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Must Watch reviews: Rivals

Every week, the Must Watch podcasters review the biggest TV and streaming shows.

This week, Hayley Campbell and Scott Bryan Naga Munchetty to review ‘Rivals’.

Rivals on Disney+ is based on the Jilly Cooper novel.

It’s set in the 1980’s and revolves around three men that have a rivalry which seeps into their professional world of television.

It stars Alex Hassell, David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Danny Dyer and Catherine Parkinson.

What do the Must Watch Reviewers think of Rivals?

Must Watch reviewers Scott Bryan and Hayley Campbell share what they think about Rivals

Naga: “It has a rather fabulous opening scene.”

Scott: “It’s a scene set on a plane, a scene that I cannot describe for you on the radio. I then heard a rumbling outside, so I paused it and then I realised it was Walt Disney spinning in his grave.

“I went to a preview of this a few weeks ago and I spoke to PR and said to them: “This is the least Disney thing I have ever watched!””

Naga: “What did you think of it Scott?”

Scott: “At the synopsis, it’s probably the most ‘me’ show of all time. It’s about whether a regional ITV-style franchise in the 1980s can make a profitable new talk show to compete with the likes of Corrie whilst also fulfilling its broadcasting requirements so it can get a new licence.”

Hayley: “That’s the synopsis that didn’t appeal to anyone else.”

Photo Credit: Disney+

Scott: “But this is Dame Jilly Cooper, who is brilliant with plots, high stakes and relatable characters. I think Rivals is, in the most enjoyable way, nonsense.

“I think the fact that it feels incredibly set within the 1980s period. It’s got an all-star cast.

“It manages to reflect that era of TV and TV making with the ostentatious wealth, the bold new ideas. I also like just how fully fleshed all the characters are.”

Photo Credit: Disney+

Scott: “I think a flaw of it, perhaps, is that there are too many characters, so the focus is too wide. Most people will be keen on David Tennant who is essentially this TV boss who, as the series goes on, you like less and less.

“Also, Aidan Turner, who is a Michael Parkinson type character, who has been bought in by this company to be their new TV host.

“And then their rivalry with Rupert Campbell-Black, who is this Minister for Sport, who will do anything he wants to get by in life. He is played by Alex Hassell.

“That rivalry is the core of the show and what makes it really good. The further away it gets from that… it loses its focus a bit. But it always comes back to it.”

Photo Credit: Disney+

Naga: “How far did you get into it?”

Scott: “I’m pacing myself with it. I got to episode five but that is not me saying: “I’ve had my fill”, that’s me thinking: “I don’t need to blast my way through so quickly”.

“I think it touches on serious topics as well like misogyny, racism, manipulation and the difference between those that work on the studio floor and those at the top.

“Also, if you want to see Danny Dyer perform the karaoke version of ‘Bat Out of Hell’, you’ve come to the right place.”

Photo Credit: Disney+

Hayley: “Well, I thought I’d absolutely hate this silly nonsense, so I was quite surprised that although I had other things to do yesterday, all I did was watch six episodes of Rivals in a row.

“It’s a fun story but I think the cast really make it. David Tennant is playing a baddie which is always delicious because he’s so good at it.

“It’s weird because he’s one of the loveliest men I’ve ever met.

“Rufus Jones who plays a pathetic MP in this, with a much younger woman played by Emily Atack, is great.

“He’s astonishing at physical comedy and one of his sex scenes in this, I had to pause it because I was laughing too much.

Photo Credit: Disney+

“But for me, the standout was Danny Dyer. If you don’t already love Danny Dyer, this will bring you round.

“I ended up in tears over some of his scenes. I think, from the outside, this is a silly story but there are also some very delicate scenes with Danny Dyer which surprised me. It’s more human and less silly and it’s about finding people who see you for what you really are. I ended up in tears.”

Naga: “As in happy tears or sad tears?”

Hayley: “Both. It’s very moving. Unexpectedly!”

Photo Credit: Disney+

Scott: “[Danny Dyer] is great in this. You first see him, and you go ‘oh it’s Danny Dyer, he’s going to be playing Danny Dyer’. But actually he doesn’t, he’s got layers and that takes you by surprise.”

Hayley: “Rivals is just a treat. But your neighbours might think you’re watching porn.”

Naga: “It is silly nonsense. I went in with a very open mind and nothing offended me and what you’ve done Scott and Hayley, made me think I need to watch more.

“I watched it, it was fine. That’s what I came away thinking.”

Photo Credit: Disney+

All episodes of Rivals will be available to watch on Disney+ now.

Must Watch is released as a podcast every Monday evening from BBC Sounds and all other podcasts providers.

This week the team also reviewed Curfew and Mr Loverman, click here to listen to the latest episode.

And email Scott and Hayley on [email protected]

Your reviews

As always, we like to include your reviews - on shows you love, loathe or lament.

Message @bbc5live on social media using the hashtag #bbcmustwatch or email [email protected].

Ludwig

Here are more of your reviews on Ludwig, which Hayley and Scott reviewed a few weeks ago.

Andy: “Sorry but Ludwig is preposterous.”

Jane: “Watched the full series of Ludwig. It was absolutely brilliant! Well written and David Mitchell was awesome. I work with people with autism, and it showed it is possible to be recognised. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks a million.”

Phillip: “An absolutely fantastic series for David Mitchell. Not as insanely annoying as monk and not as drawn out as Jonathan Creek. A perfect balance. We watched the whole series over two nights. Please say there's going to be a second series!!”