Rivals Season 2 Continues with Scandal and Romance in New Trailer
The final episodes of the second season of 'Rivals' will feature steamy affairs, feuding rivals, and a debauched party season set in 1987 Rutshire.
The second season of the drama series 'Rivals' is set to conclude with its final six episodes, premiering November 11. A newly released trailer offers a glimpse into the escalating scandals and intertwined relationships of the Rutshire residents as they navigate a tumultuous 1987 party season.
The upcoming episodes will pick up following the mid-season finale and the tragic death of Monica Baddingham, played by Claire Rushbrook. Her husband, Tony Baddingham (David Tennant), is shown intensifying his rivalry with Declan O'Hara (Aidan Turner), despite a passionate affair with Maud O'Hara (Victoria Smurfit), Declan's wife.
"Your wife died in my arms, broken by your games," Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) tells Tony. In response, Tony, brandishing a shotgun, declares, "Well, she's not here anymore. I've got nothing left to do but fight." Maud questions whether Monica's death is "all our fault," but her affair with Tony shows no signs of abating.
Meanwhile, Freddie Jones (Danny Dyer) continues to juggle his affair with Lizzie Vereker (Katherine Parkinson) while remaining married to Valerie (Lisa McGrillis). A glimmer of hope appears in the slowest-burning romance of the series, between Taggie (Bella Maclean) and Rupert, as the trailer culminates with them sharing a kiss during a firework display.
The season's backdrop of 1987 includes events such as Bonfire Night, the Hampshire Hunt Ball, and a turbulent Christmas.
New cast members will also be introduced, including Rachael Stirling as Araminta Pemberton, Lady Monica Baddingham’s sister; Rupert Evans as headmaster David Hawkley; and Santiago Cabrera as Argentinian polo player Alejandro Mendoza.
The first three episodes will be released on November 11, with the remaining three episodes following on a weekly basis.
'Rivals' debuted on Disney+ in October 2024, based on Dame Jilly Cooper's 1988 novel. The first series, comprising eight episodes, was quickly renewed for a second season. The split release of the second season has drawn mixed reactions from viewers, with some expressing frustration over the wait between parts, while others welcome the extended episode count for a British series.