Saagar Kote
Netflix’s Italian drama series ‘Riv4lries,’ or ‘Riv4li,’ delves into the complexities of pre-adolescent life for middle school students in the Rita Levi Montalcini School in Pisa. The show explores themes such as the dynamics between adults and young people, student ambitions, and the romantic experiences of teenagers. A core aspect of the narrative is the social divide within the school, separating “insiders” from “outsiders” based on constructed views on worthiness and status.
The connection between Terry and Claudio, two major characters of the show, is the emotional nucleus of the narrative. The two characters find themselves in a complex relationship forged by mutual attraction, misunderstandings, and their emotional dynamics with their friends in the two main groups of the story. As the narrative reaches its concluding phase with the students protesting against the “wall”, Claudio and Terry’s relationship hangs in the balance. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Claudio and Terry Forge a Deeply Meaningful Relationship
Despite belonging to opposite sides, namely the insiders and the outsiders, Claudio and Terry find themselves drawn to each other. Their initial romantic attraction soon evolves into a tender teenage relationship between two diverse characters. However, things are not always smooth sailing for the two as they face significant hurdles in their relationship. The two of them unite to become the “wally” entity painting the “wall” of the school to protest against the separation between high school and middle school students. Their relationship undergoes ups and downs due to the fact that Claudio has his own issues to deal with at home, and Terry feels the need to go back to Rome. However, their bond gets stronger when they start secretly dating each other.
When they announce their relationship to their friends, they are met with anger and negativity. The insiders and the outsiders find it difficult to accept the fact that Claudio and Terry kept them in the dark for so long. Towards the end of the series, the members from both the groups, along with all the other students of the middle school, decide to stand against the school management when Claudio and Terry’s “wally” identity is exposed. The school management threatens to take action against the two main characters by preventing them from taking their final examinations, but the students stand united and protest against the same. The protest is successful, and the school management allows Claudio and Terry to take the examinations.
Despite all the success, the relationship between the main characters still remains broken, as they face the choice of staying away from each other. Terry is destined to go back to Rome, and Claudio is meant to stay in Pisa. However, the story saves its best twist for the very end. As their middle school days come to a close, Terry and Claudio visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the girl says she has never been to the top of it.
The two of them climb all the way up and have a meaningful conversation, looking at the city in all its glory. When Claudio says they should try to tear down the wall next year, she says she is not sure if she can fight. When the boy asks Terry if she has to go back to Rome, she chooses to stay in Pisa and then passionately kisses Claudio. The two characters, despite all the challenges, manage to give love another chance. The heartwarming reunion of the main characters gives a meaningful conclusion to the events of the season.
