Rivals (2x3-2x4) ⁞⁞ Episode Spotlight

Season 2 of the UK period drama Rivals continued to chronicle the intense 80's rivalry between Olympian-turned-politician Rupert (Alex Hassell) and Tony (David Tennant), the ruthless managing director of Corinium Television. Though their rivalry stems from a shared romantic interest in American TV producer Cameron (Nafessa Williams), it evolves into a seeming war between the media and the UK political system. This leads to a secret gay romance on the series between Charles Fairburn (Gary Lamont) and Gerald Middleton (Hubert Burton), who find themselves on opposite sides of the rivalry. Charles works as in the powerful position of controller of programmes at Corinium while Gerald finds his career on the rise as Rupert's political aide. Episode 3 of the second season saw Tony using the television network to expose Rupert's salacious affairs on the eve of election day. Watching together, Charles & Gerald are both stunned at the news. Gerald attempts to reach out to Rupert for damage control. Charles is busy with his own damage control as Tony's other rival (and Rupert's ally) Declan has been using Charles as a spy within the Corinium studio. Charles reveals to Declan that his mother's ill health led to Tony giving him more time off which was why he wasn't involved with prepping the news segment on Rupert. Despite the scandal, election day ends in Rupert's favor and he wins his Parliament seat comfortably. This leads to celebration in his camp, including Gerald who contends with his fiancée Muffy's (Eliot Salt) desire to celebrate with a kiss. 

The hungover Gerald follows that up the next morning with a visit to Charles for a more adult celebration as the two have sex. Gerald tells Charles about his desire to become an MP, which leads to Charles bringing up Gerald's decision leading him to a loveless straight marriage and a political party that is against gay rights. Gerald assures him that he intends to change things from the inside. Episode 4 found Charles taking charge at work to produce Corinium's latest televised stage production, while Gerald continued to support Rupert & Cameron in the wake of the election fallout. Charles dealt with a problematic leading lady, and several other hiccups, all before learning that his mother had passed away. When leading man, and TV host, James suffers an accident during the live show, Charles steps in to play his role, impressing the audience including Gerald, who is in attendance with Muffy. Gerald goes backstage to congratulate Charles on his performance, only for him to reveal the news of his mother's death. Left alone, Gerald comforts Charles until they are interrupted by Muffy, who reveals they've set a wedding date, further heightening Charles' emotions, as Gerald shares a silent apology with his secret lover. Charles breaks down crying after the two depart. Gerald later attends the funeral, where Charles speaks about his mother while surrounded by his friends.