The cast of Rivals have addressed fan backlash over the shock death of Lady Monica Baddingham (Claire Rushbrook) in the midseason finale, describing the storyline as complicated but necessary for the show's impact.
In a departure from Jilly Cooper's original novel, Monica dies during a storm after driving into a fallen tree, rather than leaving her marriage and finding love with a woman. Showrunner Dominic Treadwell-Collins sought the late novelist's permission for the change, which aired during Pride month and sparked criticism from viewers who saw it as falling into the trope of killing off LGBTQ+ characters.
Cast Defend the Creative Decision
Alex Hassell, who plays Rupert Campbell-Black, acknowledged the cast are not part of the writing team, but defended the arc: 'I do think that – because they knew where they were going – they wrote up the character to some amazing heights. She got to do some really incredible human stuff that is some of the best work of either series.'
Bella Maclean, who plays Lizzie, said Monica's death also benefited other female characters, including Caitlin (Catriona Chandler), who was in the car when the tree fell. 'It aided a lot of, not only the men, but also the women because I think it was the catalyst for Lizzie's character to go for what she's really after,' she explained.
Emotional Impact on Set
Luca Pasqualino, who plays Bas, said he got 'goosebumps' talking about the storm episode, which the cast consider one of the show's strongest. Maclean described Monica's death as 'a bomb going off' that upends everyone in Rutshire.
'It is heartbreaking because she's also beloved and is one of all of our closest friends, so it's agony,' Maclean said. 'It's such a loved character. But you need a character that is so loved in order to make such an impact. But it's heartbreaking, and we don't like her not being around. It's complicated.'
Hassell recalled filming what are likely Rushbrook's final scenes, including a quiet flashback where Rupert is present for her death. 'The task she had in those scenes is really no mean feat. And she was so specific with the realistic-ness that she brought to it,' he said. 'It was just really upsetting. You are trying to make as thin as possible the veil of what is real and what is not for yourself, if you know what I mean. And I just found it very, very upsetting.'
Rivals returns to Disney Plus with three episodes on November 11, then weekly until December 2.
