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Reacting to 'Heated Rivalry' Episode 3 - "Hunter" (Patreon)

Published:
2025-12-10 02:49:53
Imported:
2025-12
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⚠️ WARNING: Extremely unprecedented levels of gay horniness, yearning, pining, moaning and cheering beyond thumbnail. Be prepared for hooting and hollering. Please be advised. ⚠️

Steamy? ✅ Nudity? ✅ Sexy? ✅ Romance? Maybe. Two gay rival hockey players hiding their love/hate sexual affairs from the world to maintain their image, but as their feelings deepen it puts their relationship and their careers in harms way? Definitely.

Come join Bradley and Adam of Bradam Reacts for the ride of a lifetime as we watch hockey rivals Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Illya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) move their hot competition from the ice rink to the bed sheets. Two star hockey players at the prime of their careers... are they willing to risk it all for each other?

We hope you enjoyed this reaction as much as we did! We can't wait for more. 🤤🏒

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Comments

brittany 🌻

Firstttttt, I've been waiting!!!!!! 💜💜💜💜💜

Lisa Tosti

I've never run so fast!!!

David C

YAY FINALLY <3

Angel

let me get my bib, about 2 eat 😛

Phoenix Beifong

I love this episode so much! Laughed, cried, gagged and screamed!

Fatma

Prefect timing! Watching this on the stair master to stay longer on it 😌

Dante

SAT

Kayleigh

Ok Bradley I see the hair 😌😌🙂‍↔️🙂‍↔️

Ellie Barnes

I love when we have LGBTQ actors in LGBTQ projects and Scott's actor is bi! Love that! Has a very handsome and talented boyfriend!

Amber

I think Bradley would have been a great Kyle!

Melissa

Im so excited!!

JenJen

The actor that plays Kip is the nurse in Overcompensating that Grace makes out with!

flor

Shane's first attempt at chirping and he was ragebaited in return😭 bless him

tenli/psyche

something to know is when scott says to ilya "go fuck yourself rozanov" ilya replies with "yeah but it's better when you're there" REFERENCE TO THE SCENE WHERE SCOTT WAS NEXT DOOR AND ILYA WANTED TO LET HIM LISTEN

des williams

honestly i think a lot of people not liking this ep had to do with them watching the show for “steamy” scenes, not emotional ones, and this ep isn’t about that. i adored this ep so much, and im glad to see yall enjoyed it!!

Nicole T

Scott, Ilya, and Shane are all captains of different teams! :) Shane and Scott played on the same team during an All Star Game (special/kinda dumb annual event where the top stars of the league compete in skill contests, etc over a few days every winter) during Shane and Ilya’s rookie year. Scott’s scoring slump was in the fall leading up to the winter 2014 Olympics that opens the episode, right before he met Kip! 🏒

Ghazi

GOOD FOR HER

sean carter

the zoom up of Scott's face in the intro kinda reminded me of how they introduce the new Skam POV.

Amber

No spoilers but Scott & Kip's book (Game Changer) overlaps (the timeline) with part of Ilya & Shane's story. There's a VERY important reason we got Scott & Kip's story in the middle of the season. 💙

Sam ! !

Another view on why it’s split is because I think people wanted more of Scott and Kip, like not have their story be as rushed but from what I’ve seen a lot of people who haven’t read Game Changer don’t like this episode is because it wasn’t about Shane and Ilya. But I personally I love this episode so much.

CG

I kind of love Bradley stimming at the beginning of the video. Here for it

courtannies

I think this episode was so important to really showcase the struggle of closeted athletes, especially in hockey. To this day there hasn't been a single out, active player in the NHL, and it's a league that is still rampant with misogyny and homophobia, amongst players and owners. I feel for Scott so much with how scared that must feel and the pressure he is under, and it's the same for Ilya and Shane, who are highly competitive, very high-ranking players on top of it all.

K

Beyond THAT big reason it's also a great contrast to Shane and Ilya. Scott and Kip have intimacy and open honest clear communication. Shane and Ilya are all passion, fear and trade between the lines. Part of that is because of their age. Scott and Kip are mid 30s and 25. Shane and Ilya meet at 17 so don't yet have that emotional maturity and experience that Scott and Kip have.

CG

My subtitle for this episode: 50 Shades of 'Girl!'

Kayla

Shane and Scott was sitting next to each other because they did a all star game together, i believe.

K

The actor that plays Scott was Sebastian Reine on Schitt's Creek.

bray hall

Okay, just a bit of clarity because y’all were confused. Scott and Shane were on the same team at the All-Star game because it was North America vs. Europe. That’s why they were seated next to Ilya, they were doing fun events together during that segment. But at the Olympics, they’re not on the same team. Scott and the other guy are on Team USA, and Shane is on Team Canada. So the All-Star games are the only time Scott and Shane would be on the same team in the series, and that’s only because they’re both representing Team North America. Loved yalls reaction to this episode!

david johnson

The fact that the actor who plays Scott hunter came out as bisexual 2024 is crazy work

bray hall

Also, the timeline of Scott and Kip’s relationship is a bit different in the book. It actually happens later in Shane and Ilya’s story, around 2016. So having it happen sooner in the show, and having their relationship run parallel to Shane and Ilya’s, creates an even stronger contrast between how differently the two couples approach things. It also highlights Scott’s maturity. He’s much older than they are and at a completely different point in his life, where he’s already come to terms with his sexuality and knows what he wants.

K

Scott said he wasn't about to let those two children tag team him like a bish without clocking their tea.

Beck Huston

Yes but the timeliness for this episode is just the 4 months before the olympics

Rachel

Just remember boys - the social contract in all romance novels is that no matter what there is an HEA/HFN (happily ever after/happy for now) - it’s the contract that makes an romance novel categorized in that genre. Try to remember that a little as your guts and heart gets ripped to shreds 😁

Lisa Tosti

So yes they play on different teams but that part with Ilya saying his room number and Scott catching it was the All Star game which was North America versus Europe. That's why Scott and Shane were on the same team.

Ellie Barnes

Kip's friends are top tier. Out of all of them, he has THE support system. Maria, Elena, Sean, His dad. Everyone was amazing.

Henry Riley

I really hope they’ll get a happy ending. I don’t like how this episode ends. But I don’t think it confirms a break up? I guess we’ll see

David Faux

“You’re starting to sound like him” absolutely took me out the first time I heard it

user12345678

francois arnaud is so insanely beautiful and somehow has gotten even better looking as he ages (i say this as someone who was also deeply in love with him when he was in the borgias). although it does kill me that they want me to buy that he's playing an american when that man is soooooo french-canadian lol. i really felt for scott and mostly ended this episode just hoping the man finds his own friends and community outside of hockey because it's clearly such a contrast to see kip have wonderful friends and dad and scott really has no support system. it makes sense that he's so terrified of coming out because like you said it's literally his whole life and it's also entwined with the death of his parents.

JJ

Francois (aka Scott) confirmed in an interview that they filmed sex scenes for two days but this episode went long. Will be interesting if we see more steamy sex scenes with Scott and Kip in later episodes.

K

And an important distinction in Scott and Kip's story is that they both live in New York. Shane lives in Canada while Ilya lives in Boston so e en though they really like each other a commute to a another country for a booty call is kind of impractical. That's why the passionate sex is the center of their relationship because they see each other so few times a year.

