In the opening of Episode 4 of Rivals Season 2, the residents of Coronium prepare to welcome Maud as they embark on a new play. Tony hires photographers to make Maud feel like a star, and he appreciates that she is enjoying it all. He thanks Monica for encouraging him to hire her.
Meanwhile, Declan learns of Maud's new job through a phone call from Charles. Later, Maud kicks him out of their matrimonial bed. James calls Lizzie and asks her to bring him the script he forgot at home. He demeans her for forgetting his marker pen and ignores her as she tries to update him about the bidding war on her new book. He then audaciously claims that she is not supportive of his career.
As he is playing Bottom, James tries to use the opportunity to flirt with a fellow actress in the play. He also asks Charles to consider expanding the love scene. Maud starts to worry that she will make a fool out of herself on stage, but Charles assures her that she is still beautiful and talented.
Meanwhile, Declan and Cameron meet with Clara from Channel 4 to secure commissioning for their Yeats documentary. Tony tries to sabotage them and get under their skin. Declan nearly takes the bait, but Cameron quickly chimes in to stop them from coming to blows. She insists that they go for the opening night of Maud's play to show Tony that they are above his petty tactics.
In the meantime, Rupert decides to focus on the farm. Taggie runs into him while walking her dog. He is not dismissive, but not his usual charming self either. Gerald informs him that he is considering running for his seat, and Rupert says that it is okay. Cameron invites him to the play, but he refuses to go. He goes on a horse ride only to find his daughter walking to his house. She ran away from home because Helen barred her from seeing her dad. Rupert takes her home and calls Helen.
Helen remains seething as she bears the brunt of Rupert's reckless actions. The schoolchildren have turned their backs on Tabitha, and the mothers heap scorn upon her. Determined to reclaim her daughter's innocence, she informs him that she will seek sole custody. His attempts to persuade her are futile; her resolve is unshakable.
In parallel, Freddie opts to forgo the play and immerses himself in Lizzie's novels by the swimming pool. His wife drags the kids to the play with her, much to their dismay. Caitlin, too, chooses to skip the play to spend time with Archie, harboring hopes of losing her virginity. Taggie urges her not to be nervous, but ultimately, Caitlin decides she's not ready. Archie suggests they play a game instead.
As the play nears, Maud and Declan's conflict escalates. Declan accuses Maud of being used against him, claiming Tony hired her solely to spite him. Maud is angered, as she was focused on her career. Their argument leaves her questioning herself.
Upon hearing Maud's reluctance to perform, Tony intervenes. He reassures her of his unwavering faith in her as an actress and explains that he hired her because she was the best fit for the role. He admits that annoying Declan was a bonus, but as a businessman, he knows what he's doing. He offers Maud a leading role in the new season of "Four Men Went to Mow."
As expected, Maud shines in her role, moving audiences to tears, including Declan. The tragic love story in the play saddens Taggie but prompts Lizzie to acknowledge her feelings for Freddie. She heads to his abode, where his wife had earlier boasted about his new swimming pool. They end up making love.
Meanwhile, James tries to persuade Deidre to pass a message to one of the actresses, asking her to meet him in Studio 2. Instead of delivering the message, Deidre devours the piece of paper. As the actors are summoned back after the break, James takes a nasty fall and passes out. Unable to locate him, Charles steps into the role of Bottom. He proves to be an even better actor than James, surprising many.
Elsewhere, Sharon interrupts Freddie and Lizzie. She had left the play because she felt her mom didn't love her. She assumes her dad was skinny-dipping and never spots Lizzie hiding. Freddie calmly comforts her and assures her that they love her and are confident she will find a loving partner in the future as well. She wishes to have a good relationship like her parents. Her words make Lizzie feel guilty.
After the play, Gerald goes to congratulate Charles but finds him crying. It's here we learn that Charles's mom passed away that morning. Muffy interrupts them to share the good news that they have selected a day for their wedding. Although Gerald wants to stay behind and comfort Charles, Muffy asks him to join the party downstairs.
At the party, Declan congratulates Maud and asks her to come with him to Ireland. She is offended that he expects her to give up her career to support him. She loudly tears into him and announces the new offer she got from Tony. Declan is angry and leaves after she tells him that she is going out for drinks and staying at the local hotel.
Simultaneously, Monica checks in on Lizzie and notices her hair is wet. She tells her about James's absence from Act II. Lizzie goes looking for James and finds him regaining consciousness. He is disappointed that they didn't cancel the play because of him, but he does thank her for saving him.
Concurrently, Paul continues to ride on the success of the election and his wife's pregnancy. He is elated when Tony asks him to join the Coronium board. As for Taggie, she and Shelley head to Basil's bar and party the night away. Basil is shocked to see her drunk, and she asks him to take her home. She confesses that she feels like Bottom, doomed never to find love. He encourages her not to give up.
At home, Taggie accuses her dad and all men of being useless when she learns her mom is not coming back that night.
The next morning, Lizzie meets with Freddie, and they decide they need to stop their affair as it will hurt a lot of people. In the meantime, Charles holds a touching funeral for his mom. His friends show up to offer their condolences and support, while Rupert promises Declan that he will make up for his mistakes.
The episode ends with Tony meeting with Maud in his office. She is there for an audition, but he has other plans. It seems he has taken a liking to her after seeing her electric performance. It doesn't help that Monica won't have sex with him. Maud seductively plays along, knowing what he wants.
