October 18th 2024.
As an avid reader with a degree in English literature, I have to admit something not so flattering - I am a bit of a literature snob. Years of studying the works of Milton and Hardy in university have turned me into someone who only enjoys "serious" literature and looks down upon anything that could be categorized as "pulp fiction". So when I was assigned to read Jilly Cooper's Rivals, I was less than thrilled. I had assumed it to be just another trashy read that I would have to drag my feet through over the weekend.
But as the saying goes, don't judge a book by its cover. Rivals may not be on par with Shakespeare, but it never claimed to be. It's a 700+ page novel filled with candyfloss fiction - fun, easy to read, but not particularly nourishing. Set in the 1980s, the story follows the wealthy and charismatic Rupert Campbell-Black as he navigates the cutthroat world of television production and his rivalry with Lord Tony Baddingham. And with Disney now adapting it into a mini-series, the book has gained a new level of attention.
The cast of the TV series is filled with big names, including Emily Atack, Aidan Turner, David Tennant, and Danny Dyer. But as an avid reader, I couldn't help but wonder if the racy moments of the book would be toned down for a wider audience. However, the writer of the series, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, has promised that the show will stay true to the source material, with plenty of sex scenes and a balance of male and female nudity.
Reading Rivals, I couldn't help but notice its 80s roots. The book is filled with references to the AIDS crisis and outdated views on gender and sexuality. Women are often described in terms of animals in the bedroom, and their worth is often measured by their weight. But at the same time, the book also portrays women as powerful and unapologetically hairy, a refreshing change from today's beauty standards.
As a reader, I appreciate the book for what it is - a product of its time. And I believe the TV series should also embrace its 80s setting and not try to modernize it to fit today's standards. Audiences are intelligent enough to understand that times have changed, and it would be a disservice to the original story if it was altered to fit a 21st-century perspective. If the show can capture the glamour, sex, and campiness of the novel, it has the potential to be a hit, much like Dallas or Footballers' Wives.
Of course, some changes may be necessary to adapt the story for television, but as long as the overall tone and charm of the book remain intact, I believe Disney has a winner on their hands. As someone who was initially hesitant about reading Rivals, I can confidently say that it's a fun and enjoyable read that shouldn't be taken too seriously. And I have high hopes for the TV series to deliver the same level of entertainment.
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