Hulu's Rivals is back with a vengeance, dropping the first three episodes of Season 2 and plunging viewers back into the scandalous, power-hungry world of Rutshire. Based on Jilly Cooper's beloved Rutshire Chronicles, the new season cranks up the bonkbuster energy, but beneath the glitz and glamour, relationships are fraying, alliances are shifting, and one character is about to get a rude awakening.
At the center of the storm is Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams), who ended Season 1 on a dramatic note: after Venturer's victory, she confronted her boss and boyfriend Tony Baddingham (David Tennant), leading to a violent altercation that sent her fleeing. Now, Cameron has taken refuge with Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell), but their living arrangement is far from simple. Williams and co-star Luca Pasqualino (who plays Bas Baddingham) sat down to unpack the messy romantic entanglements ahead.
Cameron's Blind Spot: Why She Never Saw Taggie Coming
Williams is clear that Cameron's feelings for Rupert are genuine. “I do think ever since Spain, she has fallen in love with Rupert, and I think it is real for her,” she says. But she also admits that Cameron is running from Tony's wrath and seeking security in a man who promises protection. “She has no family out here, no friends outside of Venturer. With Rupert, she finds that security.”
Yet Cameron's biggest threat isn't Tony—it's Taggie O'Hara (Bella Maclean). Despite Rupert's recent kiss with Taggie, Cameron remains oblivious. “She is not expecting Taggie to be a threat,” Williams reveals. “Taggie is so innocent and wholesome. Cameron knows what she does for Rupert, sexually and mentally, that I don't even think she sees Taggie coming.” That blind spot, Williams hints, will lead to explosive drama when the truth comes out.
Bas Baddingham: Torn Between Blood and Business
Pasqualino's Bas is caught in a different kind of tug-of-war. As Tony's younger half-brother, he shares blood but not loyalty. “Bas and Tony, the brothers, are completely separate to Bas and Tony the businessmen,” Pasqualino explains. “Tony feels a little out of pocket knowing he was the slightly more unloved brother.”
Could Bas ever switch sides and join Tony at Corinium? Pasqualino doubts it. “He's not the kind of person who wants to win so desperately, like Tony. Bas is too cool for that.” Instead, their relationship boils down to a simple truth: “I love you because you're my blood, I'll always be there for you, but I don't think we need to be jumping into any business deals together.” Williams chimes in with a laugh: “I don't like you.”
Could Bas and Taggie Be the Next Big Romance?
With Rupert and Cameron living together, the show is planting seeds for a potential romantic twist: Bas showing interest in Taggie. “It's no secret that he enjoys female company,” Pasqualino teases. Whether that interest blossoms into a full-blown love triangle remains to be seen, but it adds another layer of complexity to an already tangled web.
As Season 2 unfolds, Rivals continues to deliver the juicy, high-stakes drama fans crave. For more on the latest in TV and streaming, check out our coverage of Practical Magic 2 and Netflix's The One Piece remake.