Rachel

For some non spoiler info that gives some context - Scott and Kip are actually the first book but he wanted to start with the second (ilia/shane) but parts of Scott and Kip story are important to our main boys. For the remainder of the game changer books I have heard some insider tea that they (the ones who make these decisions) are taking the HBO sale and massive hit it had become very seriously for possible additional seasons

BriB

My gasp when I saw the email for this! 😂🥰

SarahBearBaby

honestly i came at this ep with my film and story criticism eye so my original reaction was mixed, but after rewatching i really appreciate it both as a standalone story and how it interweaves in the universe. i love the deliberate contrast scott & kip are to ilya and shane, and how it shows that even the most healthy gay relationships are negatively impacted by the expectations and homophobia of hockey, celebrity, and society as a whole. that tension is pushed to the forefront, emphasizing how no gay relationship is fully free of that toxicity, no matter how much you love each other, no matter your situation. it makes the fear and trepidation scott & ilya have with their relationship more tangible because they are younger, arguably more famous as individuals, BOTH famous, and both come from complicated backgrounds. they were set up to fail from the start, and the fact that they keep coming back to each other is actually more amazing than any alternative.

Robert Crofton

Idk why this episode is so divisive. I love it

Lauren

Hang in there y'all! The angst is angsting but all these boys are down BAD so they will be trying to figure it out 😆 About the books: Game Changers ( Scott/Kip) is book 1, Heated Rivalry is book 2 :) They are all stand alone except for Shane/IIya's sequel The Long Game. There are 5 lovely couples in the series in this hockey league, so here's hoping Bridgerton style seasons in our future 😍

sean carter

I agree with Bradley.. I thought tonally and direction wise it felt like a different show. I think most people didn't have a problem with the show itself... I think a lot of people felt it did not fit in with the rest of the story.

CG

Am I that jaded? In the scene where Scott is waiting for Kip in the alleyway after the fundraiser, I was half expecting Hunter to get mugged. Where does my mind go?

K

A dark alley in New York in the middle of night? Him it getting mugged made this a fantasy series.

amélie

also when Shane is being pulled away from Scott after the fight on the ice he says: "You're a fucking pussy! Go home! Go home! You're 45 years old!"

Molly

I really loved that although this episode didn’t focus on Shane & Ilya it really gave us more insight on their relationship. This episode really highlights how the difference in age between the two couples and how self acceptance are affecting their relationship dynamic. Scott acknowledges that he’s gay and in the closet so he is a lot more open in communicating with Kip. With Shane and Ilya, since their relationship started when they were so much younger, we haven’t really seen much acknowledgment about their sexuality to themselves or each other. Especially with Shane, it seems like he has so much he wants to say but is so ashamed and confused. I think that’s a huge reason their dynamics are different and moving at such different speeds.

Lauren

Thank you for putting this up early in the week and before my bedtime! 🤣 ( I'm in CST) i think I honestly liked this better watching it a 2nd time with y'all. Scott abd Kip are such sweet guys. And the communication!! Such an important contrast to our boys. Its sad thinking about Scott alone in NY and Shane being a nervous wreck in Montreal, neither one knowing what the other is going through. They could have been great supports for one another if they weren't closeted/ have so much distance. Makes that table scene in Sochi so much better with this context.

AK

angry kitten energy lol

snallahej

My fave episode so far. Beautifully acted and shot. Love seeing the parallels. 💜💜

AK

100%!!!!

Jago BC

Reaction to the reaction before watching the reaction: "Grrl. I've been dying for this. I loved this episode!"

JenJen

There’s 6 books in the Game Changers series, Scott/Kip are book 1 (Game Changer), Shane/Ilya are books 2 and 6 (only couple with two books). They are all technically stand alone (except 2 and 6), however the timelines are interconnected as you read in order and Ilya plays a role in all 6 books. I really do recommend reading them in order because the overarching story involving the league builds as you read through. I also consider books 5 and 6 companions to each other.

AK

The way I was soft-screaming at the screen when you were talking and missing fun details .. haha .. please do a rewatch when you have free time so you don't miss anything!:) <3

K

Im gonna day something controversial.......most of the complaints I've seen have come from gay men who wanted more hot banging from Shane and Ilya since that's what hooked them into the show and and why it blew up so quickly. Most of the appreciation has been coming from women and women fans of the books who are invested in the individual characters and their stories like it's an Game of Thrones. That said, that brief one minute of Shane and Ilya felt like your best friend showing up to a party where you're feeling like a wallflower.

Amber

It's really the only casting choice I didn't like & in a previous reaction video, our boys were joking about casting for season 2 & I immediately thought Bradley would have made a perfect Kyle.

Ellie Barnes

The perspective of Scott coming home to a person for the first time ever.... He doesn't bring people home. He had no siblings. Parents died when he was 12. He's never had someone to come home to. Ever. 😭

david johnson

And the way the show is going with episode/character jump is so M/M books coded . You have characters in the each books that will get s section because they would or could be the next book in the volume and we could see the continuation of that couple story so example next season could be Scott and Kim actually together but now suffering school and season life and how other men could show up as possible tests or love interest due to the distance and juggling of both career paths while trying to be together but then could emd up datinging each other , and become the next couple in the next because kip and Scott didn't go all the way etc . if you ever read M/M books that's typically one of the formulas. everyone is connected and could be a big family in the end friend group etc

K

Thirsty gay men who didnt get thw booty shots of their obsessions of the moment. Am I the one who thinks the sex isn't that shocking? It's just been sooooo long since we've seen honest depictions of awkward hot gay sex. I mean...Looking gave us Jonathan Groff with his ass in the air douching. People have been starved for gay passion.

Amber

Also, I think a lot of the people that were mad about episode 3, haven't read the books so they don't understand why episode 3 was necessary. 🥰

des williams

definitely!! skip walked so hollanov could run

AK

Omg I didn't realize this .. this observation just broke my heart 😭

sean carter

honestly I've seen a lot of viral posts on twitter complaining about the acting as well from some of the cast particularly Kip's actor... I haven't seen much people complaining that they wanted 'hot banging' from Shane and Ilya.. I've seen people say they've missed them which is understandable cause Heated Rivalry is their book and their first two episodes is what brought everyone into the fandom... So I don't see anything wrong with some ppl feeling miffed that the two ppl they fell in love with just disappeared.

Amber

He cane out in 2020.

flor

poor baby didn't know scott was very much not in the mood for any of that lmao first and last time shit talking i guess

Amber

Shane was like... 😮 🤣

david johnson

Oh ok , I saw different under his name search

K

I would argue that show Ilya has much less fear than Scott. He's serving ofd in public showers and kissing Shane on rooftop balconies. Scott can't even look at art with another male without having a panic attack (and that's kind of Kip's fault for using "we" implying a more than friends relationship).

Amber

Right?! He's 40 with -3% body fat. 🤣

j-l

''youre 45 years old'' is so fucking funny

j-l

elena is a lesbian in my mind and she should date me i think

CG

I know not everybody feels this way, but in some respects this is my favorite episode. It puts a lot of things into perspective, gives you time to breathe as good bottle episodes do, also gives a better idea of the stakes. Scott is kind of The later version of Shane and Ilya. He has kept himself so isolated and so alone for so long that he is exhausted and even what he loves has suffered for it (hockey natch). He really has come to terms with how much he wants to be with someone and wants love, even though the situation still is not easy for him and he has the same things working against him that are tripping up our main duo. It kind of comes at the same issue that the main couple has, the insidious price of secrecy, but it does it in a much more direct way. This guy is actually a lot more self-aware and knows what he wants, but certain decisions still need to be made. I love that as a counterpoint to the main story, and actually see why it was put here in the series rather than at the beginning, since the book of Scott and kip is actually the first book in the series (and to be honest I actually prefer the filmed version to the written version of the book which I just read this week). One thing I really love about this episode is The contrast of the warm comforting family, the dad, Elena, Maria and Shawn. I love that they take such good care of even lesser characters, filling them in but making them lovable and also making it clear that part of what these hockey players lack is supportive group around them that accepts them as they are. Dad and Elena are definitely the MVPs of this episode. Elena is gorgeous and everybody needs a friend like Elena. She is kind of that epitome of the strong woman so many of us gay men find ourselves besties with.

