Rivals Season 2, Episode 6 rocks Rutshire with a confronting storm that pierces the characters’ hearts and minds. This midseason finale, written by Laura Wade and directed by Jamie Jay Johnson, is a reminder that this show is a romp, but it possesses more depth than people often give it credit for. For instance, given the weight of the episode, it’s a specific and interesting choice to have the storm itself be the soundtrack. It makes “Lavender” anything but soothing when that needle finally drops for the coda.
More broadly, there just aren’t enough compliments to give this cast. Hopefully, the relevant award season gives them their flowers. More specifically, Claire Rushbrook is the clear and obvious standout. The episode really swirls around Monica – she’s at the eye of the storm, if you will. There are some truly excellent surprises, like in Louis Landau’s performance as Archie. He reels from fury to fear as he’s caught between the thorns of his parents’ declining marriage. Catriona Chandler also gets an incredible moment as Caitlin. The choice to have Caitlin go to Taggie and just cut Maud with a stare says so much.
Also, I would be remiss not to mention how fantastic Alex Hassell is in the episode’s finale minutes – that single tear! This episode is dark and deep on the page and in its direction, and every single cast member shows up for the occasion. No beat is too small in their hands.
Ephinanies Had and Secrets Exposed
The reveal of Tony and Maud’s affair coming through Archie and Caitlin’s subplot is a natural progression. There’s so much connective tissue between all of these characters. They exist so close together. For instance, it’s not shocking that Cameron doesn’t need more than that one scene to know what’s beneath the surface for Rupert and Taggie. It’s truly baffling to watch how different he is with both women. He’s entirely sentimental with Taggie, and that’s reflected in the journal that stands in for the drawer from Dame Jilly Cooper’s book.
There are still obstacles that keep Rupert and Taggie apart. He’s trying to help Venturer, maintain some custody of his children, and keep a promise to Cameron. In that, he loses who he wants – Taggie. Therefore, that flash of a scene in the Priory’s kitchen (It’s always the kitchen with these two!) holds so much weight. Because of all the things that pull Rupert and Taggie apart, these brief scenes where they finally have a second alone end up meaning so much more. It’s also very Jilly Cooper of Rivals to have this big moment for Rupert and Taggie hinge on taking a risk to care for animals, more specifically, Rocky. It’s really fascinating to watch how that scene between Cameron, Rupert, and Taggie plays with all of that – the love gained or realized and lost.
It is a real moment of clarity for the three. It’s in Rupert’s eyes, too – the adoration for Taggie and his choice to not spare a glance in Cameron’s direction. On the other end, there’s clearly something, however casual, between Taggie and Bas. It’s a real shame that there isn’t more of them beyond the most fleeting interactions. Likewise, it’s disappointing that any updates about Taggie’s evidently booming catering business occur through expository dialogue. If Rupert is meant to pine and yearn for Taggie while she lives her life, it would be beneficial for Rivals to show her doing just that more often. Doing so would also be relevant in getting to know Bas better. Unfortunately, it doesn’t feel like there’s always enough time to accommodate the ensemble.
MORE: Alex Hassell and Bella Maclean Share Why Rupert and Taggie’s Romance Is Worth It in Rivals Season 2
A Major Diversion – Or Is It?
It’s both frustrating and shocking that Monica dies. Because that doesn’t happen in the book and we don’t see a body, I almost can’t bring myself to believe it. I’m even starting to theorize that maybe Rupert, who she has known since they were teens, is covering for Monica so she can go live a happy and free life.
That’s a lot more optimistic than the alternative, that breaking this pattern results in death rather than a reward. Monica’s death is especially heartbreaking in response to that scene with Lizzie. Not only is that some of Rushbrook and Katherine Parkinson’s best work, but it’s also – without a doubt – one of the best scenes on Rivals. Given Lizzie and Monica’s similarities, it’s a shame that they haven’t interacted more before this scene. The range of their conversation, like the whole episode, is honest and powerfully nuanced. It fills in so many gaps about both of them and, presumably, Monica’s history with Enid. If Monica is dead, I much prefer that she inspired Lizzie to write and “live like blazes.”
I don’t want to believe that Monica’s death will mainly be a motivator – for better and worse – for the men in her life. Not when she’s just starting to live for herself and decenter men. Then again, there’s no way to deny that Tony won’t use Monica’s death. Monica was driving Caitlin and was found by Rupert; that is fuel for Tony. Relatedly, David Tennant is both frightening and heartbreaking as his iron-clad control slips into unexpected grief. It’s impactful to watch the storied rivalry between Rupert and Tony fall aside just as Tony’s knees buckle from the news. Even then, it’s so easy to see how this twist will create an even darker version of Tony with even larger ripple effects. That’s one of many things Rivals fans have to sit with until Season 2 returns later this year.
MORE: Rivals Executive Producers Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Alexander Lamb Discuss ‘Big Emotion’ and New Characters in Season 2
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