Why Messy Characters Shine in These British TV Shows

I recently caught up with Rivals, a show that aired over a month ago. Although I’m a little late to join the conversation, my experience was nothing short of delightful. The series offers an eclectic mix of characters that are as messy as they are engaging—combining awkwardness, charm, humor, and a dash of tragedy to create a captivating viewing experience.

So, what are the hallmarks of well-developed characters? They should have clear goals, opportunities for personal growth, intriguing relationships, and distinct personalities, along with personal struggles. Rivals embodies all these elements, and for that, I owe a debt of gratitude to Dame Jilly Cooper, who originally penned the Rutshire Chronicles, as well as Dominic Treadwell-Collins for bringing this adaptation to life. Their collaboration has resulted in a truly enjoyable show.

In a time when discussions around moral complexities in characters are rampant—especially regarding whether empathy towards villains compromises one’s moral standing—Rivals embraces its unvarnished characters wholeheartedly. The series shines a spotlight on the rivalry between male characters like Tony Baddingham played by David Tennant, Declan O’Hara portrayed by Aidan Turner, and Rupert Campbell Black played by Alex Hassell. However, the female characters are anything but mere pawns in this tangled web of rivalry; they are dynamic and essential to the narrative.

The female ensemble is just as intricately flawed, if not more so. They indulge in affairs, engage in deception, and navigate through a chaotic social environment while displaying a unique blend of vulnerability and complexity. Take, for example, Taggie O’Hara (played by Bella Maclean) and Lizzie Vereker (played by Katherine Parkinson). Both characters grapple with their emotional turmoil and desires, seeking freedom from societal expectations. Lizzie, a married romance novelist, finds herself romantically attracted to Freddie Jones (played by Danny Dyer), a tech mogul also entangled in marital commitments, while Taggie, at just 20, struggles with her attraction to the much older Rupert, complicating her relationship with her father who also works in the media.

Additionally, we cannot overlook Cameron Cook, portrayed by Nafessa Williams. A fiercely ambitious TV producer, Cameron stands out as a powerful and witty character in the predominantly white, upper-class milieu of 1980s England. She navigates her professional landscape with a blend of tenacity and vulnerability. While Cameron is not afraid to assert herself or engage in aggressive tactics—evident in the show’s suspenseful cliffhangers—she exhibits a softer side that reveals her depth, forming a compelling contradiction.

Similarities with Cheaters

Joshua McGuire and Susan Wokoma in the BBC's 'Cheaters' — (Photo Credit: Natalie Seery/BBC Studios/Clerkenwell Films)

In addition to Rivals, the BBC has also released the second season of Cheaters, a romantic comedy-drama that unfolds in bite-sized ten-minute episodes, focusing on the relationship dynamics of young adults in gentrified London. You might wonder if this setup sounds familiar, yet what distinguishes Cheaters is its unapologetic portrayal of cheating and moral ambiguity among characters, all of whom are, despite their flaws, genuinely likable.

These characters’ ethically questionable actions resonate deeply with audiences. They are humorous, relatable, and flawed, recognizing the wrongness of their choices while still being charmingly relatable. Viewers find themselves rooting for their growth and redemption, even when acknowledging the complexity of relationships and the time needed for real change.

Ultimately, it’s the flawed and messy characters that resonate most with viewers. They reflect aspects of the human experience that can be both relatable and foreign. As compelling narratives evolve, they often provide a stark starting point from which character development springs forth, leading to transformative arcs that capture our attention and sympathy.

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