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Reacting to 'Heated Rivalry' Episode 4 - "Rose" (Patreon)

Published:
2025-12-16 10:44:25
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

Dee

I WAS ABOUT READY TO FALL ASLEEP TOO

Ellie Barnes

Why don't I have anyone to hold my hand during this! My fiance is asleeeeeeep

JL

OH THANK GOD, I've been waiting and waiting!

griblleee

watching this in class lowk

Bradam Reacts

and honestly whatre they gonna do about it 💅

Ricardo C

EARLY AND READYYYY

b

Yessss what a great way to wake up!

poyopachii

6am and pressing play. no regrets. these hockey gays have a hold on me

AM

Almost 6am here in nyc, already took the dog out and fed him, made my coffee and snuggled up on the couch to watch ep 4 for the 6th time with you guys before work in a few hours 💜

Ivalani

I thought knowing exactly what happens would make watching this episode easier but no, joke's on me, it actually made it ten times worse.

mono

I have to go to work real soon, but I'll fit your reaction in I'M SO READYY

Claudia Posch

OMG I just checked 30 minutes ago if it dropped. This makes me so happy. Off to watch.

Dionne Lakey

What did you guys think about the girls talk they had? You guys talked over it a bit so I don't think you understood that there was a disconnected conversation happening there. You might have after watching it back. So would love your thoughts on what each of them was thinking/saying.

Bradam Reacts

I interpreted it 2 ways (if I understand what scene you’re asking about- and correct me if i’m mistaken) is ultimately a bearing of sexualities. To me it read as Illya being like I’m bisexual and Shane being like i’m not, I don’t think I really like girls. IT ALSO, I think as Adam mentions, was about Illya wanting to be with Shane. “I think I will find someone else” and he is referring to Shane. The whole scene feels like Illya taking the moment to blossom and start to hint at Shane but ultimately scares Shane off!!

Phoenix Beifong

Scott and Kip, our very own gay gay Batman and Superman about to save these knuckleheads.

Dionne Lakey

Interesting, yes, that was the scene. But I don't think Shane hears what Ilya is saying. He here's Ilya say he has this perfect girl who likes hockey who is an equal fuck buddy like Shane (so I like you but you're not special). Also I will find someone else means find another girl to Shane because it's easier/safer to be with a girl. Shane doesn't think in that moment that Ilya is referring to him. Then as you say Shane doesn't actually like girls but he is still saying that he does because a) he still believes he can if he tries harder and b) he wants Ilya to think he does so he doesn't "look bad". I think Shane has internalised homophobia quite bad and Ilya is trying to give him a safe space to come out to him, but I don't think Shane is out to himself, even after 8 years of this situationship. Shane is very prone to suggestion and the messaging around him all this episode is that to be masculine is to have a girl and a family. He isn't as secure as Ilya is yet of his own sexuality.

Dervie

imo shane isn’t with rose necessarily because they can be open about it (tho that’s def part of it) but also because shane doesn’t have many friends and here is this wonderful woman who he can talk to and laugh with. i think he might be misinterpreting his platonic feelings for romantic ones. because don’t forget he’s only been with ilya he has so little experience with relationships it might be hard for him to know exactly what he’s really feeling

Sam ! !

Something I’ve seen a lot of people not notice or misinterpret is the scene after the call with Ilya’s dad. He sits back down with Shane acting fine, and then Shane asks, ‘How’s your father?’ Ilya has a moment of panic because he thinks Shane understood everything he was saying, and he doesn’t want him to know what is going on with his dad. So he says, ‘So you understand Russian now?’ And when Shane says, ‘I only know the word for father,’ you can see Ilya visibly relax and go back to the hiding everything mode and not answering Shane’s question about his dad. It’s so subtle but it’s so good.

Ivalani

The way I understood it, that godawful talk about women and hookups was just Ilya trying to gauge in the clumsiest and most roundabout way possible if Shane is into women, if he hooks up with other people, and to tell Shane point blank that he likes him. But "not as person" of course lol. When he said he had to find someone new he looked straight at Shane but it went right over Shane's head. Also in the book Shane is really tormented by his internalized homophobia and he's trying really hard to supress his growing feelings for another man so that's why he jumps into a relationship with Rose so quickly after that intimate and vulnerable moment with Ilya. So much denial, but he'll snap out of it.

Jeannine_booksanddesigns_pa

A few things to notice for this episode: The contrast between Shane at the beginning pulling Ilya upstair and at the end having difficulties following Rose. The overall shot of the stair with Shane and Rose is spiraling- like Shane mental state is in this moment In the club scene - red light for Ilya (angry) and Shane (anxiety) and when their eyes lock both colors are present. There's also some people saying its the bi flag. The lyrics of all the things she said match the character's feeling we see in the shot. Shane having no luck finding a gingerall but Ilya provide one without him having to ask. He gives him what he needs Shane saying no to alcohol to his parents but drinking when he meet Rose and at the club - he's not acting like himself. He's not a club and partying guy The scene where Ilya talks with his father. The off center of the character in the frame vs the perfectly aligned art behind him. He's feeling destabilized in the situation. Same when he's talking with his brothers and is shot half hidden behind the wall. He's feeling cut off from what is happening

Bradam Reacts

BEEN THERE! in middle and high school i assumed that girls that I enjoyed being around were what other boys considered having “crushes” on. I didn’t understand in the moment that I actually just wanted a best friend! That I liked this girl but just in a way to keep her as a confidant. That all I wanted was her platonic attention because she was fun to have around, not that I was attracted to her. I thought pretty + funny + kind meant I had a crush!