Amber

Me low key, they'd get to talking and I was madly gesturing at the screen. 🤣

Nicole T

Not at all, imo. I don’t dislike this episode, but after waiting a week to follow up with Shane and Ilya, and then be introduced to new characters and a new dynamic is different and bound to (at least initially) disappoint some people. Chalking it up to a lack of steamy scenes feels like cheapening the investment people developed for Hollanov.

des williams

i’m incredibly invested in hollanov, and i know that many fans are as well. but some of the comments i’ve seen people make in regards to this ep come off to me as though they don’t care about the relationship as much as they do the steamy scenes. definitely not saying that that is the case for everyone, but i don’t think it’s inaccurate to say it’s the case for a lot of people who have been consistently negative about the ep.

Sarah

oh you guys GET it

Allicat

Shane chirping at Scott which then resulted in them fighting is genuinely so funny. Shane's chirp was honestly pretty mild for hockey standards and Scott was so done and fed up at that moment that he pulled his response from the deep depths of his soul lol. Anyways, i'm glad you guys really seemed to enjoy this episode. The discourse and divided opinions left me kinda sad that some people didn't think this episode was necessary. Scott and Kip are so cute and I think they serve as an important contrast to Shane and Ilya but you guys get it :))

AK

I actually scared my cats I was trying to shush them so hard through the screen 🤣

Amber

🤣

j-l

my problem with this episode is that its just placed in the middle of everything, it feels so jarring to me😭 we basically just got the entire first book in one episode which made me struggle to connect w the characters, i wish theyd told scott and kips story at another time if that makes sense? it wouldve made more sense to just give them their own season imo. and ik a lot of ppl say that their relationship is important for shane and ilyas story WHICH IS TRUE but when i read heated rivalry i understood that even tho i hadnt read scott and kips book. i personally feel like it would be more impactful for non book readers to not know scott is gay yet (this is confusing sorry i dont wanna spoil what happens lol) im also just stressed since there are only 6 episodes and theres a lot left to tell of shane and ilyas story and i have no idea how theyre gonna fit all that in 3 episodes😭

j-l

hes like an angry kitty i cant take him seriously

Sofi

OMG IM EXPLODING also the scene of Scott coming home to kip is the best thing ever

Hannah

I don't know if you picked up on it but the Shane and Scott fight happened before the olympics so at the cafe in Russia when they first walk in Vaughn said something about Ilya and Scott came in and told him to be nice and knowing what happened between them you see this and this whole scene in a different light. The scene where kip opens the closet to see the suit Scott has given him is like a metaphor for him going back into the closet the same as when Scott covered the socks.

CG

Thank God I am not alone in this

CG

For many people that came out of left field. I think actually some of the best series have what they call bottle episodes. These se significant left turns can give you a chance to breathe a little bit and get a little bit perspective on the main story, but a lot of people get unnerved. There are people who can get very thrown when things don't go in the trajectory they were expecting, or in a linear fashion. I personally love these kinds of episodes, but in this case I especially love it coming where it did because it provides real contrast to the main relationship. Relationship. It shows somebody a little older who has already been through what our main Duo has been through and sees things in a different way and knows what he wants. On the other hand, the similar need for secrecy is just as insidious for Scott. In some ways it's sadder, because he is a lot more clear-eyed about what things are and what he wants. This episode also shows the importance of having people. You can be yourself around. The hockey players in this series are close with each other in many ways, but that need for secrecy and that fear of showing up 100% gets in the way, which is a marked contrast to Kip's accepting and intimate friend group and the relationship with his dad.

CG

I honestly have seen a lot more people online, especially people who have not read the books, who really love this episode. Almost all the reaction videos I have seen were really moved by this episode and loved the way that it fit into the greater story.

CG

I also agree with Bradley that the tonal difference was deliberate. I think that Adam got it right when he said a change up episode can give you a chance to breathe. I think that Bradley was very right when he said that this episode was meant to be jarring in order to create a contrast, which I think it really did in a very effective way. But then I also really disagree that the act of playing kid was bad. I actually think he was really great, just not the expected acting style for the rom-com tropes. I thought his understated delivery gave him an every man quality (and off-handed responsesthat felt a lot more like real people respond) that made sense for what Scott was looking for. He wanted somebody low-key.

Allicat

lmao fr. Then he gets all worked up and called him 45?! bruh needed to take a breather haha

Robert Crofton

Maybe. I think people are just upset because they wanted more of the Shane/Ilya thing. But I just liked the story and Kip is adorable and like my ideal BF. And as someone who is out and proud but dated a few people who weren’t in the same time period as the show, the episode resonated with me a lot. As far as the sex in the show, I also don’t feel like it’s that shocking either. I feel like Fellow Travelers was more gratuitous and hotter (not that Heated Rivalry is lacking lol).

CG

Where does one find an Elena to be their bestie? I think I need to start looking. Girl keeps it 100

Scott aka Blue62

Same, I think it was great. Love the characters, the story, and the contrast with the Shane/Ilya relationship. I haven't read the books but I have a strong sense of how the two stories are going to interweave.

CG

Once I'm besties with her, I'll introduce you.

ondraya

Shane and Ilya have my heart but Francois Arnaud activated a love for him and Scott Hunter's character in my brain like a sleeper agent. You said it, but he's so good at playing nervous. I haven't read the books, but the scenes in the smoothie shop really felt like this was Scott's time even entertaining the thought of pursuing a man and you could feel his anxiety about it. My favorite thing about this episode was how mature Skip's relationship felt in comparison to Hollanov's. The communication and understanding from both of them was so refreshing even if the ending was so sad!

Beck Huston

24 hours until episode 4. Not that I am counting or anything.

Carmine Taglioni

I LOVED this episode so much! Skip is the blueprint! This felt like a cute capsule episode allowing us to understand Scott’s story and preparing viewers for his importance in Shane and Ilya’s relationship.

AK

I completely agree with your take! Even beyond the point of should we or should we not have revealed that Scott is gay, it's just so much time in a season that's only 6 episodes. I wonder if this could have been a side story line within another Shane and Ilya episode.

j-l

LMFAO the ''youre 45 years old!!!'' is hysterical

j-l

thank you so much

Daniel Francis

New York is not that dangerous, lol. It's not the 80's or 90's anymore.

CG

When Kip said, "No you can't tip me," I was sure Bradley was going to say something about "just the tip." IYKYK

CG

I agree wholeheartedly. I think it puts the other story into a lot of perspective and provides some different angles from which to view the larger things

CG

This is true, and being alone in a dark alley is not a smart idea in any major city. Even here in Portland, people warn against being alone in a dark alley.

CG

Kip is definitely beautiful, though Scott is 100% my type hahaha.

Rebel Pilot

Dear god. Pls. I need more of them

CG

Maybe not too too funny. The actor who plays Scott is actually 40 years old lol

CG

Why did I not see this? It's not that subtle of a metaphor.

CG

I think that Francois is pretty amazing in this episode, with his years of acting experience showing. I also really liked the acting of Kip, despite what many people say. Francois said that he was a real joy to work with and that he really liked the way that his scene partner delivered his lines matter of factly rather than in your typical rom-com tropey Way

CG

That ties so nicely into what I see as a recurring theme in the whole series, about having people to come home to and to be ourselves around and to not keep secrets with.

