There was so many tears during the episode. Hotness of the lead actors aside, it’s just a brilliant piece of television.
SYNOPSIS
As promised, Ilya arrives at Shane’s cottage tucked deep in the Canadian wilderness — a place so breathtaking, even the famously unflappable Russian is stunned by its scenic beauty. Then, a Canadian wolf bird (also known as a loon) erupts from the darkness and startles him out of his stoicism. Shane, laughing, makes sure Ilya’s dignity — and more delicate regions — survive the encounter.
Most of the episode unfurls in this lakeside refuge, where their bodies find each other easily, but their hearts become more and more exposed. Moments of intimacy float through the day like sparks: sensual, and steamy, but not gratuitous. In a moment of comedic realism, Shane wrestles with the impossible task of keeping up a conversation with Hayden while Ilya has more pleasurable uses in mind for his mouth. Later, the mood softens as Ilya shares the story of his mother —and how she accidentally chose to end her own life. He also confesses that he’s looking to leave Boston, for a Canadian team – but not Montreal.
Later that night, after Shane has spent hours trying to invent a public-facing narrative that would explain why they’re together out here, the truth finally takes its rightful place. Through tears, the two confess the truth of their feelings – with Ilya being the first to tell Shane he loves him.
The next morning, that certainty is tested when Shane’s father unexpectedly glimpses the affection between them. Shane’s hand is forced; he must live his actual nightmare, and come out to his parents. But instead of anger, or fear, Ilya stands beside him — as friend, as lover, and the rock that gives him the strength he needs to be himself.
Shane’s parents, are more impressed that the two have managed to keep up their heated rivalry for as long (and convincingly) as they have then the fact that they’re a couple, as they have suspected Shane might be gay for years.
The episodes (and season one) ends with the couple driving off into the Canadian sunset, a whole new adventure sprawled out in front of them.
THOUGHTS
While the world Jacob Tierney paints — borrowed from the heart-beating pages of Rachel Reid — might feel a little too perfect, it’s perfect in the way we wish life could be. The episode blooms like a finished canvas: complete in its emotional arc, yet edged with possibilities that shimmer just outside the frame. Even without the reassurance of a second-season pickup, it lands with the satisfying closure of a story well told, one that trusts its audience to sit in hope rather than the confusion of a cliffhanger. It’s simply an exquisitely crafted hour of television — tender, confident, and brilliantly written.
There will be more Heated Rivalry next season so…
Stay Tuned!
Life In Cartoon Motion 