Vicki

Shane freaked the fuck out when they got too close on that couch because he is not ready to accept that that’s what he wants. I adore that he met a nice girl and was immediately like “oh wow, maybe I’m straight!” - baby, you’ve just discovered the concept of friendship 🤣 catch up. I do think Shane running away devastated Ilya though. He planned that afternoon. He bought the ginger ale! Yes he’s jealous but he’s also just hurting. Every aspect of that man’s life has him suffering right now, it’s heartbreaking.

Bradam Reacts

Shane’s had 8 years to build WALLS OF STEEL around himself when it comes to Illya. I think literally the walls kept him from truly hearing him, and when they got intimate again, he felt his walls crashing down and eagerly moved to build them back up. He’s in fight or flight with Illya because Illya spent the last decade pushing and pulling with shane!! very good writing

Dionne Lakey

I think JJ is Haitian in the books but he might be Quèbecsois in the show not Brazilian.

JL

Sorry guys, but at least I'm not alone in my trauma now.

saturnvillage

the comment bradley made after the bartender said he was honored 😭😭 im screaming

Dionne Lakey

Yeah, you were right about "it was too boyfriend". From the moment Ilya asks him if he wants a Tuna Melt you can see his overthinking face trying to figure out what is all this sudden domesticity. Shane needs words to explain what's happening but Ilya is trying to show him he wants to move to a new stage without being vulnerable with words that he's not good at using in the first place. This is the most interesting (at times frustrating) thing about their dynamic. How they slowly learn how to understand one another. It would have happened much sooner if they spent more continous time together. But an hour or two every 4 to 6 months plus texting one liners here and there is no way to get to know a person. So cumulatively 8 years has been like a 4 month relationship.

Vicki

Such a good post!

Ellie Barnes

"How are we feeling tonight?" "I AM NOT FEELING GOOD" - Everyone after this episode

AM

I’m laughing at the total lack of recognition to the first few notes of “all the things she said” ugh makes me feel old!!

Dionne Lakey

What I found interesting to your building the walls back up point, is that when Ilya goes to cuddling and just stroking his hair, Shane initiates sex, this is the first bricks in that wall. Because sex is the neutral place. He's dialing it back. But it backfires because this sex becomes their first actual lovemaking. It is so romantic and sensual and vulnerable (I love that it was a 'sides' version of sex for this point to be made). And that then leads to the names. Backfired again. So yeah, quick more wall building because what is even happening! Poor Shane lol.

Fatma

I liiiive for your reactions, and I love that you always catch the small details!!!

IAmom

Yeah - Rachel said on her Instagram that Ilya planned the whole day and night.

Nicole T

JJ is French Canadian and Haitian in the book.

flor

i was also confused by that message about the cup but apparently it's about the protective cup hockey players wear down there (i thought i was slow but turns out i'm just illiterate in hockey). this ep ruined me, it's crazy how good they are at expressing so much with their eyes and body language even without saying a lot. ilya almost begging shane to stay, the whole club scene, shane forcing himself to enjoy something he clearly doesn't??? been there done that, i felt like throwing up while watching 🥹

Beck Huston

Woken up at 5 am by my cat. Checked to see if this dropped. Stayed up to watch it. I can't even count how many times I have watched this episode between re watches and other reactors, but you guys are my favorites. Adam, what are doing to that poor Christmas tree?

E

My insomnia really needed this ! Love the reaction. Thanks guys 🍿🥰🥰

Mathew Aquino

Your reaction was amazing. Love your analysis. You guys are so good at picking apart little things!! so just wanted to throw out a couple thoughts. Illya is not primarily jealous that someone else’s fucking shane. He is jealous that Rose can dance with Shane in public. That she can be seen at restaurants with him. That she can cheer for him at his games wearing his fucking jersey. During that club scene. In the book when he was dancing with that girl? Illya wanted to dance with Shane. He imagined it happening. And he knew that Shane would never allow it. The feelings!!! 🥺

Jenny D

I love your reactions! Honestly, my favorite HR reactions right now. Out of everyone who hasn't read the books, you both seem to understand the characters the most. So many people who haven't read the books are misinterpreting things or just not paying attention to certain cues or undertones. But you two are picking up on everything and not just taking conversations and interactions at face value/surface level, and you're still having so much fun. So refreshing and fun to watch!

VV

Agree

Justine Harper

Love going on this journey with you guys!! After this heart wrenching episode, I am hopeful that it’ll only go up from here!

