‘Rivals’ Performs a Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy Dream
All the world's a stage, but all of 'Rivals' is a bedroom in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.'
The first three episodes of Rivals’ second season set up Lord Tony Baddingham’s revenge tour, and ended with his first target, Rupert, defeated and humiliated. Our fourth episode sees him turn to his next target, Declan, starting with the big reveal that Maud is starring in Corinium’s televised adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a casting choice he has Monica to thank for, and even offers to have sex with her to celebrate. Monica practically pats him on the head before rolling over to sleep instead.
Monica should have done the casting for the rest of the play, too. James, in particular, is godawful as Bottom. (Oliver Chris has a ball being a terrible actor in what is, historically, considered the funniest part of Shakespeare’s play.) Maud, however, is less sure after rehearsals that she should have accepted this gig, begging Charles to help ensure she isn’t left stranded as the only decent actor on set.
The coup puts a spring in Tony’s step and a bite to his commentary. Even discovering Clara from Channel 4 (Ingrid Oliver) in a meeting with Declan and Cameron at Basil’s pub can’t bring him down; instead, he needles Declan for not having seen A Doll’s House, telling him to move fast if he wants a seat at Midsummer, and asks Cameron about his deeply unfortunate love life choices. Declan doesn’t react well, but Cameron refuses to let Tony get to her, declaring that they will attend the live taping of Midsummer because they are the bigger people.
