BL Quick Bite: Heated Rivalry Episode Five

This episode, as you will see, had me nervous. Very nervous. I had seen a few spoilers, and since I hadn’t ready the books, I didn’t know what to expect and I assumed this was going to be the heart-break episode.

SYNOPSIS

Rose and Shane break up – mainly because Rose, being a theatre kid, knows Shane is gay. However, the two decide to remain not just friends, but best friends. At the 2017 All-Star Game, Shane and Ilya reconnect. Playing on the same team for the first time, where Shane takes the opportunity to truly tell Ilya how he feels. However,Ilya insists that Russia would never accept them. 

The weight of it all finally breaks him, and he collapses into Shane’s arms, unraveling over his family and the vicious circle he’s trapped in. 

When Ilya learns of his father’s death, he returns to Russia for the funeral. Finally confronting his brother, he cuts all ties. Shaken and overwhelmed, Ilya calls Shane. At Shane’s urging, he speaks freely in Russian for the first time—confessing his fear, his confusion, and his love. But, the next game, where Ilya and Shane are facing off yet again, Shane is injured. 

Everyone notices Illya’s worry. While he’s recovering, NY wins the Finals cup – lead by Scott. Who takes the opportunity to reveal to everyone he’s in love with Kip. 

EPISODE FIVE – THOUGHTS

As the penultimate episode, this is what BL fans lovingly call the Cursed Episode—the point where something happens that nearly shatters the central couple for good. When I first saw the images of Shane’s injury, I was convinced this was the moment.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

But let’s rewind. The scene between Rose and Shane was flawless. Truly perfect. Shane’s line—“I’d rather be the hole than the peg”—sent me into hysterics, and the relief that washes over him once he finally says it out loud is palpable. That moment alone feels like a release.

Ilya’s confession, meanwhile, is gut-wrenching. I loved that he finally told Shane how he felt—even if he could only do it in Russian. And then, of course, there’s Shane’s accident and Scott’s public coming out, both handled with care and emotional weight.

I’ll admit, I’m a little fuzzy on the timeline—did Kip just… wait for Scott? I don’t really mind. It doesn’t hurt the moment. But a touch more backstory there wouldn’t hurt either. However, as a whole – best episode of the season (so far)!

There will be more Heated Rivalry soon so….

Stay Tuned!