T

Allicat

The symbolism of ginger ale this episode goes crazy. In the literal sense, Shane and Ilya have gotten to a point in their relationship where they just know little things about each other. Ilya just gives him ginger ale, Shane's beverage of choice, without having to be asked and even takes a step further by asking a considerate question "is it cold enough?". On a more metaphorical level, ginger ale represents what Shane actually wants vs what he is expected to want (being interested in men vs being interested in women). Throughout the episode, after the tuna melt scene, he keeps seeking out ginger ale but is either actively denied it or judged for wanting it. Everyone around him expects him to want wine or beer (women). After he starts dating Rose, he doesn't even try asking for ginger ale anymore and just straight up asks for beer. It represents how he has given in to doing what is expected of him as opposed to just going for what he wants. The one place where he could get ginger ale freely without needing to be asked or judged is with Ilya. Ilya is a safe space where Shane is free to be himself. It should also be noted that Hayden's house is also a place where they just have ginger ale stocked up for him and that can represent how Shane also deems Hayden and his family as a safe space, which is sweet. There's honestly so much more analysis that people have done online but all I know is that Jacob Tierney is an evil cinematic genius cuz what do you mean I could write a whole essay about ginger ale?!

Mockingjay

Been waiting for this… it did not disappoint. ❤️ Just to add (no spoilers) no matter what Scott decides to do, Ilya and Shane are an entirely different scenario because of what the league has built up since their rookie season. They have pitted them against each other in the press and they are supposed to hate each other. So regardless if Scott blazes the way, it still would be a much bigger story for Ilya and Shane to go public.

bryony polston

Been waiting for this one! Already can't wait to see the last two episodes with you. I've seen comments today that there's a media embargo etc about episode 5 as they don't want spoilers etc released but have seen comments that episode 5 is one of the best episodes of tv people have watched in a long time🤞

katyggls

To defend Ilya a little bit, it seemed clear in this ep that he really was trying to progress the relationship a little bit. Asking Shane to stay, making him food, having his favorite drink on hand (Ginger Ale). And yes even the talk about his sexuality where he tells him that he likes girls, but he also likes him. Now I think he did make some missteps. Like he loves his little "Shane is boring" jokes, but the thing is, I'm not sure Shane actually gets that it is a joke. And like he said right after he told Shane he liked him, "Not as person, of course, you have a good mouth". Ilya is entirely joking when he says that, and Shane even smiled at it at first, so Ilya THINKS Shane understands it's a joke. But after that line, Ilya gets up to take the phone call and the smile just disappears from Shane's face. He's not nearly secure enough in the relationship to be joked with like that and not believe it a little. But from Ilya's perspective, he tried to get more intimate with Shane by using his first name (wasn't sure if you guys had heard that it was actually Ilya who called him "Shane" first). And Shane balked. And he ran away. Ilya even said his last name twice as if to say "Ok, I didn't mean to scare you, I'll go back to calling you Hollander if you'll just come back". But Shane still bolted. And now, he has this very public relationship. I don't think Ilya is able to interpret that as anything other than a rejection. So he's hurting a lot. And yeah that last scene is a doozy. Yeah Ilya is trying to make him jealous, and it's working, but they're both so unhappy at the end that I'm sure he felt like shit about it.

Sophie Sjösten

I'm a straight woman and I'm unhealthily obsessed with these two men. Help.. haha. That ending was out of this world good and I'm not ashamed to say I have rewatched it at least 10 times by now.

T

Also.. media people who’ve seen ep 5 have said it’s one of the best ep of television they’ve seen this year so 😭😫

Ailovey

The way that in the club, when Ilya sees Rose’s friend, he immediately starts looking for Shane, then when Shane sees Ilya’s teammate, he immediately starts looking for Ilya. They are constantly drawn to each other

Ailovey

Also peep the ginger ale analogy. Hayden first mentions it at the aquarium how he & Jackie keep their fridge stocked w it for Shane, then Shane keeps asking for it (at the restaurant and party) but never is able to get it w out being judged for it. BUT at Ilya’s house-Ilya gives him ginger ale w out Shane asking for it because Shane likes it, no judgement at all. Plus Ilya doesn’t drink ginger ale so we know he bought it specifically for Shane.

Brian

Those boys are in LOVE because no casual relationship would allow a double-barreled JO session with TUNA MELT SPIT as lube

Mockingjay

Also to add, you have to remember that in the previous scene Shane had just told Ilya his private life is private and he keeps things that way. Then after Shane runs, the next thing Ilya sees is Shane plastered all over the gossip rags with a woman. Of course he is jealous, he loves Shane, but he is also jealous and angry at the fact he doesn’t think he will ever be able to be that for Shane. He doesn’t see a way for the two of them to ever be ‘more’ out in the open. I’ve seen some terrible takes on the scene where Ilya is asking Shane if he liked girls and he himself saying he liked them. People are taking that as Ilya being cruel and throwing his sex life in Shane’s face and that isn’t it at all. Ilya is trying to get Shane to confront his own sexuality. Because I think he knows once Shane admits things to himself, it will strip away a lot of the burden and stress Shane puts on himself. Also, Ilya clearly is trying to open up the path to more but until Shane admits to himself this is what he wants, it won’t go anywhere. Anyway, I could talk about these two for days so I’ll stop. 🤣

Mockingjay

Also, pay attention to when Shane starts to look around because he notices Cliff and Ilya’s other teammates. He knows Ilya is there so he starts to look and watch the lighting as soon as he spots him. The lights go from a normal strobe to a chaotic strobing to match what his heart is probably doing.

