Disney Plus doing Jilly Cooper's Rivals

[countrylifer]

This is just the best news. I've been waiting for an adaptation of Rivals since I first fell in love with the bounder Rupert C-B in circa 1997.

But the question is who will play him? I can't think of anyone off the top of my head who can fill those boots - any suggestions?

I cant wait to watch this

On this weeks episode of TRIE, Marina was so visibly and audibly excited about it. She was saying how its utterly joyous.

It starts at about 19mins in

s

Have we covered if anyone is playing Dame Edith? Travelling around the Cotswolds with Taggie calling people boring farts and sucking on lemon sherbets IIRC

Quote from Dominic Treadwell-Collins, from Deadline: '“Her books are weighty. We only told half of Rivals because we wanted to delve into the characters in more detail. TV is so disposable nowadays but I want people to re-watch Rivals, I want it to be telly that lasts and endures.”'

I wonder where this half-way point will be? But guys I am so excited! It's currently quite beloved by the critics, with an average of 92% on Rotten Tomatoes.

I wonder if he means they only told half the main story, or they cut loads of the sub plots? I suspect it's the latter.

I think it is the former, because in the same article the writer says "Having settled on adapting the first half of the novel, Treadwell-Collins changed tack and started pitching to streamers."

That's a bit disappointing. Eight episodes should be enough to tell the entire story.

I really can’t see how they can just stop in the middle of the story.

I still think it something along these lines - stripping out some of the plot and characters (Patrick doesn't seem to appear at all, maybe Caitlin and Archie's romance has gone etc, Declan and Cameron's trip to Ireland, the endless franchise meetings, etc).

If they've stopped at Patrick's birthday New Years Eve party I'm afraid I will be - in JC's terminology - apoplectic.

Same here notonthestairs!

We will be the epitome of distressed gentlefolk.

Roll on Friday!

It's there/dropped/landed (whatever is the current term)!!!! 👠

😱

I can't watch until later as I agreed to take part in a craft workshop at DD's school (poor planning on my part).

I’m overseas and I’m starting it now. Here I go!!!!!!

Watching it now - totally loving it!

Just watched the first episode and it is bloody brilliant. Bit put off by the state of Rupert's teeth, but otherwise am very happy.

Ok verdict, love it so far after EP 1, I’m still 85% there with Rupert but he grew on me by the end. I realise why they’ve gone on for charisma rather than someone blonde. Declan is hot as f#*^. Whoever cast Maud, Lizzie and Valerie deserves a raise.

The casting of all the female characters is spot on.

Just watched episode one. I love the casting, it’s all spot on (more on Rupert to come), love Maud, Taggie, Cameron, all excellent. Love the scenery, houses, music, scripting. Declan is excellent. Freddie exactly as I imagine him, Valerie too. Lizzie perfect. Sarah Stratton not exactly how I pictured her but LOVE how she’s playing it, and she’s so golden and voluptuous which is exactly how she is described.

Love Charles Fairburn and Gerald too! Even the houses are so lovely.

Which town is that used for Cotchester?

The one thing I’m not 100% on so far is Rupert. He comes across as a bit smarmy and oily but he did grow on me as the episode continued.

Oh and I love all the little insider asides, like how in Lizzie’s book there’s something about “dock leaves” which is of course lifted from Riders.

I think Cotchester is Tetbury irl

Oh it looked nice!

Just watching it , think it’s absolutely brilliant with fabulous casting. Taggie is not quite how I imagine her to look but the actress plays her perfectly. Maud and Declan are fantastic, and David Tennant plays a brilliant Tony.
Love the soundtrack, the sets. Honestly I don’t think they could have done a better job.
Well worth the wait!

I am going to start watching it later, can't wait.

The article I just read said that DTC did just the first half of the book on purpose and feels there is so much more that could be made into a sequal.

I had just presumed that the mini series would be the whole book, so I hope it is done properly whether over 1 or 2 series.

I liked Riders but it did miss a lot out in the mini series