtation between Taggie and Basil 'Bas' Baddingham that could ruffle feathers and disrupt existing relationships.
Trailer Drops Major Clues
The two-and-a-half-minute preview is packed with saucy moments and dramatic developments, including the vengeful return of Lord Tony Baddingham, portrayed by David Tennant, following his near-death experience in season one. However, the focal point for many devoted viewers is the evolving dynamic between Tory polo player Rupert Campbell-Black and young chef Taggie O'Hara.
Season one concluded with a passionate kiss between Rupert and Taggie, as they finally confessed their mutual feelings. Yet, their situation remained complicated, with Rupert still involved with Cameron and Taggie dating Seb, a Corinium employee. The new trailer indicates that their relationship has not progressed, with Taggie seen confiding in her siblings about the confusing kiss with Rupert.
A Blink-and-You'll-Miss-It Moment
Midway through the trailer, a brief but telling scene shows Bas eating a piece of cake with his fingers, uttering 'mmm,' while Taggie looks up at him through her lashes with a slight smile. This fleeting interaction, crammed into the fast-paced preview, strongly hints at a budding connection between the two characters. Showmakers may be expanding on a minor storyline from the original Jilly Cooper novel, Rivals, which the series adapts.
In the book, Bas invites Taggie to a ball as his date, leading to a night of flirtation that sends Rupert into a jealous spiral. While the novel never fully explores this romance, with Taggie viewing Bas merely as a friend, the television adaptation has a history of altering and adding plotlines. It would be characteristic of Disney to elaborate on this brief narrative thread to inject additional turbulence into the series' romantic arcs.
Official Synopsis and Broader Plot
The official synopsis for Rivals season two describes a heightened battle for the Central South West television franchise, as the war between Corinium and Venturer enters a dangerous new phase. Tony Baddingham, more ruthless than ever, is determined to dismantle his rivals piece by piece, weaponising scandal and manipulating those closest to him to maintain power.
Amidst the hedonistic glamour of 1980s excess, the personal lives of the Rutshire heroes spiral into chaos. Marriages fracture under ambition, illicit affairs threaten families, and long-buried secrets ignite with explosive consequences. As rivalries push everyone to the brink, loyalties are tested and hearts are broken in the pursuit of victory, raising questions about the true cost of war.
Rivals Season 2 is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on Friday, May 15, promising more drama, romance, and intrigue for fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this captivating series.