Simen

adam needing that pillow is so real 😂

Ailovey

And last my last comment, cuz apparently my brain can’t shush. When Ilya calls Shane “boring”, I don’t view it as an insult, the contrary, I see it as Ilya saying Shane is stable & safe & he Ilya likes/needs that because of how chaotic & unsteady his life has been. When Shane is scared off after they use each others first names, Ilya is terrified that he pushed Shane too far, the first time Ilya says “Hollander” he’s trying to erase what happen & return to the status quo of their situationship, but the second time he says “Hollander” it’s more like begging, “please don’t leave me, please stay” because ultimately, everyone leaves Ilya alone. (This show consumes me if that’s not obvious)

Rebel Pilot

So its good that not all are as far gone as me and my friend, cause once ilya saw shane in the club we went silent, and were just enthralled and pulled into the rest of this scene. The song is so fucking perfect. Both of them crashing out. Also hard dissagree, ilya opened up. Ilya said shane first, he was the one to ask him to stay the way he kissed shane after the couch. Shane fucking panicked. Ilya offered more than sex and shane bailed immediately. Mr. I am private then is days later plastered on every tabloid with a movie starlett who gets to go to his game, wear his jersey, and then in the club get to dance and touch him like that. And at the game ilya checking shane was for me a big fuck you. You bailed I opened and u baiöed and went to a damn girl suddenly. No contact no nothing. He also ignored him. No banter no looks. Ilya is so hurt here.

aisha alert

omg I feel like you guys are the only ones who get it that it was a SEXUALITY talk coming from Ilya😭 like poor guy was trying to find out who Shane is hooking up with and now everybody is jumping on him because he started mentioning girls bfrrr

katyggls

Just want to add that I loved y'alls reaction. You paid such careful attention to every detail. It's really appreciated.

Claudia Posch

Honestly, this episode was the best thing I have seen on my screen in ages. The montage, they NAIL that every time, and it was so awesome to see how both kept getting more and more on the edge by the fact that they only see each other so little. It starts to not be enough anymore. And come on, can we talk about how freaking adorable Shane was and looked in that aquarium? From the moment Shane knocked on Ilya's door, I think we all faded into another universe... It was EVERYTHING. Ilya's desperate try to make this as casual as possibly while trying to make it a date basically (he preplanned this for days), hidden in plain sight. OMG Then the clothes sharing, the ginger ale that Shane ONLY gets at Ilya's place (without getting mocked, showing he noticed what he likes), the banter (boring means ILY), the way they kept far apart on the couch in the beginning but their distance closed, the banter, the riding, the frotting... I really don't blame Shane for freaking out, since he hasn't accepted he is actually gay, but UGHHH. Ilya tried so hard to get Shane to say he is gay or to realize it... poor baby, he didn't know how to approach it and then Shane fled into a hetero relationship. I want to seriously cry every time. And that ending simply was mindblowing. the hold that song had on many of us in our youth plus that storyline (and that fucking head turn). Idk how they will top that but apparently the 5th episode is even better.

HenkSims

Great reaction! as usual! This episode was devastating but i still have hope! Thank you!

Sussu

it's so dumb that knowing how the story ends reduces 0% of the anxiety I feel watching ilya and shane go through it :'D

Nicole T

Some cool things abt Rose this episode — when we first meet her, she’s wearing a leopard print shirt. When Ilya is at the club, he’s wearing a shirt with actual leopard pelts on it. Rozanov is the real thing that Shane wants, Rose is the palatable imitation. (No shade, love Rose.) Also, Rozanov and Rose are intentionally similar. The root for Rozanov is the Russian word for rose! 🌹

Mo

Thank gosh that they pay attention to details!!! One of the few that understood that scene

Imane Bourhim

The bathroom looks nothing like Shane's bathroom, Idk why some people think that but it's wrong

Mo

I’ve seen this theory but no that’s actually happening both of them are thinking of each other to get off but the shower scene with Ilya is real

Frenchie R

Ah, yes, my morning show is on! I've been traumatized since Friday! 😀

Claudia Posch

Have to add: It's not a double standard actually... Ilya always told Shane that he likes girls and has shown that not one of them is something serious for him. And basically, he said, with stupid words, but still, that he doesn't really have someone else at all atm, and isn't looking for it. But Shane crashed out on the realization that he actually wants Ilya as a boyfriend, probably loves him, and he got himself something "serious" immediately. He delusioned himself into thinking the way he likes her has to be "it". Ilya sees that Shane now does those things with a girlfriend that they never get to do (being in public, holding hands) because of their predicament. He has every right to be jelly... but Shane has every right to try things out until he realizes what he really is. The moment where Rose sends Shane a text pre game, Shane looked left and right, thinking (and hoping per the book) that its Ilya asking for a hookup like always. And loses it a bit when he realizes he is angry. And both play like shit that night. It's so fucking good, I'm edging on insanity with them. Next week will be so so so so good.

