Life and Art from FT Weekend
Culture Chat: the bonkbuster world of ‘Rivals’
Nov 1, 2024
Robert Shrimsley, Executive Editor and FT columnist, teams up with Harriet Fitch Little, FT Weekend Magazine's food and drink editor from the Cotswolds, to dive into the indulgent world of 'Rivals.' They tackle the show's depiction of 1980s class dynamics, sex, and the often chaotic relationships among posh country-dwellers. The duo debates the strengths of the adaptation, the cultural significance of Jilly Cooper’s writing, and shares personal anecdotes about media consumption and community-driven clothing swaps.
31:12
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast discusses how the TV adaptation of 'Rivals' critiques 1980s British class dynamics while showcasing the frivolous lifestyles of the elite.
- Critics offer polarized opinions on 'Rivals', recognizing both its engaging characters and humor as well as its perceived lack of depth and substance.
Deep dives
Overview of 'Rivals'
The television adaptation of 'Rivals', based on Jilly Cooper's 1988 romance novel, explores the competitive landscape of a struggling local TV station in 1980s England. The narrative revolves around two central characters: the ambitious TV executive Lord Tony Battingham and the charming yet roguish Rupert Campbell Black. The plot thickens as an Irish journalist is introduced to help boost ratings, while Rupert finds himself romantically entangled with one of Battingham's daughters. Set against a backdrop of opulent social events and scandalous affairs, the series offers a peek into the excesses of 1980s British society.
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