CG

I think that Jacob Tierney has earned enough goodwill for me to believe that there is a method to this madness and that will all come together in a way that does not feel rushed or given short shrift. Granted, I really liked the episode anyway; but I am trusting that there was a reason in the larger interest of the story for doing this as well

Daylet

I like how this episode gives you a good barometer to the different levels of intimacy. We know what Ilya and Shane currently have and now what it looks like with Scott and Kip. Also, the game that you reference as Scott and Shane being on the same team, that’s the All Star games that happen every year. Scott and Shane were on Team North America and Ilya was on Team Europe.

CG

Favorite line of the episode: "I pick 'or'".

Rachel

One more comment for more context - the NHL is the only professional men’s sports league left that has no players openly out while actively playing - they have had a couple come out but after retirement - none while on active rosters even today. While obviously just based on statistics there are gay players - so hopefully maybe even shows like this can help change the last remaining sports hold out

CG

He was probably really cranky about Ilya, as well Blueball rage.

K

So when Scott and Shane were on the same team, that was the all-star game. It’s a once a year event where the best players from across the entire league do a showcase; there’s usually a skills competition where they do silly things like hardest shot and fastest skating and then a tournament. There are generally only a couple of players (or even just one) from each team so you’re playing alongside guys who are usually your rivals; they usually do the teams by division but I think there have been fun novelty things in the past like the Europe v North America thing we see in the show. The least accurate thing about this show is that the players seem to care about it, IRL it’s a huge joke since it doesn’t affect the actual season and no one wants to get hurt. Historically players show up extremely hungover and don’t try at all 😭

Mathew Aquino

Guys!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I agree with you. Some of it was because it felt like a different show. Some of it was because we didn’t see the boys. But I’m gonna be honest with you as somebody pushing 50 I think there’s age discrimination out there. I think when people’s 25 year-old golden gods were taken away from them for one fucking week. Some people lost their damn mind. Scott Hunter is a beautiful wolf. God who thinks he is a man and Kip is a beautiful cinnamon roll. See you guys next week!

Dave K.

There's a really charming interview that François Arnaud gave about portraying Scott and about the steamy scenes in the show overall. It's in French, but it's captivating to watch it even if you don't speak the language. :P https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGxs9eXjAvY

CorreiaFoxx

The reason you saw Shane and Scott sitting next to each other was because they were participating in the MLH tournament between North American and European players. That’s also why Ilya was on the opposite team—he’s from Russia, while Scott and Shane are from Canada and the United States. I loved this episode because I love the books, and for everyone saying this storyline is more romantic: it actually makes more sense than a relationship between Shane and Ilya—at least to a point. But keep in mind that Shane and Ilya don’t even live in the same city the way Scott and Kip do, so they can’t spend enough time together to build a real relationship outside of the few hookups they’ve had when they happened to be in the same place. Also, Scott is quite a bit older than both Shane and Ilya. He’s not at the start or prime of his career anymore—he’s closer to the tail end of it. Meanwhile, Shane and Ilya started their physical relationship at 17, and now they’re what—22 or 23? And let’s be honest, all of us remember being that age: completely infatuated and overly horny for the person we liked, not exactly thinking about long-term relationships.

Gayle McGowan

As a non-book reader, I found this episode to be very jarring as it didn’t continue Ilya’s and Shane’s story. I didn’t connect emotionally with these characters so found myself the whole episode just waiting for them to show up. While the actor who plays Scott is good, imo the actor who plays Kip isn’t as good as the rest of the cast. It just felt like a completely different show. I’ve had the reason Skip’s relationship is relevant to Ilya’s and Shane’s spoiled and I think that plot point could still have been achieved without needing to delve into Skip’s backstory. They essentially paused Ilya and Shane’s story to cram Skip’s story which is an entire book into a single episode. Theirs should have been a spin off if Heated Rivalry was successful.

alex

shane: aw not your best game :/ scott: how does it feel that ilya can only love you behind closed doors?

K

My one reservation about this episode was the casting for Kip. The actor is great and his performance was great, but I thought his appearance and overall presence on screen just didn’t quite click with the story for me. The character seems to be written as more of an everyday guy, the reader stand-in if you will, who gets swept off his feet by the gorgeous rich famous athlete and can’t believe his luck. But that actor has such a leading man vibe that it was hard for me to perceive him as the “ordinary” one who would be so dazzled by all of this. Idk if that makes sense but yeah that was where I got tripped up on my first viewing. On rewatch it’s bothering me a lot less!

Bradam Reacts

He was VERY beautiful. And chiseled DOWN. More than the hockey players 😭 I guess you could chalk that up to gay guy fitness but I do understand what you’re saying. It didn’t take anything away from my personal experience only because I think it’s hilarious that a gay guy would hit on a gay guy that looks so similar to him. Like it’s almost so accurate that that’s the only kind of guy Scott would probably go for- and I mean that in a real-world not book accurate way. Like no I don’t think Kip would look like that working at that smoothie shop 😭😭 he’d be an Alo model probably LMAO

Bradam Reacts

I like that Kip felt so normal. Like the acting not blowing me away i was like oh yeah I KNOW this gay man! By no means did I personally think he did poorly at all. I think it does stand out, but imo not in a bad way. I also don’t think (for right now of course) he needed the acting chops. It definitely was important that Scott has them and I thought Francois killed it!!! Lastly, I DO think they should’ve hinted at scott’s storyline better in the first two episodes… like ACTUALLY make him a character IN heated rivalry, because it was jarring to have this episode here!!

Bradam Reacts

oh god if i hear him speak french i’ll crumble this will be bad

Bradam Reacts

What’s crazy is i genuinely remember thinking “I can tip you with something else” and then thinking in the same moment that I think i’ve made that joke too many timesjdnfbsnbs HAHAAH

Bradam Reacts

It honestly just felt so… real… like this really happens. People are shoved into closets for other people and it can be heartbreaking. They feel for each other hard and fast- they were a gay couple who weren’t ready! That happens so often!

Eva Sofie Anesen

“Barry’s bootcamp final bosses” 😂 I laughed so hard!

Gayle McGowan

I agree he didn’t do a poor job but it was noticeable to me that he wasn’t quite as good as the other actors in the episode. It was good he wasn’t another hockey player. Their story was just rushed and out of place for me.

Bradam Reacts

not to step in here, but I think there are reasons to love and not enjoy this episode. it WAS jarring, there’s a reason I was going to tell Adam in the beginning. It comes out of nowhere- which is so reminiscent of some MLM smut which is SOOO funny to me- I think it definitely should’ve been woven in earlier. We should’ve gotten a hint at scott/kip the episode prior and maybe not have gone all or nothing but had them be a side-plot alongside Hollanov. HOWEVER… I can see the tweets now: “me SKIPping everytime #theyre on screen” 😆 I do think it had to be done and maybe this was the best option!! People have every right to feel like it sticks out, because it does and I think it was on purpose (hopefully). Scott did do amazing (acting chops are needed for that role) and I thought Kip did fine! No complaints honestly. I do think people just want Shane and Illya- there was some real shock value in those first two episodes that I’m worried is all people want out of this show now, whether the shock value continues or not! It was confusing but it was shockingly beautiful! 🤭🫶🏻

Bradam Reacts

like i was sick to my stomach when he was on screen i can’t believe he looks like that

Bradam Reacts

SUCH GOOD WRITING OMG LIKE YOU’RE GOING TO KILL SHANE 😭😭😭😭

Bradam Reacts

I actually don’t know what I was on… I think i was just excited LMFAOOO

Bradam Reacts

YESSS!!! Like they were passing the baton to him I LOVED that in this episode. It came with an energy shift in my opinion too. LOVE!!

