Rivals (2024) – Season 1 Episode 8 Recap, Review & Ending Explained

The Franchise Bid 

Episode 8 of Rivals Season 1 starts with a look at James and Lizzie’s new show. Knowing what we know, it is ironic that they come off as the perfect married couple to advise anyone. Outside the show, Lizzie changes her mind about having an affair with Freddie and ghosts him.

Elsewhere, Rupert and Cameron resume their affair. Rupert and Taggie spend the next few days together on the campaign trail. While Rupert campaigns, Taggie collects more signatures for the Venturer’s bid. Tony’s secretary follows them and takes compromising photos of Rupert helping Taggie with her stuck seatbelt. However, Taggie is now dating Seb and Rupert is jealous.

In the meantime, Tony comes up with a plan to get his hands on Venturer’s franchise proposal. He invites Valerie to showcase her garden on James’s show. They use this opportunity to steal Freddie’s copy. Rupert also shows up with his dog at the shoot. The dog runs to Cameroon to greet her and the camera catches the candid moment between Cameron and Rupert.

On the other hand, Patrick drops by Cameron’s house, but she sends him away. However, Tony’s secretary reports their encounter. Thankfully, Cameron assures Tony that she is trustworthy and makes a show of how she is wearing the engagement ring on her necklace. Tony keeps her but fires Seb since he was seen with Taggie. At the same time, he rewards Sarah with a new show. 

How does The Franchise bid go?

The days leading up to the franchise bid get chaotic. The media takes a keen interest in what will happen. If Venturer wins, it will be the first time in history that the incumbent loses. Tony uses his dirty tricks to cause a fallout between Rupert and Declan. He releases the compromising pictures of Taggie and Rupert. Rupert tries to explain that he was only helping Taggie with her jammed seatbelt, but Declan lashes out. Things escalate and Declan punches Rupert. Taggie learns that her dad forbade Rupert from touching her. She is offended that they keep treating her like a baby.

Meanwhile, Tony tries his best to convey his feelings to Cameron. He openly wines and dines her and tells her about stealing Venturer’s proposal. In turn, Cameron warns the Venturer team in their next meeting.

Later, Tony and Monica watch the tape from James’ show featuring Valerie’s garden. He loses his composure after seeing the candid clip between Rupert and Cameron. Monica makes sure to twist the knife in her husband’s heart by mentioning how taken Rupert is with Cameron. Tony spends the night in his study, silently crying.

However, the next day, he plays it cool. He waits until the bid starts to show his secret card by bringing in Beattie. Remember Rupert’s ex, who swore to destroy him? Cameron realises that Tony might be suspicious of her since he didn’t tell her about this.

At the bidding, Rupert tries to attack Venturer by pointing out their inexperience and internal wrangles. However, Declan makes a passionate speech about how TV brings people together. He thanks all the locals who showed up to support them. The board is moved to see the people’s support for Venturer.

All in all, Declan and the Venturer team do a better job answering the questions and stating their case. After the bid hearing, the Venturer team head back to Declan’s house to wait for IBA’s decision. Cameron warns Rupert to be careful, and he promises to take care of her, whether they win or not. On the other side of the studio, Monica gives Tony an ultimatum. She asks him to come home that night and talk about their marriage or she leaves first thing in the morning.

What happens to Sarah?

She is hurt when Tony brings in Beattie as her co-host. She also might be pregnant and the baby could belong to either James or her husband. Lizzie finds her crying in the toilet and they bond over how the men in their lives use and abandon them. Surprisingly, Lizzie shows Sarah compassion even though she knows Sarah is sleeping with her husband. She doesn’t even reveal she knows!

What happens with Freddie and Lizzie? 

Following Rupert’s advice and her conversation with Sarah, Lizzie feels empowered enough to finally sleep with Freddie. They have a great time out in the fields. Freddie not only makes Lizzie feel sexy and beautiful, but he gives her everything that James doesn’t.

What happens Between Charles and Gerald?

The two decide to resume their relationship even though Gerald intends to marry another woman. Charles is unable to deny his feelings for Gerald and is happy to be his secret. As long as they are happy, right? However, it would be best if Gerald tells the woman about his sexuality beforehand.

What happens with Declan and Maud?

Maud decides to leave for London. She explains to Declan that she wants to work and she can’t keep following him around. Her former lover offered her the role of a maid and she wants it. Declan begs her to stay, but she says goodbye and wishes him the best. On her way out, Declan gets a call from IBA, informing him they have won the first round of the bidding. Hearing the crowd cheering gives Maud some peace about her decision to leave.

How does Rivals end?

The show ends with Tony finally confronting Cameron about her torrid affair with Rupert. At first, she lies that she did it to help Corinium by spying on Rupert. Tony begs her to stay away from Rupert and promises to give her the world. He even promises to divorce Monica. She turns him down and announces she is resigning. She tells him that she is done with him and wants out. However, Tony doesn’t take the rejection well. He promises to destroy her by going after her visa. In turn, she says she will marry Rupert. A fight ensues and in the heat of the moment, Cameron grabs the award and bashes Rupert’s head with it.

Meanwhile, Rupert tries to get past his jealousy and encourages Taggie to date Seb. She surprises him when she says Seb is not him. Rupert moves closer and explains he is trapped. He can’t get out of his deal with Cameron as the franchise depends on it. Taggie says she is not asking him to and Rupert finally admits he is crazy about her. The next thing we know, they are all over each other, entangled in a passionate kiss.

The scene cuts to Cameron panicking as she watches Tony bleed out on the floor. 

The Episode Review

Now, that is how you end a show! The climax, the drama and the heated passion between star-crossed lovers were perfect. The angst and suspense of it all! We need season 2 stat! There is a lot to talk about, so let’s dig in. First, Rupert and Taggie’s chemistry was off the hook. Alex Hassell deserves an award for that scene alone. The way he portrayed Rupert’s pinning for Taggie and the desire to have more after that kiss was perfect. This has been a long time coming and they can’t resist each other anymore. 

I wonder how Declan will react if he walks in on them embracing? He already lost Maud, and I don’t think he will be too happy with Rupert. The bid for the franchise is still not over, so any more fallouts and he will be saying goodbye to his career too. The very thing he loved more than his wife. Maud got tired of always putting Declan’s career first. Once again, it was only a matter of time before she walked out for good.

As I said last time, I am on team Lizzie and Freddie. Yes, I know they are both married to different people, but they are just so good together. Freddie makes Lizzie bloom like a flower. She is an amazing woman and deserves to be loved. Lizzie also accepts Freddie as he is. She doesn’t put him down all the time or try to control him. I am sorry, but they make sense!

Lastly, Cameron is in hot water. Her affair with Tony took a dark turn that turns everything on its head. Is there a way out of this mess for her? If Tony dies, she is looking at years in jail. If he survives, she will not only face legal issues but, he will come for her like never before. Talk about being in a pickle!