Starter_guy

This is not enough 😭😭😭 After their match just after Shane backing off. When Shane tries to say he is beat and not up for clubbing all i could think was Shane was never “too tired” to see Ilya. Not after wins. Not after losses.Not after travel.

Jonas Schütz

Very nice reaction. Ilya and Shane both face the same issue: They strongly like each other (even love each other at that point), but there is no way that they can come out and live the way that they want to. And Shane realizes that during the couch scene and it becomes to overwhelming for him so he has to stop it. And Ilya sees that he is together with Rose and fears that he has lost Shane forever, so he acts out.

Rin Stewart

“Shane chirped at Scott & Scott shot him with a gun on the ice” made me CACKLE 😂

PyQio

Ilya's world is in disarray: his father has dementia, his brother exploits him financially, his friends only want to have sex with him, and now Shane is in a 'situationship' with a beautiful and successful woman. IMO, when he says he wants to get laid, he means that he needs a distraction that Shane can no longer provide, although he doesn't really know why. This is especially true after their last encounter at Ilya's place in Boston, where Ilya did everything "by the book", yet Shane left him there.

Claudia Posch

oh and last thing... YES that guy at the bar was Miles, Rose's friend. And since Ilya 100% stalked Shane after seeing that tabloid, he clocked him and just KNEW that Shane had to be there. brilliant!!!

Starter_guy

Also when he kept trying to look at Ilya at the game... guy is down bad for Ilya.

Starter_guy

Tell me about it, I feel like I have gone through a breakup 😅

Starter_guy

Yeah, that moment where it clicks and Ilya starts looking for his man 😫 same when Shane looks. All I could think is if Ilya went to him in that moment Shane would have caved

Starter_guy

I did wonder if this purely Shane scared of his feelings or worried that Ilya will hurt him down the line by leaving him for a women. We see how hurt Shane is each time Ikya blanks him for any length of time. Maybe thought he was in too deep not seeing a way to give Ilya a family

Starter_guy

The way Shane's voice breaks, how he seems scared left me in shambles. Especially when you have the club scene where he stares at Ilya and he looks devastating seeing Ilya with that women 😭

JL

In response to your worries about Tierney possibly cutting off a big hunk of the ending and moving it to Season 2, here's a spoiler-free reassurance, just basic logic: they did not even know they were renewed for Season 2 until very recently. At the time when they finished filming and editing Season 1, they had no idea if the show would even take off or get a Season 2. Because there was no assurance of an S2 and there is a rabid fanbase of book-readers whom Tierney et al. deeply respect and would not jerk around manipulatively, there is NO WAY IN HELL that they end S1 on an angsty traumatic or hugely unresolved note. No possible way.

Alisa Day

Noooo, tuna melt lube😩😩😩😩

Jeannine_booksanddesigns_pa

Shane panicking and getting a girlfriend isn't about Ilya and how he treated him over the years, it's about his own sexuality and internal homophobia. He has pressure from hockey, being a representation of a minority and having sponsored deals and he cannot afford to be gay. And Rose will help him figuring it out

LiliaC

Living for these reactions! It's the second best thing after the actual episode.

JL

I know, I'm like super stressed and worried about events that I **already know for a fact will happen** and turn out a certain way. Emotional involvement with a text and suspension of disbelief are a motherfucker!

CorreiaFoxx

Don’t worry Boys!! Jacob Tierney said we get a happy ending!!! The show was filmed and released and no Season 2 news was out! The Rachel Reid world has lots of great stories to tell😍

CorreiaFoxx

Right!!! Like we know and im still so shook

JL

Exactly, great take! Also, as long as Ilya is a hookup and not something real, Shane doesn't really have to sort out his identity and repression. But if it becomes a relationship with feelings, not only will they need to hide but Shane won't be able to keep pretending about himself and the comphet white picket fence life that everybody around him is actively trying to trap him in. So on some level, he does need to back off and sort the orientation thing out a bit -- even if fleeing in a panic is not the optimum way to do it.

Ivalani

Exactly, no double standards. In the book they both hook up with other people over the years, Ilya more than Shane definitely and it's never serious, but this relationship with Rose is Shane's first public relationship and one of the reasons Ilya was so hurt, he thought it must be a big deal bc up until then he never saw or read anything about the people Shane was seeing. He even tells him in this episode - I never hear about you with girls. Oh and in the book, Ilya is afrad to text Shane before that game bc he thinks Shane will laugh at him and maybe even show the text to his gf. My poor child. 😭

Claudia Posch

He loves him already, I'm 100% sure, but he can't let himself admit it. Both guys are so sad and completely head over heels. its so cruel they have to hide all that gloriousness.

