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'Rivals': Sex, Scandals, and Rutshire Royalty on TV
15 May
Summary
- Jilly Cooper's novel 'Rivals' has been adapted into a TV series.
- The story features a rivalry between a TV executive and a former Olympian.
- The adaptation revisits themes of ambition, deception, and romance.
Jilly Cooper's beloved 1985 novel, 'Rivals,' is now a television series available on Disney+. The story centers on Lord Tony Baddingham, a powerful television executive, and Rupert Campbell-Black, a former showjumping Olympian turned MP. Their intense rivalry forms the core of the plot as Rupert attempts to buy Tony's television company.
The narrative unfolds with a vast array of characters, including the formidable American TV executive Cameron Cook and the shy Taggie O'Hara. These characters, known for their complexity and flaws, drive a soap opera-like plot filled with deception, ambition, and romance.
Originally published in the 1980s, 'Rivals' reflects its era, including content that contains sexist and racist remarks, as well as jarring scenes involving non-consensual acts and victim-blaming. The novel also explores a controversial relationship with a significant age and power difference.
Despite these dated elements, the novel's detailed and fast-paced plot, combined with its humor and sharp writing, has cemented its status as an iconic "bonkbuster." The television adaptation aims to bring this rich literary world to a new audience.
