Emily Atack’s “Rivals” Role: More Than Just Naked Tennis – A Look at Evolving Portrayals of Complex Women on Screen
In a television landscape often dominated by predictable archetypes, the recent buzz surrounding Emily Atack’s portrayal of Sarah Stratton in the Jilly Cooper adaptation “Rivals” signals a welcome, albeit provocative, shift. Atack herself champions this, boldly stating, “I completely, I AM her,” a declaration that goes beyond mere fan enthusiasm and touches upon a deeper resonance with a character often labelled as flawed. This isn’t just about a controversial scene involving naked tennis or a doomed love affair; it’s about how modern audiences and creators are engaging with and understanding characters who defy easy categorization, particularly women who navigate complex romantic lives and societal expectations.
The candid admissions from Atack, who is set to reprise her role in the upcoming second series, highlight a growing industry trend: the embrace of nuanced female characters who are not afraid to be depicted with their imperfections. “Women like Sarah Stratton have never been written with nuance,” Atack observes, pointing out the historical tendency to demonise or simplify women who deviate from traditional roles, often labelling them as “home wreckers.” This suggests a growing demand for storytelling that explores the messy realities of human relationships, offering a more empathetic lens on characters previously confined to black-and-white morality.
The “Liberating” Experience of Nuanced Roles
Atack’s description of playing Sarah Stratton as “liberating,” particularly in reference to scenes involving nudity and sex, is a powerful statement. It underscores the critical role of on-set support systems, such as intimacy coordinators, in creating a safe environment for actors to explore challenging material. “It’s a very new profession, the intimacy co-ordinators,” she notes, highlighting the evolving industry standards that prioritize the well-being and emotional safety of performers. This focus on creating a “safe environment” is crucial, especially when adapting literary works known for their frank depictions of passion and scandal.
The very specific mention of the “stick-on muff” and the detailed fittings for a “proper Eighties bush” for the naked tennis scene, while seemingly trivial, speaks volumes about the meticulous effort involved in bringing these characters to life. It’s about grounding even the most outlandish or provocative moments in a believable, albeit heightened, reality. This attention to detail, coupled with a clear understanding and acceptance of the character’s complexities, allows actors like Atack to inhabit these roles fully, moving beyond caricature.
Jilly Cooper’s Enduring Legacy and Evolving Adaptations
The success of “Rivals” is intrinsically linked to the enduring appeal of Jilly Cooper’s writing, which has always been celebrated for its sharp wit, social commentary, and unabashed exploration of the upper echelons of British society. The fact that Cooper herself is heavily involved in the second series, offering “wonderful notes” and maintaining her no-nonsense stamp, ensures that the spirit of her work remains intact. Her guidance, such as encouraging actor Alex Hassell to “butch up” or famously stating, “My men do not cry – my men are macho,” adds a unique flavour to the production, blending classic sensibilities with contemporary storytelling.
The expansion of the “Rivals” universe, with the potential to adapt all of Jilly Cooper’s books, suggests a significant future for this style of unapologetically bold, character-driven drama. Disney’s acquisition of the rights to all her novels opens a vast narrative playground, promising more scandalous affairs, dramatic rivalries, and deeply human, if often flawed, characters. This strategic move by Disney signals a recognition of the broad appeal of Cooper’s distinct brand of storytelling, catering to audiences who appreciate both escapism and sharp social observation.
Typecasting or Destination Casting?
Emily Atack’s journey, from her early iconic role in “The Inbetweeners” to her current success in “Rivals,” illustrates a fascinating dynamic. While she acknowledges being “typecast my whole life,” she reframes it as a positive, stating, “I loved every single minute of it. I will carry on playing these sexy women for as long as they will have me.” This perspective challenges the negative connotations often associated with typecasting, suggesting that for some actors, embracing a particular brand of role can lead to authentic self-expression and career fulfillment.
In the case of “Rivals,” Atack felt a profound connection to the role from the outset, famously stating, “The breakdown for the characters said, ‘Think Emily Atack,’ so they went, ‘Well, let’s just get Emily, then.’” This “destination casting” indicates a growing trend where casting directors and producers are increasingly looking for actors whose personal qualities and public personas align perfectly with a character, creating a powerful synergy. It’s a testament to Atack’s ability to embody the spirit of the “blonde bombshell” while infusing the character with a relatable vulnerability.
The Future of Complex Female Portrayals
The success of “Rivals” and Emily Atack’s deeply personal connection to her character, Sarah Stratton, offer valuable insights into the future of television. Audiences are increasingly seeking out complex, morally ambiguous characters, particularly women, who reflect the multifaceted nature of real life. The trend towards embracing “flawed” individuals, supported by robust on-set protocols and creative integrity from source material, suggests a promising evolution in how we tell stories. This approach allows for richer narratives, more profound character development, and ultimately, more engaging television that resonates deeply with viewers.
As the industry continues to explore the vast literary worlds of authors like Jilly Cooper, we can expect to see more unapologetically bold, yet ultimately human, characters grace our screens. The willingness to delve into the messier aspects of life, supported by a growing awareness of actor well-being and creative collaboration, points towards a television landscape that is more diverse, authentic, and emotionally resonant than ever before.
What are your thoughts on the evolving portrayal of complex female characters in television? Share your predictions for future adaptations in the comments below!
