Rivals season 2 part 2 returns with grief and unexpected depth
The second half of season two, back after five months, layers genuine poignancy beneath its trademark romance and scandal.
The Disney series split its second season into two chunks of six episodes each, and viewers are back at Monica's funeral after her death in the 1987 Great Storm. The reviewer finds the show delivers more than its romp reputation suggests.
Beneath the betrayals and affairs sits real character depth, particularly in David Tennant's grief-stricken Tony and in the consequences now catching up with every character. Emotional scenes hit hard, the cast plays with genuine substance, and the drama moves beyond mere plot mechanics into moments of real heartbreak.
Rupert Campbell-Black has been softened by love for Taggie, losing some of the show's original spirit, the reviewer notes. The final two episodes restore some spark, but the question lingers of whether the series can balance its newfound emotional weight with the lightness that made it irresistible.
- Five months
- Part gap between releases
- Monica's funeral
- Opening location
- 1987 Great Storm
- Monica's death
- Tony Baddingham
- David Tennant character
Why it mattersViewers wondering if Rivals is just pretty costume drama now have an honest answer: it delivers both entertainment and genuine craft.
AustraliaThe show streams on Disney+ in Australia, and this return has already hit Google Trends locally, so Aussie viewers are tuning in now.
