Rivals Returns With Monica’s Death and New Relationship Turmoil

The second batch of Rivals episodes picks up after Monica Baddingham dies in a storm-related car crash. Her death follows her discovery of her husband Tony’s affair with Maud O’Hara and her decision to seek a divorce. Tony is left grieving and facing the anger of his son Archie, who blames the affair for his mother’s final departure from home.

Writer and executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said Monica’s death was meant to give the characters’ feud real consequences. He said the writing team considered other possibilities but returned to Monica because losing a beloved character would have the greatest impact. The funeral episode gives her a dignified farewell before shifting sharply to secret romantic encounters.

Tony tells Maud he loves her, while Declan eventually discovers their affair and publicly confronts them. Tony’s grief and anger escalate: after driving mourners away from his home with a rifle, he fires it and kills Monica’s peacocks. Elsewhere, Conservative MP Gerald ends his relationship with Charles to preserve his engagement to Muffy, and Rupert rejects Taggie’s latest attempt to get closer, saying he cannot keep her happy.

The season’s corporate battle between Tony’s Corinium and Declan’s Venturer continues, with Rupert and Declan traveling to New York to bring Cameron back after wrongly suspecting her of leaking information. Cast members describe Tony as increasingly volatile and say the remaining episodes bring more twists. They also tease complications for Freddie and Lizzie, whose affair affects Freddie’s wife Valerie and her children. Hulu’s season finale is set for December 2.