The premiere episode of Disney Plus's "Rivals" takes off with the velocity of a Concorde jet, plunging viewers into the opulent and unscrupulous world of 1980s independent television in the UK. Set against the backdrop of the fictional county of Rutshire, the episode introduces us to the central figures of this tantalizing drama: Rupert Campbell-Black, played by Alex Hassell, and Lord Tony Baddingham, portrayed by David Tennant. These two characters, whose lives are as intertwined as they are oppositional, set the stage for a series that promises to be as gripping as it is salacious.
The episode opens with a bang, literally, as Rupert engages in a rather athletic act with a young journalist aboard a Concorde, while the rest of the passengers are indulging in the luxuries of 1986's first-class air travel. The scene is a perfect encapsulation of Rupert's character: daring, unrepentant, and utterly uninterested in convention. As the plane goes supersonic, so does the drama, with Rupert and Tony's rivalry taking center stage. Their banter is as sharp as their ambitions, and the presence of a new producer, Cameron Cook, adds fuel to the fire.
Tony, the managing director of Corinium Television, is portrayed as a man who stops at nothing to achieve his goals. His pursuit of Declan O'Hara, a BBC journalist played by Aidan Turner, is a testament to his relentless drive. Declan, initially hesitant to leave the BBC for a regional TV company, is won over by Tony's promise of editorial freedom and a substantial paycheck. This shift not only changes Declan's professional trajectory but also upends his personal life, as he and his family relocate to Rutshire.
The O'Hara family's move to Rutshire is met with mixed emotions. While Declan's daughters are thrilled with their new home, his wife Maud, played by Victoria Smurfit, is less than impressed, dubbing it a "very pretty prison." Their neighbor Lizzie Vereker, an author and the wife of another Corinium employee, adds a layer of complexity to the social dynamics of the area.
As the episode progresses, we are treated to a garden party thrown by Tony to welcome the O'Haras to Rutshire. What begins as a sophisticated affair quickly devolves into a scandalous free-for-all, with each character revealing their true colors. The party is a masterclass in social commentary, highlighting the veneer of respectability that masks the true intentions of these power-hungry elites.
Rupert's nonchalant attitude towards his affair with the Deputy Prime Minister's wife, Sarah Statton, and Tony's subsequent discovery of this liaison, add another layer to their rivalry. Tony's plan to use this information against Rupert backfires spectacularly, leading to Rupert's promotion to Minister of Sport. This turn of events only serves to escalate the tension between the two, culminating in a final scene that sets the stage for a season of high-stakes gamesmanship.
"Rivals" episode 1 is a masterful blend of drama, intrigue, and scandal, offering a glimpse into a world where power is currency, and passion is both weapon and weakness. The episode expertly lays the groundwork for a series that promises to be as addictive as the champagne that flows so freely within its narrative. With a cast that delivers on every level and a plot that twists and turns with the precision of a well-played game of tennis, "Rivals" is a must-watch for fans of period dramas with a modern edge.