Claudia Posch

I actually thought I was finished, but now I have another thought for you guys. In the book (and almost everything is laid out like in the book, so it feels like this thought is def canon for the show) Shane comes to Ilya's house with the decision to basically end this all, because he feels like it has already gone too far. (we saw them getting more and more desperate for more time with each other) Idk anymore if he was like "one last time" or if Ilya simply distracted him too much, but the moment he said "should we talk" was his attempt to get into that "end it all"-talk. But Ilya literally swooped him up and Shane let his guard down so far, he let the "Ilya" tumble out of his mouth. And then he panicked and cut the cord pretty hard and decidedly. I think if he wouldn't have been in that headspace already pre meet-up, they might have had a chance there. Heartbreaking...

JL

Ilya was also trying (badly) to tell Shane he's not interested in other people anymore. "I think I will find someone else . . . but I'm lazy" basically means 'I've already got you, so I'm not going to bother to find anyone else because I like you more than any of these girls." But Shane didn't hear it that way, of course.

JL

Those fries were NOT macrobiotic!

Claudia Posch

boring = I love you lol I love how it consumes so many people. Honestly, I've been in a ton of obsessions in my many years of life so far, but this easily hopped on the top. And it's so beautiful to see so many people from everywhere join that, so there is lots of places to talk about it.

JL

With an assist from Rose.

Elizabeth Gates

I think you're misinterpreting something a bit. Shane is the one who is more in the closet than Ilya. He's out and about with Rose because he CAN be. He's conforming to what people want for him, not what he wants for himself. Ilya's barriers are emotional, but he's always been more OK with taking risks (kissing in public on the Vegas rooftop, Svetlana knowing he is bi, etc.)

riley

yall are not ready for the long game

bryony polston

Honestly can't wait. I've reread the books and although I kinda know what they're going to be doing in that episode it has be on edge ready and waiting for Friday!

JL

Also juxtapose the two sex scenes at Ilya's house featuring Shane "on top" (positionally) and totally comfortable and natural and confident vs. Shane on top at the end with Rose and not any of those things at all. Jeez Louise, three whole more days before things hopefully get a bit less awful!

Claudia Posch

Right there with you... Idk what they put in there but it's addicting. And since this is my first ride into the MLM world, I guess I will be spoiled to the heavens and not be able to enjoy others as much lol

Helen Wilson

Love your reactions guys as much as the episodes. You guys are so intelligent and caring and romantic. Best reactions always 😭❤️

Kendall

The timing of the Christmas tree pillow snuggle 😂

Milana Smile

love your reaction as always! i didn’t read the book, but for me it seemed a little bit different. shane wasn’t scared about why Ilya changed his mind or that he doesn’t want anything serious in that scene or that he could lead him on something. he was scared that everything he wants can become real. that Ilya wants more than their little secret. he wants him to stay, he makes food for him, he didn’t freak out after Shane mentions his father. yes, shane wants it to, because we clearly see that he cares about Ilya for years. But Shane is sooo afraid of coming out. Noticing here that Ilya maybe, maybe, wants more that just sex from him and letting him in scared him so much because than he has to face his fear of coming out. which he can’t do right now. he is totally not ready for that. that’s why he panicked. he isn’t together with rose to have the emotional side of a relationship, he is with her because she is safe, she is what everyone, for example his friend hayden, expects from him. ans she is great and nice so why not try? but Ilya broke my heart. yeah, in the last years he didn’t open up to Shane. we as a viewer know more about what Shane thinks or wants than Ilya does. we saw the „we didn’t even kiss“ almost text, Ilya didn’t. he is closed off, he doesn’t do it to hurt Shane. yes, Shane tries to talk to him, but Shane never opens up about his feelings to Ilya or what he wants in their „relationship“ either. For Ilya they are on the same page. but Ilya slowly looses interest in just hooking up with girls, we see he cared more about a text from Shane than the girl who was in front of him. Like you said, Ilya was so vulnerable in that meeting-up-scene. he asked him to stay for the first time, he cuddled with him, he made him food, he was the only person who gave him ginger ale because he know that’s Shane‘s favorite drink and he made sure that is was perfectly cold for him, he opened up about his sexuality, he was so positively surprised that Shane knew the russian word for father, he called him by his first name. he was so happy to be there with him, and than Shane panicked because „oh no what if my situationship who i have some feelings for also has feelings for me?“. Ilya was soo hurt, he thought everything was going so well, maybe he could let that boy he cares about in, but everything it did was to ruin it. to Shane calling their thing off. him calling him hollander again, twice, to say „we don’t have to change anything, we can be as casual as you want, just don’t leave me“. broke me. and than Shane goes and gets a very public girlfriend, the same Shane who said that likes to keep his relationships with girls private. i don’t blame Shane because he is soo afraid and everytime he tried to open up more with Ilya it didn’t end well for him. but both are so miserable 😭 and the song and the „this is not enough“ for both of them 😭 can‘t wait for next episodes and can’t wait for your reaction!

Jo Orfino

The way Adam put that pillow in between his legs at 17:40 lol

Eleonora

Bradley’s ”Oh god🤦‍♂️” immediately after the episode ended is exactly how I felt

An Dy

yeah, you're crazily spot on

brittany 🌻

💜💜💜💜💜🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹

Jeanine

I think what does not get talked about enough is that they are rivals to lovers, yes but it is an opposites attract story too. When Ilya calls Shane boring it’s in an endearing way. Shane is comfort to him, stability. Something he does not get from his family.

