Hulu's "Rivals" returns with a three-episode premiere for its second season, plunging viewers back into the opulent chaos of Rutshire, a world inspired by Jilly Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles books. The new season elevates the series' signature "bonkbuster" energy, continuing the dramatic fallout from Venturer's victory in the TV franchise war against Corinium at the end of Season 1.

The previous season concluded with a violent confrontation between Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams) and her boss and boyfriend, Tony Baddingham (David Tennant). After Tony's abuse, Cameron bludgeoned him with a TV award and fled. The Season 2 premiere picks up with Cameron seeking refuge with Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell), ultimately moving in with him despite Rupert's recent kiss with Taggie (Bella Maclean). Actress Nafessa Williams shed light on Cameron's complex motivations and feelings.

Williams revealed that Cameron's decision to live with Rupert is driven by a mix of genuine affection and a desperate need for security and escape from Tony's wrath. "I do think ever since Spain, she has fallen in love with Rupert, and I think it is real for her," Williams stated, emphasizing that Cameron also seeks the safety Rupert offers, having no other family or friends in the area outside of Venturer. Cameron, an ambitious and alpha woman, not only desires to succeed professionally but also yearns for a family and a real connection. She believes she could be the one to change Rupert, seeing many similarities and a matching pace between them. Her efforts to bond with Rupert's children, despite his daughter being particularly challenging, further underscore her desire for a complete family life. Williams anticipates Cameron would be "pissed" to learn of Rupert's feelings for Taggie, not viewing the innocent and wholesome Taggie as a romantic threat, given Cameron's confidence in her sexual and mental connection with Rupert.

Meanwhile, the series hints at a potential romantic rivalry involving Bas Baddingham (Luca Pasqualino), Tony's younger half-brother and Rupert's friend, who shows interest in Taggie. Luca Pasqualino discussed Bas's unique dynamic with his half-brother, Tony. He explained that their fractious family relationship stems from their shared mother but different fathers, with Tony feeling unloved despite being older. Pasqualino asserted that a business partnership between Bas and Tony is highly unlikely. Bas is described as objective and "too cool" to be driven by a desperate need to win like Tony. Bas views their relationship as two brothers who don't always see eye-to-eye: "I love you because you're my blood, I'll always be there for you, but I don't think we need to be jumping into any business deals together." Williams humorously added, "I don't like you," to which Pasqualino agreed, summarizing their complex bond.

Regarding Bas's romantic pursuits, Pasqualino confirmed Bas's "playboy" nature, noting his past interest in Maud and current apparent interest in Taggie. He acknowledged Taggie's beauty and the increased time they spend together due to their connections with Venturer. Pasqualino speculated that Bas might not even be aware of Rupert's feelings for Taggie, and given Rupert's promiscuous nature and current living arrangement with Cameron, Bas might consider Taggie "fair game." He highlighted that men in the '80s were not always open with their feelings, leaving Bas to interpret Rupert's intentions as best he could.

Finally, the possibility of reconciliation between Cameron and Tony was addressed. Nafessa Williams confirmed that the bridge is currently "pretty burned" due to the extensive damage, particularly Tony's physical abuse. She stressed that it wouldn't be safe for Cameron, who knows Tony's ruthless and dangerous nature, to repair that relationship at this moment. However, in the unpredictable world of "Rivals," Williams left a sliver of possibility, acknowledging that "you never know."