The festive season brings out the best and worst in people, and in Rivals Season 1 Episode 3, we see both extremes as the characters of this 1980s drama step into the spotlight for a New Year's Eve party to remember. As the countdown to 1987 begins, so does a series of events that will change the course of relationships and rivalries within the show.
The episode opens with a bang, literally, as Taggie finds a mysterious gift under the Christmas tree – a beautiful bracelet with an apology note signed by 'R'. Convinced it's from her ex-lover Rafe, Taggie's heart swells with hope, setting the stage for a dramatic New Year's Eve party hosted by her parents, Declan and Maud. The excitement is palpable as the family prepares for the arrival of guests, including the enigmatic Rupert and the long-awaited return of Patrick, Declan and Maud's eldest son.
As the party preparations unfold, we're given a glimpse into the lives of other characters. Rupert, playing the role of a sexy Santa, is up to his usual flirtatious antics, while Declan is busy plotting his TV revenge against Rupert. Meanwhile, Maud is in a tizzy, ensuring every detail of the party is perfect, even going so far as to hire a camel for a grand entrance, much to Declan's dismay.
The party is in full swing when Taggie's world comes crashing down. Rafe arrives with a new girlfriend, shattering Taggie's dreams of rekindled love. As she retreats to the kitchen to compose herself, the party continues around her, with Maud making a show-stopping entrance on the camel and Declan's speech about his pride in Patrick.
However, the night takes a turn when Patrick, instead of following his father's speech, is distracted by the entrance of Cameron, Tony's mistress, who he kisses at the stroke of midnight. This act of passion sets off a chain reaction of events, as Tony seethes with anger, and his wife begins to suspect the truth about their relationship.
In a quieter moment, Rupert finds Taggie in the kitchen and they share a dance to 'Lady In Red'. The atmosphere is charged as they discuss the possibility of change and redemption. Rupert admits that Taggie scares him because she sees the real him, but the moment is fleeting, and Taggie retreats back to the solitude of the kitchen.
As the night progresses, secrets are revealed, and alliances are tested. Charles is heartbroken by Gerald's rejection and the realization that his mother's dementia means she no longer remembers him. In a moment of vulnerability, he has a panic attack, and Taggie calls an ambulance, inadvertently leading to a paparazzi frenzy.
Rupert, ever the gentleman in the end, takes charge of the situation, ensuring Taggie gets some rest and negotiating with the paparazzi to protect Charles's dignity. Meanwhile, Patrick and Cameron's brief encounter leads to a confrontation between Cameron and Tony, resulting in a Faustian bargain for career advancement.
The episode concludes with a hint of what's to come, as Taggie reflects on the night's events and her growing feelings for Rupert. As the characters of Rivals step into the new year, we're left with the promise of more drama, love, and rivalry in the world of 1980s independent television.