Bradam Reacts

“Bradley has a shot” is all I can read in your comment here.

JessieC

Hunter is older than Ilya and Shane... I think Kip was also, actually... Kip is in a different life, settled, calm, supported... and he's out, Hunter is also seeming to crave something calm and settled and domestic... so since this was his episode it had a similar feel and goal. Ilya and Shane are younger they're in the same life, both closeted, they don't have room to try to be domestic even if they DID want that. Ilya is more chaotic and has more of a messy life than any other character, but especially when compared to Kip. and their episodes are about their vibe and interactions which are spaced out and brief. add to that that Ilya and Shane have been competitive since day 1, so it makes sense that the episodes are really different.

Amber

24? It comes out Thursdays at 9 pm my time (PST) that closer to 48 hours...

JessieC

right? Jesus, Scott, harsh!

JessieC

i feel like it would have made more sense to have this be episode 2 and we'd be like "oh... it switches characters, got it.

Amber

OMG the suit in the closet... 😭

JessieC

Shane: "Not your best game" Scott: "I know you're gay, and you're just like your shitty boyfriend!!!!"

Ivalani

You know what, I'm not upset we got to see Scott and Kip like AT ALL. I love them, love their book, love their dynamic. And Scott is really important for Shane and Ilya's relationship down the line so his story needed to be included. The focus is definitely shifting back to Shane and Ilya next episode, I just hope there's enough time to cover all that's about to happen in the final 3 episodes, and SO MUCH is about to happen, can't wait.

Starter_guy

Damn, I do feel for Kip and Scott. But Kips Dad is a total sweetheart, what a great respons eto your kid being upset I loved the little interaction with our boys and Scott though. Rosanov being jokey and comfortable enough in himself to make a "its more fun when you're there" response.  Countered with babygirl Shane throwing out a tame line only to be rocked at the tiniest link to Ilya. Then Shane shuts down, panic and almost fights which as the commentators said he never does. Just shows how much Shane is struggling, especially as this would have been the lead up to him bottoming for Ilya before the Olympics. With how much he was letting his guard down for Ilya it was probably too much to have even an insinuation of a link

Starter_guy

That broke my heart 😭 It also explains why he kept circling at the game and waving to them.

alex

not too much now for someone who’s keeping his man locked in his penthouse

Amber

Oh it's 🥵

IAmom

Guys, you will looooooooove the books. I have "read" them as audio books. You will get so much more context and in depth explanations of things.

IAmom

I completely agree with you. I have seen people talk bad about his acting, but I thought he was really good. I just didn't see Kip in him in any way.

Vicki

I did miss my boys this episode but having the Scott tea is absolutely going to make the rest of the story more satisfying. And you’re so right about it showing a totally different kind of love story. The world needs more of these love stories.

Kier

Saying it felt like a different show is exactly why a lot of people didn't like it, honestly. I can appreciate what the episode was if I put it in a vacuum. It was very cute and I adore the supporting cast in this. I'm not huge on Kip's actor and didn't personally feel any chemistry between them. But as a book reader, I didn't really enjoy how it was done and where it was placed. A lot of people will say that Scott is important to Ilya/Shane's story, and he absolutely is, but there's a difference between Scott being important to the story, and it being important that we see it, to this extent. I personally just don't think we needed an entire episode in a 6 episode season. I would have loved for them to set up Scott and Kip as their own season, even if it was only a few episodes.

IAmom

I agree with both of you. I liked the episode, but it just felt like it was not part of the show - it was like a standalone movie - I have read the books but I still felt that way so I can only imagine how it must have seemed for people who haven't read them.

IAmom

Bradam, you will hear him speak French in this interview ;0)

IAmom

I would have picked "or" and I am not gay LOL

IAmom

I mean that would literally be me - with my roaring adhd my mama bear would come out.

Dionne Lakey

I think this relationship shows us what Ilya and Shane are thinking. When Kip and Scott say: "I'm so into you" "Can you stay" or when they tell each other about their lives, we are hearing what the other two want to communicate but won't because they can't be together more than they are so why bother. So whenever we get frustrated by Hollanov not progressing with their relationship, we can remember than Skip showed us a possible end point of that progression. It still ends in heartbreak so why bother. This is what we have so far and have to keep I mind going further.

Simen

Yes, please read the books! They are all dealing with different themes (mental health, late awakening, loneliness), while being even steamier than the show. And Ilya is a recurring character in all of the books too, which is very funny! If you do end up reading them, you should share your thoughts on each book here on Patreon. Like the movie nights, but book club version! 🙏 PS: And for the record, I'm relieved you liked this episode – I don't really get why it was a controversial one, I loved it!

Oneiropolis

All of this. And it does stick out because *it was its own story*. Kip and Scott have their own story, which we got to see in abbreviated format, probably because it is going to impact Shane and Ilya's. Not having read the books, Scott is primed as a character to confide in Shane what he is going through and to give him someone to confide in as well. And Scott is also primed to potentially come out when he's still in the league, although potentially winding down his career, and to take the heat for doing so. Once the first person in an industry does so - unfortunately having to weather all the bullshit pushback that comes with it - it actually becomes objectively easier for others. If Scott sees that his suffering isn't just his alone - his family (hockey) has others who are suffering in the same way - his character was absolutely established in this episode as being willing to step up and take the heat in that way, to ease the way for someone else. I LOVED this addition to the story, and I sure as hell hope that we get a lovely resolution for Scott and Kip, who have ALL of my heart.

Beck Huston

We get it at 12:00 am on Friday Eastern time. . Right at midnight on Thursday really. So now it is 19 hours.

I should be writing

I had to go ugly cry in the shower after that episode. Reminds me of being so deep in the closet and how it hurts you and isolates you so fucking much. Scott's loneliness hit me so hard - and I think it's really well highlighted as it's contrasted with Kip's supportive, loving friends and family. God this broke me so bad I really want to see Scott happy by the end of this season 😭

Beck Huston

Oops. I thought today was Thursday. My brain is on the wrong timeline.

Jerome

I loved this episode 😂😂😂

Jaxx Cordd

When I saw Francios Arnaud (Hunter) in Ep 1&2, I was hoping he wouldn't just be a background character, I'm so glad to see him feature in Ep 3. Such a touching contrast to the Shane/Ilya relationship.

Steph de Miranda

Is that a Game Changer loop-de-loop in the background at the smoothie place??

Helen Wilson

Guys I love ur reaction to this show. Ur living ur best lives 😌

alice.nowonder

We are yearning for new episodes just like Ilya and Shane are yearning for each other!

yoonii

I miss ilya and shane

B

Great reaction, great ep👏

cpeditor76

With comparisons with Red, White and Royal Blue inevitable, I think this episode represents the worst aspects of that movie while the first two episodes captured the best. This one felt so cornball, cliche and romance book to me like I was afraid we might get with the first episode. That one turned it around with an edgy, dangerous chemistry. You felt like they actually wanted to hook up (and you know they likely did) ... This felt like two people acting like they were into each other.

Helen Wilson

What am I chopped liver bitch, Omg Adam hilarious 😂

Eva Sofie Anesen

I looove Ilya and Shane and missed them in this episode. However, Scott and Kip's storyline is ultimately necessary for Ilya and Shane's future story, which is why we got an entire episode about them. I'm absolutely positive, that once we have all the episodes, it all makes sense, why we got all this not Ilya-and-Shane-related content.

