The fourth episode of Season 1 of "Rivals" kicks off with a charming twist, as Rupert casually strolls into Declan's abode to retrieve his cherished cutlery from Taggie, who had unwittingly borrowed it for the festive occasion and subsequently forgotten to return it. With a charming apology, she inquiries about his presence at the upcoming falconry soirée. Rupert, his voice tinged with regret, divulges that Monica has all but shunned him since his fateful introduction of Paul into their circle.
As their conversation flows effortlessly, Declan elegantly interjects, extending an official invitation for Rupert to grace his show as a guest. Rupert, alas, politely declines, citing a prior engagement until the romantic eve of Valentine's Day. However, fate in the form of Declan's subsequent public announcement, a bold declaration that Rupert would be the star attraction of a special edition show, stunning all, particularly Cameron, who fears a single refusal from Rupert could unravel their carefully crafted credibility. To everyone's relief, Rupert promptly accepts the invitation, his phone call echoing triumphantly.
The weekend arrives, and Tony cordially invites the Jones family to a grand falconry extravaganza, emphasizing the importance of making Freddie and his elegant wife, Valerie, feel at ease, for Freddie's presence on the board holds paramount significance for Tony. Upon their arrival, the women engage in subtle yet mischievous critiques of Valerie's attire, while the men anticipate a novice shooter in Freddie. Yet, Freddie astonishes them all with his impeccable aim, claiming a majority of the birds, even offering Lizzie an insightful shooting lesson.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, Valerie strategically networks, promoting her boutique, while Paul and Sarah eagerly discuss her promising screen test. Chaos ensues, with Tony's teenage son straying off for a surreptitious smoke, indulging in a compromising encounter with a male staff member. Tony's anger simmers beneath the surface, but he maintains his composure, fearing a scandalous outburst. However, his day spirals further when an uninvited Rupert graces the occasion, much to Taggie's secret admiration, who finds inspiration to confess her disinterest in hunting expeditions.
Back at the studio, Declan dives headfirst into work, crossing paths with Charles, who is relocating to a new office. The aftermath of his recent heart episode has relegated him to the helm of Religious Broadcasting, with Cameron ascending to his former position. Yet, Charles bears no grudge, only cautioning Declan against exposing vulnerabilities to Tony. Declan, however, harbors ambitions of ruthlessness, fueled by a mysterious letter from a woman seeking a meeting to discuss Rupert.
As the day draws to a close, Freddie receives a pressing call, hastening his departure. In the midst of his haste, he overhears Tony and his cronies mocking Valerie's attire. With a steely resolve, he refrains from confrontation, collecting her forgotten coat before departing. Lizzie, meanwhile, is consumed by guilt for her earlier mocking of Valerie.
As the days unfold, Taggie's anxiety over her father's relentless probe into Rupert intensifies. She pleads with Declan, her voice laced with desperation, begging him to grant Rupert forgiveness, but Declan remains resolute, unyielding. Taggie's frustration boils over, accusing him of using his position as a weapon, seeking revenge through his investigation.
Within the confines of the office, whispers of curiosity swirl as everyone anticipates what secrets Declan has uncovered. Yet, he remains tight-lipped, his findings a closely guarded mystery. Declan grapples with self-doubt, fearing he's transformed into a creature of vengeance, while Seb offers reassurance, claiming that as long as Tony is content, all is well.
Tony's mood darkens when Freddie's call exposes his rude treatment of Valerie. The offer to join the board falls flat, Freddie's rebuke echoing in his ears. Unbeknownst to all, Valerie's entrance disrupts the tense atmosphere, her words igniting a fresh controversy as she reveals Tony's rumored entanglement with Cameron. Spurred by a desire to spill the beans, she confides in Monica, heedless of Freddie's cautions.
Back at the buzzing studio, Tony and Cameron's exchange escalates into a heated argument. Cameron's voice rings with certainty, accusing Tony of missteps yet assuring him that the Rupert saga will ultimately redeem everything.
Valentine's Day arrives, shrouded in its usual aura of romance, yet James' neglect towards Lizzie persists. Sarah and Paul's banter over dinner plans adds to the domestic tumult, while Sarah's anticipation for her screen test simmers. Monica, ever vigilant, administers a subtle warning to her son, urging moderation within the confines of home, a veiled reminder that Tony still needs her favor.
Cameron, her composure frayed, brushes aside Patrick's call and Tony's token of encouragement, his card a mere annoyance. Lizzie, her heart heavy with longing, summons the courage to invite James home for lunch, staging a sultry surprise. But he fails to materialize, and in his absence, Freddie's unexpected visit finds Lizzie in her alluring attire. Instead of judgment, he gifts her a word processor, fueling her creative spark. Later, James' apologetic call, his voice tinged with distraction over Sarah, his new co-host, shatters Lizzie's hopes.
Meanwhile, Taggie's heart fluttered as she received a charming card from Rupert, while Bas extended a cordial invitation for her culinary prowess to grace his upcoming event. Maud, ever the charmer, shamelessly flirted her way into Bas's good graces and secured an invitation of her own. Before Declan's departure, Taggie pleaded tearfully with her father, imploring him not to expose Rupert's vulnerabilities on live television, but her entreaties echoed hollowly in the air.
Determined, Taggie approached Helen, seeking her intervention to dissuade Rupert from participating. However, Helen, unfazed, likened Rupert to a malignancy, declaring her disinterest in becoming entangled in Declan's spectacle.
At the studio, anticipation hung thick in the air. Rupert, oblivious to the storm brewing, stood resolute, eager to embark on the show. Declan greeted him warmly, and the stage was set for a historic confrontation. The interview commenced on a cordial note, with Rupert regaling the audience with tales of his equestrian feats and political aspirations. He captivated them effortlessly, as expected.
But soon, Declan steered the conversation towards the rocks, delving into Rupert's extramarital affairs and his love for women. The show hit a pause, and Taggie rushed in, desperation etched on her face. She begged Rupert to abandon ship with her, warning of her father's ruthless tactics that would surely dismantle him. Rupert, however, turned a deaf ear, returning to the fray.
Changing tactics, Rupert embraced his humanity, acknowledging his flaws. He drew parallels between himself and Declan, branding them both as ruthless creatures driven by ambition. This barb struck deep, forcing Declan to confront his own demons. He conceded his workaholic nature, and the interview took a dramatic turn, casting Rupert in a saintly light.
Rupert's narrative shifted, weaving tales of his love for dogs, childhood memories, and the solitude that accompanied his relentless pursuit of success. Tony attempted to cut the broadcast, only to be halted by Cameron's steadfast hand. Afterwards, the consensus hailed it as the show's finest hour, except for Tony, who fiercely disagreed.
Declan and Rupert retreated to Bas' bar to commemorate their unlikely bond, with Declan withholding the dirt he had uncovered on Rupert, but sternly requesting that he steer clear of Taggie.
As the episode drew to a close, Tony's frustration boiled over, as he furiously dismantled Declan's set. The staff, weary of his tantrums, counseled Cameron to let him be. Later, Tony's phone rang, revealing an unexpected caller – the Prime Minister herself, eager to appear on the show after witnessing Rupert's poignant interview. Monica's gloating over their coup, attributing it solely to Rupert's episode, ignited a fiery rage within Tony.
