Get ready to polish your riding crop, because Jilly Cooper’s iconic 1980s novel ‘Rivals’ has been resurrected on Hulu, delivering a campy, sex-fueled series that’s both hilariously gross and undeniably cool.
‘Rivals’ plunges us back into the world of the Rutshire Chronicles, Jilly Cooper’s famed saga of champagne-soaked, high-heeled British life. This time, however, the story takes us into the heart of the late 1980s, a period marked by rampant excess, lustful desire, and the ever-present tension between wealth and ambition.
The series opens with a scene that’s both shocking and oddly captivating: two individuals reaching a climax in the bathroom of a Concorde flight, all while fellow passengers smoke nonchalantly. This sets the tone for a show that doesn’t shy away from depicting the raw and often absurd nature of human desire.
At the center of this sexual whirlwind is Rupert Campbell-Black, a retired showjumper turned politician, played with charismatic charm by Alex Hassell. Campbell-Black, a man of undeniable wealth and charisma, is locked in a power struggle with Lord Baddingham (David Tennant), a self-made television executive with an insatiable hunger for control. Their rivalry, fueled by ambition, jealousy, and a healthy dose of testosterone, is the driving force of the show.
One of the most striking aspects of ‘Rivals’ is its unapologetically explicit exploration of sexuality. While the sex scenes might feel a bit dated in their approach, they’re undeniably entertaining, offering a glimpse into a time when people seemingly had more time for, well, everything. We’re treated to naked tennis matches, passionate trysts in unexpected places, and even a scene where a couple gets it on in front of their own daughter, proving that the show doesn’t shy away from pushing boundaries.
But ‘Rivals’ is more than just a steamy sexcapade. It’s also a satirical look at the British upper class, with its inherent contradictions and social dynamics. Jilly Cooper masterfully crafts characters who, despite their over-the-top personalities and behaviors, are relatable and engaging. We’re drawn into their world of champagne receptions, extravagant parties, and cutthroat rivalries, feeling both entertained and slightly horrified by their actions.
Ultimately, ‘Rivals’ is a guilty pleasure of the highest order. It’s a show that embraces the ridiculousness of human nature, reveling in the pursuit of money, power, and sex. Whether you’re captivated by the acerbic satire, the rampant sexual encounters, or the sheer absurdity of it all, ‘Rivals’ is a reminder that sometimes, the best way to enjoy a show is to simply lie back, relax, and indulge in the wild, wonderful world of Jilly Cooper.