CG

Sometimes our best material can stand a little repetition hahaha

CG

I actually think his acting was very everyman, so it worked. His delivery often feels off-the-cuff, even of some very tropey lines. It was what François Arnaud liked about him, and I agree. Yeah sometimes I saw his body and thought. "Is all his time outside the smoothie shop spent in the gym?" Still, his delivery really worked at making him feel authentic to me. At the event where he responded to liking Mexican food by saying he is no serial or spree killer, his "Who's got the time" was delivered on such a sly way I almost missed it (which made it feel like real life conversation more than rom-com over thought conversation. It seemed like a brilliant acting choice to make him down-to- earth. That said, in the book he is described as a pretty regular guy AND as gorgeous. His friends mention it often (just finished reading).

CG

I actually felt this one did it SO much better than Red White and Royal Blue.

CG

I actually loved the performance by the actor playing Kip. It felt a lot more real-life than we usually see in rom-coms with their corny lines and huge emotions. His readings were almost off-the-cuff. As François Arnaud said, "Robbie is so gifted at playing these rom-com beats, but grounding them. And all of these quips, and lines, and witty moments, he just makes it sound like they're… like, I forget the page, you know? So it's still playing with those tropes, but in a completely natural, integrated way."

CG

See I think his "normal guy" vibe was a very deliberate acting choice. He dialed it down to make himself (admittedly a gorgeous guy) feel more everyman, which I think was a BRILLIANT acting choice. It also seems Scott would want someone gorgeous, yes, but also someone very unassuming in his demeanor, someone low-key. The actor playing Scott says that it was much easier to play his part because the actor playing Kip made him forget the page.

CG

And the actress... She commands the screen in only a few scenes.

CG

I already crumbled, so I might disintegrate

Ellen Clarke

Great reaction! I love this episode, skip are the true game changers ;) but I’m so feral for Hollanov! Just fyi, when they were on the bench together they were playing in the all star game together. They are on different teams during the regular season, the all star game is separate

CG

It felt so natural, too, like they just vibed like that from day one. It was tropey but they made it feel organic.

CG

I think it was hinted at earlier in the show, but very subtly. Many reactors were asking. "Is Scott jealous? Is he gay, too? Why was he on the scene about the figure skater? Why did he clock Shane like he did?" Maybe we could have had more of that, but to me the door had opened to curiosity about Scott, and having the full episode here made sense (and it being jarring made sense and was deliberate according to interviews with those involved in the show). It throws you off, but then, as seems to happening, that pulls you into a place to reflect on how it might fit in to the main story, what it means, how you feel, etc. It also invites viewers into heated discussion, which brings people fully into the story and has an effect of bringing in more viewers out of curiosity (as seems to have happened). A lot of series have these bottle episodes, and I love that this one didn't feel the need to coddle it's audience, but instead trusted us to figure out what it meant for us and how it fit in.

CG

I think being showy is the way Ilya hides his fear. That is so common. Act ballsy, act like yo don't g a f, to cover the terror inside. To me, Scott has fear of the consequences of this situation where Ilya lives in fear and uses cockiness as his coping mechanism.

CG

I think this contrast is vital to one of the themes. Whether you come out or not, surround yourself with people you don't hide from. This episode does an outstanding job of casting and filling in the side characters, and that so rarely seems to happen as shows focus their energies on three or four people.

Clacella

Shane and Scott play together on the NHL/MHL "ALL STAR" Team, which combines top players from different teams. That’s why they shared a bench in the last episode, even though they’re opponents again in this New York vs. Montreal game.

CG

Stimming is fantastic. Feeling it in your body is healthy and trauma-informed. We are taught not to do that, but I live for it. We should all be doing a lot more living our feelings in our bodies. So you go!

CG

It was a typical rom-com witty line, but the delivery was so in-the-moment that it worked. Yeah "or" would be my selection on the menu as well

CG

Ah the things we accidentally say with an undercurrent of sexual frustration.

Frenchie R

I love the contrast between the two couples; Hollanov being full of youth and lust while Skip's is that older "I wanna settle down" kind. Both couples having to deal with a deep love of hockey, a love that keeps them away from having the type of fulfilling relationships they all want and need. Hollanov can't push for more yet because it's pointless if they can't be together so they stick to fucking. Skip tries to push for more when the toxicity of the hockey world, once again, says "aht aht". Every time someone wonders why Shane and Ilya aren't really talking to each other, you can point to Scott and Kip for the inevitable heartbreak with a side of ruined careers. Unless something changes. The more I ruminate on it, the more my heart hurts, womp womp.

Lee

Okay so glad it’s not just me. Although gotta say, very impressed at the way Adam is sometimes able to both listen to the dialogue and Bradley at the same time and then tell him what he just talked over 🫡 Better audio processing than I have for sure

K

I agree about his acting, I think that’s why the rewatch was easier for me because I tried to just forget about the looks and focus on the mannerisms! It just felt a bit like casting Megan Fox to play a bashful girl next door type haha. Not that the character can’t be attractive, it’s just that this particular brand of exceedingly traditionally handsome combined with the insane body makes it hard for me to believe he doesn’t know he’s a 10, but neither the character nor the script seem to reflect that. I haven’t read the book so just going off of what the episode gave us on that front.

jon

ntm on shane because they got the same tea..

Hugh C

Spoiler alert for All of Us Strangers (UK, 2023) \n\n\n Didn't the parents of the Andrew Scott character also die together in car accident ... when he was 12?

Viv

Viv

I love your videos guys 😭 was waiting for this notification

Kristin

Sorry for being this person but I’ve read the books twice, and I was disappointed. The lack of chemistry, or the choice of actor for Kip. (And Kyle as well, but he’s not important in this episode.) I agree that Kip’s story is important for Shane and Ilya, but this was too much Hallmark, and I think the impact for Shane and Ilya would’ve been the same if they had just skipped the background story. And for those of you hoping for a season with Kip and Scott: don’t you feel like their story has been told now? What more is there to say? I guess I enjoyed this episode to a certain extent, but it’s nowhere near the first two.

Steens

I kept thinking “press pause!!” I don’t mind when people pause and chat their thoughts and then continue on lol

Steens

Such a great episode and loved watching with you both!! Definitely a different tone in episodes but I think we’ll get more emotional side to things all around going forward..

Steens

I’ve actually been watching a lot of other reactions and Threads and have seen more gay/bi (and straight!) men say they liked this episode the most. I see more mixed reactions from women who have read the books

Steens

Only way I can get through the tough moments!! The payoff will be there and I can’t wait 😍

Hannah Kay

Ilya’s cameos in all the books are almost always my favorite parts 😂

soph ie

Regarding your question about the books: there are 8 hockey books by Rachel, six of those are part of the Game Changers series. Game Changer is book 1 and tells Scott and Kip‘s story, Heated Rivalry is actually book 2, focussing on Shane and Ilya. The Long Game is anorher book about Shane and Ilya that gets deeper on many levels (while HR is mostly as steamy as the first two episodes). The books inbetween are Tough Guy (3, about an Enforcer (the hockey players that fight often on the ice) x a femme musician, it talks a lot about gender identity and toxic masculinity), Common Goal (4, a veteran goalie x Kyle from the bar) and Role Model (5, my personal favourite, it‘s a player x their social media manager and handles tough topics, also about the portrayal of masculinity in hockey and scandals). While they work as standalones, Ilya plays a sometimes more, sometimes less important role in all of them and The Long Game is enhanced if you‘ve read all the books in the right order! I‘d love if you‘d read them and tell us your thoughts!