JL

The way he smiled during their first hookup when Shane *folded his clothes.* He just adores the little tightly wound cupcake.

LiliaC

Everyone was horny but no one was happy is the perfect tag line for this show.

Dee

It’s different because Ilya is in your home and when you’re at home you’re more comfortable since it’s your own space so he slipped and let his guard down calling him Shane which screwed everything up. He has tuna melts already prepared 😭

CG

A lot of this episode pissed me off. The beginning was cute, but by the end I was pretty annoyed by both the leads and their bro-ish bad choices.

Elina

It's so sad to read and see how happy Shane is to have finally found a woman he wants to have a relationship with (even if the intimate part is difficult) and how much that falls apart when he realizes that it will never feel the same with Rose as it does with Ilya.

Elina

At the bar, Ilya recognizes Miles as Rose's best friend and realizes that Rose and Shane are probably also at the club. That's why he freezes and starts looking around for Shane. The same thing happens to Shane when he recognizes Ilya's teammates.

ondraya

Honestly I think Shane is doing that thing where he connected with Rose emotionally, but he's convincing himself that that equals attraction since he doesn't think being with Ilya is gonna be possible. But the club scene is the realization that choosing anyone else isn't gonna be enough for both of them. Also I am obsessed with that clip of Shane riding the fuck out of Ilya and if you eewatch carefully (or just find a gif on twitter idk) you can see the stretchmarks on Shane's ass and I've never felt more feral in my life. And ALSO shoutout to Jacob Tierney and Hudson Williamson for recognizing Shane's autism immediately and portraying it so well. Autism is a spectrum obivously, there's no one way to behave, but sooo many mannerisms of Shane's are familiar and I love it so much.

JL

Zactly, "boring" and "fucking asshole" are pet names.

Fiineval

I think treating their situationship like toxic relationship isn't right. They were never a couple. No one was trying to hurt the other ones feelings because there weren't supposed to be any. Both of them ignored that it wasn't true and even now when they can't they still don't see a future together. Rose is Shane's "the right girl" that is supposed to prove he is not gay.

ella

you asked why they chose that song for the club scene and the answer is that it's actually PERFECT for this. the lyrics fit their story and this point of it so well (it's a wlw song so same concept emotionally, just women!) and t.A.T.u. are also Russian!

Dionne Lakey

You're right. He really has to perform in social situations, and if he is autistic and often masking, it's no wonder he gets tired. He doesn't mask around Ilya though. He is completely himself and relaxed in those short bursts of time together.

aubreydink

I’ve seen other people touch on this, but I think it’s important to note that Shane is very very deep in the closet at this point. It’s not explicitly stated in the show, but in the book we see Shane’s internal monologue during that scene with Ilya and Shane on the couch, and Shane is TERRIFIED. Leading up to this he has allowed himself to stay in denial about his sexuality, he’s still telling himself (as we see from his conversation with Ilya prior) that he likes women, and he will eventually put this behind him and find a girl to marry. Ilya taking those steps to build intimacy (invite him over to stay the night, make him food, have conversations with him, snuggle, calling him by his first name, etc.) all start to shatter that lie Shane has spent his entire life telling himself. He realizes that no woman has EVER made him feel the way Ilya does, which is terrifying not only because it means he’s gay, but also because he’s fallen for the one person he absolutely cannot be with. That’s why he ultimately runs, because he is not mentally in a place where he can accept that he wants that kind of intimacy and relationship with Ilya.

LM-Entertainment Australia

the club scene reminds me so much of isak and even at the glow party where they're both dancing with females to make each other jealous and the looks.. can someone explain to me what was going on with shane + rose and rose's friend behind shane? ive read the books a long time ago and don't remember if it was in the book/s or if its been added for tv. thanks in advance! :) great reaction guys. pretty much me every episode is just staring and going "wow." haha.

Melissa

The first half is nice and then the last half has you feeling like you've been shot 57 times 😭

Sophie Sjösten

If I was a man, I would have had to do the same 😂

Bernard Escalona

If you notice the ginger ale he only gets it with Ilya. He didn't get it when he is looking for it with his parents and he was shamed by the bar tender for asking it.

Kendall

I agree. There were a lot of prepared containers there. He knew he wanted to host Shane. With his drink there and all. Maybe unintentionally, but he was showing Shane he could be domesticated with him. And Shane’s facial expressions during all that was excitement, love, shock, and confusion.

Odessa!

haha JJ isn’t brazilian, he’s a Haitian Quebecer! There are lots of Haitians in Quebec, especially Montreal, hence the accent

Jenny_M

Not me wailing "his face, his faaaaace!" about Ilya when Shane was leaving. Connor Storrie, the actor that you are. Conveyed about 500 tiny nuanced and mixed feelings in 3.5 seconds. (And, as always, your reaction was fantastic.)

Bradam Reacts

ohhh our bad 🤦‍♂️ thank you sm for clarifying!!!

