47/49
Scenario
It follows Rupert Campbell-Black and Tony Baddingham as they have a long-standing rivalry that comes to a head. Coincidentally, Aidan Turner had previously filmed at Chavenage House (The Priory in Rivals). The same filming location was also used to portray Trenwith House in the 2015 BBC TV adaptation of Poldark. Perfect viewing for autumn. Jilly Cooper’s 80s novels have been passed around until the pages fall out, so I was intrigued by the idea of bringing one of them to life on TV in 2024. It’s perfectly done. The show manages to make well-placed acknowledgements of life 40 years ago; and while it’s funny, it’s never comedic. It’s also blunt about the inequalities of the time. The story is great, a proper but not nasty romp, with twists and turns you’d expect from a JC book and a Disney+ show. The style is spot on. The cast + characters are brilliant. I’ve got a soft spot for Danny Dyer now, actually! Unmissable. Season 2, please!