Steens

“It’s a pocket blender!” made me actually LOL

TxFootballGamGam

I’m ridiculously greedy and honestly, Kip and Scott had zero onscreen chemistry.

Jenny_M

I liked this episode the first time I saw it, but definitely felt the jarring "oh wow, this is different" throughout. However, I watched it again, and then a third time with y'all, and each rewatch has made me enjoy and appreciate it more. I'm glad you two enjoyed as well!

Alex Des

I'm sorry but Scott is absolutely not a bottom, one of the most important things about their couple is that they're both vers - it has more emphasis in the book, but the show also establishes it

CG

I actually know plenty of really hot guys who don't know they're hot.

CG

This is so true, and sometimes TBH it gets a bit ridiculous. After about the sixth book in these series, everyone and their cat and their pet lizard are gay. Some of those small town romances crack me up, because I think is there anybody in this town of 200 who is not gay?

Cathrin Johansson

I havent read the books, and with that said, this was actually my fave episode yet ❤️⭐️🌈

Mo

I like this ep more on rewatches but im so excited to get back to shane and ilya!!! their dynamic is just sooo compelling to me and connor and hudson are perfect

Nina B

North America vs europe... Shane plays for Canada

CG

Guess people view chemistry differently. To me, Shane and Ilya have electric sexual chemistry, but Scott and Kip have a real romantic chemistry. Both work for me incredibly, just in different ways. The cuddle chemistry of Scott jumping on the couch after work REALLY worked for me, and the steam in that shower scene in the first episode also really got me.

CG

He looks so much hotter now that he is leaving his twink phase, imho

Pathos316

Loooved this episode! Tonal shift but I'm in-ves-ted!

David Lane

It should be noted that this episode tells about 75% of the story of book 1. It is very relevant to Shane and Ilya's story and the other 25%, if I were to guess, will likely be told at the end of episode 5.

Surely Ashley

Zero chemistry? Did we watch the same episode 3?

Lindsay

Not y'all saying "It's so unfair that they just look like that" when you both look like THAT !!!! Be soooo fr right now 😂😂

Gigi

I went to the Montreal premiere and can confirm that they do all look that good irl and it’s lethal

Bek O’meara

shane and scott fighting would be about 2 yrs after scott overhears ilya say the room number (in the book, scott actuallt fights w ilya so i think the change was kinda cute)

Mama Pam

There's a lot of comments, so I don't know if this has been mentioned yet, but the actor who plays Kip was also on "Overcompensating" as the hot nurse that hooks up with Grace in the supply closet. 😇 I'm also 💀💀💀 at Adam's comment about being chopped liver. 😂 Bradley, you in danger, girl. lmao

Christina

I agree. I did not dislike the episode, in a vacuum it’s a great story to tell. BUT I think it also would have been a very exciting cinematic moment for the audience to find out about Skip at the same time that Shane and Ilya found out. Like that “wait what!?!” moment would have been so exciting for non readers! The same way I was like “wait what!” when I read HR. (I read it first.) Then maybe later (like in a follow up season) we could explain how they got there. I’ll hold all judgments to the end of the series when I can view it as a whole but I’m concerned with how this may affect flow overall.

Christina

It would have been so fun to see all the non-book readers find out about Scott at the same time as Shane and Ilya. I think that was a missed opportunity for a very exciting cinematic moment and audience reaction.

Lani

I was thinking this 😭!!!

Mark Edwards

My husband started referring to the series as “Falcon Studios Presents Hockey Hotties.” I liked this episode. My POV will probably draw the ire of most but I found it more relatable than Jane and Lily. Hunter finds what he wants and goes for it. Struck me as realistic. (Yes, I’m choosing to ignore the closet BS for now.) To me the other two hooking up three times in four years is absurd. But I also would dump guys after the second date if they hadn’t put out. And for the record, I did find what I wanted when I met my husband. Went for it and held on. Coincidentally, we marked our 38th anniversary today.

sirius

Yess this is a change from the source material I approve, since we got to see angry kitten

antonio

Ep was mid. But so was book one so im not surprised. Arguably the most boring relationship of the series

Kasapo Mwanza

They play on different teams and always have. The scene with them three at a game where shane and Scott are sitting together was the all star game team Europe vs team America&canada. And then at the olympics shane was canada and scott was USA

Lindsay

Right??? Like just beautiful beautiful men on my screen — life is good 🙂‍↕️

CG

There is one podcast I have been loving. Fascinatingly, the hosts are straight hockey bros, and they are so in it for this show (almost brings me to tears that these straight guys are enjoying and taking it seriously). Thought I would share their great interview with Jacob Tierney. https://youtu.be/53UkcmLgrVE?si=UYmpjVUPn-w86dbP

Bradam Reacts

Sean Cody's Hockey Boys. Congrats on 38! Very magical to hear you two have made it so far 💞

Bradam Reacts

I hope it almost gets interwoven with Shane and Illya's story! Not another separate episode. It'd be interesting to see dynamics with shane/illya knowing about Scott

Bradam Reacts

I thought it was very heartwarming. I know they didn't end up together but it made me happy to see Kip not give up his values. He wanted to go to grad school and he has amazing friends that he would've probably lost by being pushed back into the closet. I'm still rooting for them tho 👀 just glad both of them set their boundaries

Bradam Reacts

I have to disagree!!! 😆 Watching Scott jump over the couch for Kip when he was still home gave me butterflies 🦋

Bradam Reacts

Me too!! I was confused when he (who we know from a handful of shows) was basically an extra 😭 makes WAY more sense after this episode why he was casted. Scott's character lowkey needed acting chops!

Lauren

Chants *one of us*, *one of us*....gah, I just love an out bi man, it's the best 😆😍

CG

Gay watch on YouTube, who is one of my favorite reactors, and said at the start of the first episode," What in the Sean Cody?" Hehehe

G S

K, I had no problem believing him as his character because it's completely in line with "super hot" guys I've known. After living in Los Angeles for many years, this is what I've noticed: guys compare the best traits of the guy they are into to their worst insecurties about them selves. Classically hot guys are the king of, "Well sure, I'm hot... but not compared to HIM...." I felt like the way he played his role fit perfectly with THAT kind of psychology.

Liz

omg i'm so excited for the next reactions!! especially with how good ep 4 is :)

JadedSims

Okay maybe this is a crazy question, but are you two together? I haven’t been around this channel that long

Bradam Reacts

that’s okay!!! we are! we’ve been together a few years :))

JadedSims

Aww you guys are sweet :)

CG

Yeah! They work together! ;)

Sophie Sjösten

I can't WAIT for your reaction to episode 4. I didn't think it could get any better but that episode is out of this world good. If they don't win awards for this show I'm suing, it's so well made. And the actors are incredible!

Sophie Sjösten

Omg, episode 4 blew me away. I've already rewatched it, I just HAD to.

Helen Wilson

Need ur reaction to episode 4 guys im waiting on yous to watch it

CG

Renewed for Season 2!!!!! 🥳 🎉

CG

Sure we will get them. O actually much prefer their onscreen story to the book version, interestingly enough

Hal

Not so patiently waiting for episode 4 reaction. I cried I need people to cry with me 😭😂

parp

camping here for ep 4 reaction aaaa

badr

hiii im new here just wanted to say i love u guys and i did my stalking obv and saw how open you both are with ur support for palestine esp adam and i wanted to say thank you it means more than you even know even if its "bare minimum" it warmed my heart...as a palestinian lebanese watcher living in lebanon you guys lowk made my week <3 also im so impatient for ep 4 reaction omgg

tina14jan

This was my favorite episode so far, I guess I love the drama and emotions more than just sex, I haven’t got involved in the characters in the first two episodes as I am in this episode….so guess I am going opposite to a lot of people.

