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The one thing that drives me crazy is the constant comparison to Scott. Scott fell in love with a barista. Shane and Ilya fell in love with their biggest rivals. For so many fans, that would almost be more of an issue than their sexuality. Even Yuna asked if Shane had let Ilya win. And this is a question that comes back in The Long Game. Keeping this secret while ostensibly being rivals makes a lot of people feel uniquely betrayed. Moreover, Ilya is Russian with a Russian passport. If his relationship with Shane is a threat to the league, he could be fired. If that happens, he’d be deported back to Russia with a huge target on his back. Scott is an American. Scott is also nearing the end of his hockey career, while Shane and Ilya are significantly younger. The situations are so different.

The women are written so beautifully in this series.

we are rewatching HR, there s no life after this for us 🤣

The next episodes will advance “the plot” but a lot of the show is the development of not just the relationships but the characters learning and revealing their true selves, which takes courage in the environment these guys are in.

people keep missing that ilya said  shane's first name first

Thanks for posting this binge reaction! I love this show and all the characters. I think people who are not old enough to know about the Sochi Olympics and how the government followed the Russian athletes closely. It was necessary for Ilya to stay away from Shane. And Ilya would be on a visa, so he would have to go back to Russia to renew his visa and passport and things. Shane doesn't seem to be as aware, so the audience doesn't know either (unless you're old enough like I am to remember all the crazy stuff that happened at Sochi and led to Russia being banned from International play).
Anyway, love it!

33:00 Yes, I think Ilya was protecting both himself and Shane in the most heartless manner he could muster.

Am I going to get popcorn and watch a 2 hour-binge of Heated Rivalry?
Yes, yes I am. :face-red-heart-shape:

Scott was the first hockey player (in real life there are NO out hockey players or even former hockey players) and they play on not just opposite teams but teams with a long standing rivalry.

In the real world they could potentially risk violence by their OWN team mates for coming out as bei together.

And Ilya would risk being deported and imprisonment in Russia.

1:13:09 Ilya went home alone and it’s implied he was thinking of Shane when he was “relieving” himself in the shower. It’s also implied that when Shane took Rose home, he was only able to go ahead because he was thinking of Ilya

Love how they wear each others clothes in the finale & they're touching toes on the couch 🫠

Robbie GK (Kip) actually plays rugby seriously thus the god-like physique.

I'm learning that my love for a series can grow when people who I appreciate enjoy it too. Another fantastic season reaction. Here's to the next two seasons🥂

we need more shane appreciation... i love him

I didn't think I would like this series... But I did and now I'm here to watch with you again.

I’m glad I saw the show before reading the book. I think it’s a good plan to wait on reading the second book until after you see season 2.

1:38:15 Scott and Kip walked so Shane and Ilya (and others) could run

There is nothing more beautiful and blessed like the beautiful and wonderful connection we have among Gay/Bisexual men 🏳️‍🌈🧿✝️🪬🌠 No one understands a Gay man better than another Gay man 🏳️‍🌈🧿✝️🪬🌠 Gay men/Bisexual men together forever 🏳️‍🌈🧿✝️🪬🌠

The guy that hands Ilya the cellphone in the gym is actor Harrison Browne, he became the first openly trans professional ice hockey player, paving the way for other LGBTQ+ sports stars.
Other actors also have said that they have been anonymously contacted by professional athletes & telling them how much the show had meant to them. Maybe we'll finally break through & let gay people live theirs lives openly & without any fear of repercussions.