Disney+

Rivals (2024) A Gripping Start Season 1 Episode 1 Recap and Review

By

Sakshi Grover

Rivals (2024) A Gripping Start Season 1 Episode 1 Recap and Review. “Rivals” is an original Disney+ series. The series is based on the novel “Rivals” by Jilly Cooper that was released in 1988. The series was directed by Elliot Hegarty, and the first season aired on 18 October 2024.
The fictional English county of Rutshireis indeed the setting for the story; a story that follows the rivalry of Rupert Campbell-Black and Lord Tony Baddingham, both of whom are portrayed respectively by Alex Hassell and David Tennant. It further extends to the Corinium television station, which is its place of action and rivalry of many events.

When Did Rivals Season 1, Episode 1 Hit Screens?

Rivals Season 1 is now available. The first season of the new series Rivals has premiered on Disney+. A TV show adaptation of the bestselling novel Rivals by Dame Jilly Cooper, the first big-budget television adaptation of the bestselling novelist’s 1988 novel.

Who Are the Stars in Season 1?

  • Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black :- Charismatic and cunning, Rupert is right at the center of the plot, always ready to fuel controversy and competition amongst his opponents.
  • David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham :-  As charming and wittily comical, David Tennant brings a complex rivalry to life within dashing Lord Tony. Every interaction with him seems so delightful.
  • Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara :- To the eye, rugged in build, Aidan’s Declan has a certain heartthrob sex appeal and tenacious competitiveness that brings depth to this story of rising rivalry.
  • Victoria Smurfit as Maud O’Hara :- A force to be reckoned with, Victoria Smurfit’s elegance, tenacity, perfect characterization of Maud O’Hara is breathtakingly done.
  • Bella Maclean as Agatha ‘Taggie’ O’Hara :- Taggie is a surprise and played with the great flair of combining humor, sass, and this rather wonderful character.
  • Catriona Chandler as Caitlin O’Hara :- Caitlin brought a new perspective to the dynamics in the family and quickly became integral to the emerging drama.
  • Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook :- Her lively performance lights up the screen, and Cameron Cook is one of the most memorable characters.
  • Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker :- Katherine’s sharp and funny Lizzie always has something interesting to say about the rivalries that start to emerge.
  • Oliver Chris as James Vereker :- He has all the complexion one looks for added to the pot with Oliver’s charismatic yet unpredictable portrayal of the role.
  • Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones :- No doubt the larger-than-life personality Danny Dyer brings to Freddie is going to infuse loads of energy and humor into the storyline.
  • Lisa McGrillis as Valerie Jones :- Relatable, likeable, and endearing in equal measure as Lisa interprets Valerie, making her someone you can’t help but root for.
  • Claire Rushbrook as Lady Monica Baddingham :- Claire gives much sophistication and intrigue to the role of Lady Monica that adds layers to the family Baddinghams.
  • Luke Pasqualino as Basil ‘Bas’ Baddingham :- Luke gives the perfect amount of charm and ambition to the character of Basil. It really enhances the competitiveness of the show.
  • Louis Landau as Archie Baddingham :- Louis carries out different characterization of Archie with it that brings about tension within the family Baddinghams.
  • Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton :- A lively twist to the story is by Emily’s vibrant performance as Sarah Stratton.

Rivals Season 1 Episode 1 Review

  • Rufus Jones as Paul Stratton :– Rufus lends depth to Paul and can play a crucial role if the drama is needed to be developed.
  • Lara Peake as Daysee Butler :- Lara’s Daysee stands out as a bright presence, being excited with her own perspective.
  • Annabel Scholey as Beattie Johnson :- This is Beattie as a determined, tough character, ready to be thrown into the fight ahead.
  • Maggie Steed as Lady Gosling :- Maggie portrays a strong and authoritative Lady Gosling, to be remembered.
  • David Calder as Fergus Penney :- In Fergus, David brings all that character acquires from experience; bringing some sense into the proceeding story.
  • Hubert Burton as Gerald Middleton :- The Gerald of Hubert is so intriguing and brings mystery to the show.
  • Guy Siner as Bishop Brenton :- Guy Siner made the role of Bishop Brenton unique while combining authority with humor.
  • Brendan Patricks as Henry Hampshire :- Brendan plays Henry absolutely fantastic throughout the series that is great as well as multi-layered.
  • Rich Keeble as Brian Hetherington :- Rich adds a great flavor to the group by playing Brian hence, increasing drama in this show.
  • Gary Lamont as Charles Fairburn :- Gary completes the ensemble as he plays the role of Charles with a very gripping performance, bringing some rivalry in this show and unfolding it in ways that are unexpected.

