The first season of Rivals left fans wondering about several key plot points. Thankfully, the story is based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s novel, which provides insights into what could happen next. The show has largely stayed true to the book, with Season 1 ending around the midpoint of the novel.
This gives us a clear idea of what might unfold in the second season. However, there are notable changes in the adaptation, such as Sarah Stratton (Emily Atack) not being pregnant in the book and Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams) not injuring or potentially killing Tony Baddingham (David Tennant).
While these differences may lead to slight deviations in the storyline, the core narrative from the book offers plenty of material to guide expectations for Season 2.
Rupert’s Relationships Will Shape the Drama
The relationships formed during Season 1 will play a key role in the upcoming episodes. The focus is expected to shift to the romance between Cameron Cook and Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell). Initially, Rupert tries to seduce Cameron as part of Venturer’s franchise bid strategy.
However, Cameron’s genuine feelings complicate matters. Rupert, suppressing his emotions for Taggie O’Hara (Bella Maclean), decides to pursue a relationship with Cameron to ensure the bid’s success.
Rupert’s children, Tabitha and Marcus, are introduced in the second half of the novel. Their presence will likely add new dimensions to the storyline in Season 2. When Cameron meets Rupert’s children, they dislike her from the outset. Cameron tries to connect with them, but her efforts fail.
Meanwhile, Taggie bonds with Rupert’s children during her visit to Ireland with Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner) to work on a project about the Irish poet William Butler Yeats. The children quickly warm up to Taggie, and this deepens her connection with Rupert.
Cameron eventually discovers a photo of Taggie and Rupert’s children enjoying a picnic together. This discovery breaks her heart and marks the beginning of the end of her relationship with Rupert. She later finds happiness with Patrick O’Hara (Gabriel Tierney), who treats her with honesty and care.
Before this, though, the novel hints at a brief affair between Cameron and Declan. Meanwhile, Rupert and Taggie’s love story blossoms, and they get married by the end of the book. If the series follows the book closely, this romantic conclusion could form the finale of Season 2.
Declan initially struggles with the idea that both his children are romantically involved with his colleagues. However, he eventually recognizes the compatibility of the relationships and gives his blessing.
Minor Characters Will Shine
Season 2 will likely expand the roles of minor characters, bringing more drama and intrigue. Maud O’Hara (Victoria Smurfit), Monica Baddingham (Claire Rushbrook), Charles Fairburn (Gary Lamont), and Basil Baddingham (Luke Pasquaino) all take part in a local theater production in the novel.
Their interactions during rehearsals add depth to the story, as viewers get to see different dynamics play out. These scenes offer a break from the intensity of the franchise bid, providing a refreshing shift in tone.
The production also brings Maud back into the spotlight. Though she left the Priory at the end of Season 1, her return to acting gives her a renewed sense of purpose. However, her strained relationship with Declan worsens when he misses the opening night of her performance due to a missed flight.
Maud’s selfish tendencies and infidelity, already evident in Season 1, are expected to continue into the second season. The rift in her relationship with Declan leads to one of the series’ biggest betrayals. As the plot unfolds, it is revealed that someone has leaked confidential Venturer information to Tony Baddingham and Corinium.
Initially, suspicion falls on Cameron after she is seen speaking privately with Tony. However, the real mole turns out to be Maud, who has been having an affair with Tony.
This revelation is a major twist. Up until this point, the story hints that Maud might be involved with Basil. Tony’s survival becomes a critical factor for the second half of the narrative, making his fate one of the most significant cliffhangers heading into Season 2.
The Franchise Bid Will Drive the Story
The central conflict of the second season will likely revolve around the franchise bid. Venturer and Corinium must present their cases to the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) in London, and the process is expected to dominate much of the storyline. The preparation for the pitch offers a detailed look into the behind-the-scenes aspects of TV production.
Freddie Jones (Danny Dyer), Rupert, and Declan form a compelling trio as they work together on Venturer’s bid. Their collaboration is a highlight in the book, and the show could show this camaraderie further in Season 2.
Freddie’s relationship with Lizzie Vereker (Katherine Parkinson) is also set to become more prominent. At the end of Season 1, the two characters share an intimate moment, and in the novel, they try to keep their relationship a secret.
Sarah Stratton, although not pregnant in the book, plays an important role in their dynamic. In the series, Sarah’s pregnancy could add even more complexity to the storyline.
Tony Baddingham’s influence extends to Corinium’s strategy. In the novel, he convinces James Vereker (Oliver Chris) to distance himself from Sarah to improve Corinium’s public image. This leads to a powerful scene where Sarah breaks down in front of Rupert. If this moment is adapted for the series, Sarah’s pregnancy could make it even more impactful.
Rupert proposes leaking information about Sarah’s pregnancy to gain an advantage over Corinium. However, Freddie opposes the idea, wanting to protect Lizzie’s reputation. The chemistry between Freddie and Lizzie was more pronounced in the show than in the book, so their relationship will likely remain a key element in Season 2.
What to Expect from Rivals Season 2
Season 2 of Rivals promises to build on the rich view of relationships, conflicts, and secrets introduced in Season 1. The romance between Rupert and Taggie will continue to develop, while Cameron faces heartbreak and finds new beginnings. Minor characters will step into the spotlight, adding depth and drama to the narrative.
The franchise bid will remain at the heart of the story, bringing characters together and testing their loyalties. As the plot unfolds, viewers can expect more surprises, particularly surrounding Tony’s fate and the fallout from Maud’s betrayal.
With its blend of romance, intrigue, and high-stakes drama, Rivals Season 2 is poised to deliver an engaging continuation of the story. Fans of the first season can look forward to even more twists and turns as the characters’ lives intertwine in unexpected ways.
All episodes of Rivals Season 1 are currently available to stream on Hulu in the U.S.
