David Tennant's character, Tony Baddingham, is depicted in mourning following the tragic death of his wife, Monica, in first look images for the upcoming second half of "Rivals" season two. The series' mid-season finale concluded with a significant cliffhanger, revealing Monica's death after her car was crushed by a tree during a storm.
The first three episodes of the latter half of the season are scheduled to be released on November 11, with subsequent episodes airing weekly. These newly released images show the characters reeling from the events, which have brought tragedy, scandal, and betrayal to the residents of Rutshire.
Monica had been driving with Caitlin, a passenger who survived the crash, intending to confront Tony about his affair with Maud O'Hara. Following Monica's death, Tony is informed by Rupert Campbell Black. The funeral for Monica will be a central event in the upcoming episodes, attended by Tony and her friends and family.
Elsewhere, Freddie Jones and Lizzie Vereker appear to be progressing in their relationship, having put aside their hesitations. An intense stare between them in one of the preview images suggests their romance will continue. Meanwhile, Basil Baddingham is pursuing Taggie O'Hara, and they are shown together on Bonfire Night, hinting at a potential romantic development.
The series, based on Dame Jilly Cooper's 1988 novel, debuted on Disney+ in October 2024 and was quickly renewed for a second season. Critics have largely praised the second outing, with many awarding it five stars for its blend of satire, comedy, and drama. The first half of season two, consisting of six episodes, is currently available for streaming on Disney+.