Heated Rivalry 1x2 Full Length
Added 2026-02-23 00:19:27 +0000 UTC
Comments
If we're going by actual results of the Socci Olympics, Canada won the Gold. I assume the same can be said for the show.
Susan AKA Maisy13(YT)
2026-02-26 06:06:14 +0000 UTCHudson is so good at using micro expressions to express Shane's emotions, and Conners' charasmatic Ilya is so present on the screen that you may overlook them, but watch for his micro expressions as well. These two actors bring these characters to life no one else could.
Susan AKA Maisy13(YT)
2026-02-26 06:00:02 +0000 UTCNicely put, I have made many of the same points in other posts, especially about the Dom/Sub dynamic. Ilya always seeks consent, which is refreshing. He shows that checking in and making sure things are still good don't take away from how sexy the moment is. It just shows that he does care. There is an extra chapter of the book on Rachel's website, which I have not read yet, but someone gave a synopsis of in a comment, that details what Ilya is going through in Vegas. Broke my heart.
Susan AKA Maisy13(YT)
2026-02-26 05:57:14 +0000 UTCBecause the production was working with a limited budget and a tight 37-day shooting schedule, they had to be highly strategic with their resources, which is why on-ice scenes were scarce. Interesting fact: Connor Storrie had only seven days to prepare for his role as Ilya Rozanov. To tackle the linguistic challenge, he spent a grueling four hours a day with a dialect coach, perfecting his Russian lines.
Kris
2026-02-26 04:25:01 +0000 UTCI absolutely love your reactions to this series. I'm so glad you decided to watch and react to it! I apologize for this extremely long comment, but I'm absolutely obsessed with this show and wanted to share some thoughts on the dynamic between Ilya and Shane. While I empathize with Shane, my heart consistently goes out to Ilya. I believe many viewers overlook Ilya’s perspective because he doesn’t project the same outward fragility as Shane. While Shane wears his emotions on his sleeve, Ilya’s devotion is found in his actions. He orchestrated their most pivotal moments—from the gym and the commercial to their first intimate connection. By taking the lead—requesting the hotel room number, initiating the first kiss, and maintaining three years of continuous contact before their sexual relationship (intercourse) even began—Ilya demonstrated a profound, persistent desire for closeness that is often misunderstood. Here are a few instances where I feel Ilya's motives and actions have been mischaracterized (not by you guys, just in general): The Figure Skating Scene in Russia I hated to see Shane hurt, but Ilya’s rejection was not meant to be cruel. In the previous scene, Shane was told clearly that homosexuality carries a risk of physical danger in Russia, yet he still approached Ilya in a very public manner. Ilya was understandably hyper-vigilant, demanding space three separate times ("NOT HERE," "GO SIT DOWN," and "PLEASE GO"). When Shane said "NOT HERE" during the shower scene in Episode 1, Ilya respected that boundary immediately; he simply needed that same respect in return. While Shane’s difficulty reading the situation may be linked to him being on the spectrum, Ilya was still defending a necessary safety boundary. However, saying all that it is heartbreaking that he ghosted Shane for 6 months. Yes, Ilya had his reasons, but without communication Shane certainly doesn't understand that and is hurt. The Awards Show Bathroom Scene Often interpreted as cruel, this scene actually showcases how Ilya's harsh exterior breaks when he realizes Shane is in pain. Ilya often uses sarcasm and sexual remarks as a defense mechanism, but he deliberately softens his voice and makes physical contact once he sees Shane is upset. His dominance here isn't about control; it’s about grounding Shane and pulling him out of his own head. With a few stern, but calm instructions, Ilya anchored Shane, making it clear to him how much he looked forward to their evening together. He then passionately kissed him and wished him good luck, showing him just how much he truly cared. Penthouse Scene - Dominant/ Submissive Dynamic A lot of people mistakenly believe that their dom/sub dynamic inherently means that Shane is being manipulated or coerced. This couldn't be farther from the truth. A clear illustration of Shane's enjoyment is seen when Shane asks, Ilya 'Are you going to f*** me?' and Ilya responds, 'We will see" the distinct smile that appears on Shane's face at that moment highlights his genuine enjoyment of their dynamic. For Shane, Ilya's dominance offers a much-needed release, allowing him to finally let go of control in his otherwise rigid and highly structured world. Conversely, for Ilya, it provides a much needed sense of order amidst a chaotic existence, essentially grounding him. It'is a mutual beneficial relationship. Ilya would never coerce or manipulate Shane into doing anything he didn't want to do. This show has already highlighted how important consent is to Ilya. The Post-Sex Russia "Conversation" For Shane, home is a source of pride, but for Ilya, Russia is a cage. Shane brings up Russia to know Ilya deeper, but for Ilya, it is a reminder of homophobic slurs, a father he cannot please, and a country that threatens his existence. The irony is that Shane’s attempts to get closer accidentally remind Ilya of the walls that keep them apart. Elevator "We Didn't Even Kiss" Scene: In the elevator we see Shane's realization that he has crossed the invisible line they established. He isn't mad at Ilya or their arrangement; he is panicked because his own developing feelings have made the "safe" distance of their hookups impossible to maintain. As a person defined by rigid discipline and control, that 'f***' was purely self-directed panic. He realizes he can no longer reconcile the intense feelings he has with the casual nature of their meetings, and he is angry at himself for becoming vulnerable in a way he didn't intend.
Kris
2026-02-26 03:04:39 +0000 UTCSure it is. It's about tonsel hockey.
Michael Figueroa
2026-02-24 02:48:59 +0000 UTCI know it’s an unpopular opinion but I do not enjoy episode 3 at all. I’ve skipped it on every rewatch and I’ll likely skip their reaction next week. Though I’m sure they’ll enjoy it.
Crystal Pritchard
2026-02-23 22:38:14 +0000 UTCSpoiler alert: This isn't a show about hockey lol
LGA
2026-02-23 22:23:38 +0000 UTCGURL! Get ready...
RC Flores
2026-02-23 19:48:15 +0000 UTCThere are no off screen hookups. It’s important to know that. They see each other so little. The only times they actually see each other is in the episodes
Ian Mossner
2026-02-23 14:28:10 +0000 UTCOK you got the 1st two out of the way. They were very good. Now it gets great!
Jago BC
2026-02-23 12:07:25 +0000 UTC