Breazee~

You saying this show is uniting straight women and gay men like never before. Could be facts for many. It's a good show but as a straight woman, things I appreciate, that Im actually getting to see men in very sexual nature and this show is like yeah, this is reality, here it is! I'm old enough to remember when George Micheal's video "I want your sex" wouldnt even play the video during the day cause it said sex. (Decade before George came out.) It was still years before tv would even have characters implied to be gay or the first kiss. So to me its seeing the progress and loving it. Also I appreciate that I relate to them. I may not be having to hide my sexuality to the world but I relate to questioning where I stand, fighting feelings. Oh and I do appreciatethe hotness of everyone! Lol I love that this show is getting the attention it should and the actors are doing such a good job!

CG

Yeah, crying was not my reaction at all. Will share a little bit more when a new reaction comes out and my thoughts don't have so much potential of being spoilery

CG

The thing that surprises me is how many straight guys are showing their ally stripes. There are a few podcasts where the straight hockey bro hosts are so into the show, with so far no signs of prejudice or weirdness. It actually brings me to tears

Hal

I’ve read the books twice so you don’t have to worry about spoilers with me. Ilya’s reaction in *that* scene (Hollander…Hollander) is what made me cry. Seeing it is so much different from reading it sometimes 😂

Breazee~

I absolutely love men who are comfortable and supporting. I havent asked my boyfriend to watch with me but I know he would without thinking twice about it. He bought me the books as soon as I said I have to check it out. Then came in the other day telling me how he read an interview with the creator of the show and was discussing it with me. I need to look up some of those podcasts.

Priscila Rg

Funny you say that. Because I also love the drama and emotions more than just sex and that's why I prefer Shane and Ilya's story 😂 if all you took from the first 2 episodes is "sex" I think you should rewatch them paying more attention (seriously, rewatch it, it's worth it!)

Priscila Rg

I wasn't as involved in this episode because I don't find their love for each other convincing. I don't see why Scott would fall head over heels for Kip after buying a smoothie from him.

tina14jan

I am actually doing that now, on a bigger screen (without Bradams comments, ) and it’s better but still like E3

CG

Interesting because I find the opposite.

Israel

Lowkey same. It was a little too LMN/Hallmark for me too. But I’m glad ppl liked it

Helena Hermansson

And if you like François Arnaud you should see J'ai tué ma mère (I killed my mother)

Jaxx Cordd

Yes, I've seen that, also Schitt's Creek, Midnight Texas, and Plan B. All very good shows.

Joy2464

I agree. Shane and Scott have a lot to lose but would likely find at least a few loving arms to land in. Ilya would likely be imprisoned and tortured. His family would lose all social standing, safety and access to money. I think he is terrified.

TheWhiteQuill

It definitely won't be a separate episode as we have too much ground to cover for the next few episodes, but it will definitely be a small feature that is necessary for the rest of the story! :) Love your reactions.

TheWhiteQuill

I think that was almost the point though. This was supposed to be a bit romance booky... to contrast with the hot and steamy of Shane and Ilya. To show that gay romance isn't a monolith. Personalities, preferences and priorities vary. It gave us a breather from the gay-trauma and heightened sexuality of the first two episodes, and yet also ultimate still showed how difficult and unfair it can be in these worlds. The director pretty much said the same in a podcast he did. Some didn't feel the chemistry between the actors (I personally did), but regardless their story is absolutely pivotal in Shane and Ilya's :)

TheWhiteQuill

We know the last episode is going to be longer than the preceding ones so hopefully that gives us time to cover everything else... I do have a feeling though that we won't end Season 1 exactly where the book ends. I say that because in the credits, the actors playing Shane's parents only have 1 episode credits.. and we know that are definitely in the rest of the book... so will be interesting to see how they end this...

JustinThyme

Late to watching but amazing reaction! I really liked this episode

Jacob Kim

Anyone else low keyed excited to see Kyle?

Lauren

Yeah I wasn’t invested at all and I read the book. The book is really cute but it just doesn’t have enough depth that translates to the screen for me.

Lauren

I was devastated in a way that I’ve never been devastated before. And I also read the books and knew what was coming.

Natasha

I am new to this channel and I love you both. Just letting you know

Natasha

I also can’t wait to see your episode 5 reactions. Holy smokes.

flechesbleues

I too wondered if it was some kind of subtle but intentional reference to that - because it's a change in the show from the book.

Emily Kolb

Scott said he is more of an art guy because he was reading a book about art when Scott came in the first time. So it wasn’t really a gay read

Emily Kolb

The only thing about Kyle is the actor looks nothing like what is described in the book so it took me out a little but that’s ok because Ilya doesn’t necessarily look the same either and I still love him lol

TheWhiteQuill

OK so I saw an quote from I think Francois that said they filmed a lot more for the sex scenes... bitch we need the B Roll right now!!!!!!

Eli L

I loved the episode on its own, and even more when I realized what a fantastic investment it was to blossom in episode 5. But let's address the elephant in the room: I don't think banana in a smoothie was a novelty in New-York in 2014!

Serena Stasa

The Skip episode is perfectly placed. After 'We didn't even kiss' it's so easy to look at Shane and Ilya's relationship and try to assign fault for where the relationship has or hasn't gone. But Scott and Kip do and say all the things we wanted Shane and Ilya to do and say by the end of episode 2. And they break just as badly as Shane and Ilya did. The point being that, ultimately, whether or not a relationship survives isn't about whether you stay the night or hook up and run, whether you say 'I love you' or 'see you next season', whether you have a meetcute in a smoothie shop or chirp each other in a bleak alley. The inability to love openly is the stumbling block. It's the big bad.

Lulu

Season 2 is going to be Cinema 🎦

Lulu

The way I fantasized about Scott compartmentalizing his relationship with Kip as “my designer” and maybe actually listen to his artistic input, and it kills me that he just had a valid panicked response because shame is heavy and blind like that.

Seattletodd

The author is writing the 3rd book now. Pre Order now. Out September 29 2029

Archie Craven

Yes, they were playing at an all-star game in Nashville at Bridgestone Arena (I used to go to Preds games when I lived there).

DFROMDAQ

You all need to adjust your mics every time you scream girl you are busting my eardrums

Matthew Binczek

I love you guys… But you have got to stop talking and telling stories when there’s important dialogue happening… It drives me crazy when you miss things that I know you should be hearing lol 😂

Courtney Leith

Jesus that was beautiful and devastating, put a warning next time!!😭

Isak

Oh, guys, if you're gonna pick up books, PLEASE give The Foxhole Court (1st in series All for the Game) by Nora Sakavic a chance! There is truly nothing else like it! It's sports drama, trauma, mafia activities, super gay, found family, all somehow wrapped up in one. It's self published, the covers are tacky as hell, the language is simple and immersive. True masterpiece, in my opinion.

SirMatelot

Portland, Oregon does not have alleys. Not like other cities anyway. Did you mean Portland, Maine?

Elizabeth Haffey

I've never been so happy to spontaneously sign up for a Patreon account! It's been so fun watching these back with you guys, love your reactions! :)

Kristin Crighton

The 1221 was at the All Star game. That's why Scott and Shane were on the same team. For regular season teams: Shane - Montreal Metros; Ilya - Boston Raiders; Scott - New York Admirals

Thomas Labruna

You guys should pause when you have "involved" comments. you miss too much of the dialog.

Deborah Niles

I was looking for this response before I added my own. The All Star game that year was Europe vs. North America, which is why Ilya was on the other team.