Rivals Season 1 Episode 1 Review

What’s the Story? A Recap of Rivals Season 1 Plot

The initial episode of Rivals season 1 opens with a romantic meeting between Rupert Campbell-Black and Bettie while on a flight. When they go back home, other women find Rupert attractive. There is also on the same flight Lord Tony Badingham, Rupert’s rival and owner of the Corinium television station.
Tony tries embarrassing Rupert but Rupert effortlessly handles this and gives Tony his medicine. Rupert warns Tony that his TV station is going to collapse. Tony reacts with the statement that he hired a new producer, Cameron Cook, hoping that Corinium would get moving again.
On the other hand, there is a journalist named Declan O’Hara working in BBC. He is interviewing the Deputy Prime Minister and becomes furious and reveals his private life and leaves from there. There he meets Tony, who wants to hire him at his TV station. Tony’s proposal impresses Declan, and he requests Tony for some time to convince his wife Maud.
A few days later, the O’Hara family moves into their new home in Rutshire. Taggie and Caitlin daughters of the O’Hara family are overjoyed with their new home, while Maud isn’t very excited about it. Neighbor Lizzie goes to see the family and then discreetly reveals a secret-she is dyslexic. Lizzie is an author of romance novels but cannot pen anything new again as she has gotten married and had children.
Rivals Season 1 Episode 1 Review
At Corinium, everyone waits for Declan. There is more annoyance on the staff’s part as well because of Declan. Declan is shocked when he sees that Cameron Cook is a black woman when he meets her. Declan doesn’t believe in Cameron and questions his whole plan, but Tony asks him to give a chance to Cameron.

Cameron has sanctioned the choice of Johnny Friedlander as his first guest by Declan. Johnny is an established actor, but Declan is determined to interview Jackie Kennedy.

Taggie views smoke coming out of her neighbor’s house and calls the fire department. She then sees Rupert playing tennis naked in her fields with a woman opposite him.

Tony and Maud host a party, which elicits much more interesting information. Maud is in love with Rupert, whose naked tennis partner is Sarah, wife of Paul Stratton. When this issue arises, Paul is furious with Rupert.

Declan and Maud have a row, in the course of which Declan tells his wife that Maud is playing up to Rupert. But they soon realize that they are something else than the village people and burst out laughing at it.

Tony loses his job because Rupert then warns the Prime Minister that he does not like his ministers living such personal lives. Rupert becomes the new Sports Minister.

Episode 1 Pilot Review

It’s off to a very interesting start, full of scandal and rivalry, what with the premiere of Rivals. From the sexy opening scene featuring Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell), it immediately grabs your attention right from the very beginning and feels very dramatic.

Rupert and Lord Tony Badingham (David Tennant) enjoy a passionate affair, much like the in-studio rivalry he maintains with his other Corinium television host. The banter between the two makes both characters engaging, leaving you rooting for both.

An added interest is Declan O’Hara by Aidan Turner, from his ruthlessness and battle with wife Maud. Refreshing reading is the might of female creator in Cameron Cook played by Nafessa Williams and I look forward to seeing more of her.

Visually stunning and chock-full of humorously sharp hits, the episode played out beautifully, combining something approaching grandeur with a feel for tension that only lifted to make me want the next episode even more! Rivals gets off to a ripping start.

Conclusion

Rivals has been great with the first episode. What wonderful mix-ups of scandal, rivalry, and interesting characters. War between Rupert and Tony and uncertainty of Declan have made the story even more interesting. Introduction of new characters and complexities between them get the audience hooked. Each moment of this show makes us eager to keep going, and I’m just can’t wait for what’s next in the show.

You can’t miss the latest news, information, and exciting content; just bookmark our website and check it often. This is the site to visit if you want to find out about a new show, some exciting movie releases, or news in the business. So go ahead and click that “bookmark” button to join our fun entertainment group.