Rivals Season 2 Episode 4 Review

Oh Maud, never change. Not that she seems capable. Rivals Season 2 Episode 4 shows that while some characters are trying to turn over a new leaf, some can’t break their old habits.

If you drew a chart showing how everyone on this show is connected sexually and otherwise (but mostly sexually), it would be one messy scribble. Maud’s decision to join Corinium’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and then start an affair with Tony, is just one more dash on the page.

I mean of all people, her husband’s greatest rival! (Okay, I guess the show is called Rivals, but it’s low even for Maud and even if Declan is a jerk about the play).

The fact that some characters on this show can act so carelessly makes the ones who do suffer with a conscience even more heartbreaking to viewers. As much as I love the mess, I live for the swoon-worthy moments on the show.

While half of Rutshire is getting its Shakespeare on, Lizzie and Freddie just get it on in the pool. It’s an unabashedly sexy and romantic and fun scene set to “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” by George Michael and Aretha Franklin that reminds you why you root for this couple.

When they’re together, they get to be happy and appreciated, and that’s something everyone deserves. Danny Dyer may not consider himself a sex symbol, but I’d argue Rivals has made him one.

Unfortunately, there’s that pesky conscience thing to worry about. An interruption by Freddie’s daughter and James’ getting a head injury (that only happened because he was trying to have another affair) puts a chill on the whole thing.

If only our favorite should-be couple weren’t so good! But then we also probably wouldn’t be rooting for their happiness so much. It’s a paradox.

On the Taggie-Rupert front, they’re both still pretty miserable. Helen rightfully dresses down Rupert for having no consideration of how his actions blow back on her and the children in a powerful monologue from Hayley Atwell.

As much as we want to like Rupert and feel bad that Helen threatens to take full custody, it’s important to remember he is a victim of his own making. Taggie is too in a sense, as she self-pities herself after being bummed out by the love lessons of the play.

At least the hints of Bas and Taggie possibly getting together continue on this episode as he rescues her after a drunken night out. After unceremoniously writing out Seb in this season, it makes sense Taggie gets another shot at a love triangle where she’s at the center and being chased instead of chasing.

The saddest case in the whole show is Charles, who loses his mother, must put on a play and take over a role after intermission, and can’t even be consoled by the man he loves. The 80s setting reminds us there are much worse things than being new money or not being able to have an extramarital affair.

What did you think of this episodes of Rivals? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!

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Rivals airs Fridays on Hulu. 

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