Anaïs

and people forget that ilya is Russian he doesn’t always know how to express himself in English

Anaïs

Ilya "I don't know english enough for this conversation" Rozanov and Shane "I'm too autistic for this subtext" Hollander

Frenchie R

Ohhhhhh, lemme just add this to my many loved ep analysis. Right up there with Shane not being able to get Ginger Ale without drama anywhere but Ilya's. 😭

Nisa

Oh yea you got it exactly right

z

shane and ilya have two books, even if it was just them they probably have enough for 3 seasons

Mo

This! A lot of people forget there is still a language barrier there

Nisa

Author said Ilya prepared for daysss. Had his ginger ale and everything 😩

Claudia Posch

Perfect combination 🫠🤣 for drama

Mathew Aquino

Yes! And what I’m hoping is, they will include the other couples. We all know there are not a spoiler mixing them through not giving them a complete episode but giving them scenes. 🥺

Nisa

Jacob has said that we will be for sure getting a happy ending this season. So everything should have a satisfying conclusion by the finale. And then Crave posted Conner & Hudson reading The Long Game in their season 2 announcement, which is Shane & Illya’s sequel.

Nisa

Alsooo the girls talk convo on the couch was so cute to me. To me: Yes, Illya is trying to gauge Shane’s sexuality but he’s also asking are you single? Ilya basically says “I got this one thing with a good friend (who thinks well of you btw) , but it’s not like that anymore, she’s so busy and I’m not interested in finding anyone else (lazy comment). I like girls but I like you.” Then he pivots to Shane and in his weird English not being his first language way is testing to see if Shane is single by asking him about his situation. Ilya prepared all week for this, got ginger ale and made food just to see if Shane was willing to take the extra step & be exclusive 🥹

Anaïs

Best combination for misinterpretation lol

ri

iirc in the book, miles was being flirty with shane (which he was allured by) but they never actually danced like that together! it seems that miles dancing behind shane, along with the lyrics of the song were meant to convey shane’s inner turmoil with his sexuality and how he’s kind of “fighting” to accept who he truly is!!!

AK

To be fair, I don't think Ilya has a double standard when seeing Rose and Shane go public. I think he's not angry, he's hurt that he cannot give Shane what he can get from Rose because of the expectations around them/not being able to be out.

Steens

"No no no, turn this OFF!!" killed me lol yuuuuup

AK

A couple of things came to mind watching your reaction: I don't think Shane is with Rose because she can meet his emotional needs. To me their relationship is superficial, but it can be public. To Shane at this point, it's understood that in his world of hockey, he cannot be out. Similarly, Ilya is hurt because he cannot give Shane what Rose can - a public relationship. All of this turmoil because the people who want to be together cannot be together because of the world around them. At their level in hockey, they cannot even imagine being out, and on top of that, being with their number 1 rival. The use of the t.A.t.u. song is absolutely iconic - this song and its video was such a epic moment in the early 2000s for the queer community. It helped a LOT of young people come to terms with their sexuality. They're a Russian band singing about a lesbian relationship and the video showed the two singers kissing. It was a HUGE deal. Later the whole thing had some pretty intense controversy around it, worth looking up. Also, if you listen to the lyrics at the end, they mirror the feelings of people that the camera is showing down to the "when I close my eye I still can't block you out" when Shane is kissing Rose with his eyes closed. And at the end it just keeps saying "this is not enough" when we see Shane with Rose and Ilya alone at home. Jacob Tierney is a genius for this!

AK

In the book, it is clear that Miles is gay and is really into Shane. I think the dancing scene with the three of them is an added layer in the show. Both Rose and Miles are really into Shane, and I think this is SPOILER INCOMING STOP READING IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW - I think this trying to convey how open and progressive that friend group is when it comes to sexuality.

AK

I love that you added this context! He cannot even imagine a world where he could be out as a pro hockey player. He panics at the first sign of this being more than a long, but still casual situationship.

AK

The way the lyrics match perfectly with the different characters we see on the screen actually fried my brain I fear. It's genius!

Eduardo

Adding “we got RIDING” to my vocal stims along with “BHACKSHAAAWTS😱” from episode 2 😂

Ivalani

Also, I remembered one important thing that the show kind of glosses over and where it differs from the book. It's that both Ilya and Shane hook up with others during the course of their friends with benefits arrangement. In the show Ilya is depicted as this carefree fuckboy as opposed to sweet almost virginal Bambi-eyed Shane lol. Just look at that opening montage with Ilya partying and Shane reading his boring book alone in his bed. Ilya even stops sleeping with other men once he sleeps with Shane for the first time, he only ever hooks up with women while Shane has sex with both men and women apart from Ilya. And up until Rose it has all been discreet, that's why Ilya crashes so hard, I would probably be even worse.

Steens

Absolutely loved this reaction and your just...not being able to even hardly get words out at the end, I think we all felt that!

Henry Riley

I just want what Shane and IIya have ok is it too much 😂 love your reactions btw

CG

They both made pretty self-destructive choices (choices that also could have negative effects on others). It was aggravating. People say, 'Do sad;" but I say, "How aggravating" and "Do we need the 'sleep with a woman to find your truth' trope?"

Amber

Yup. That was Shane’s bathroom not the bathroom in the hotel.

Winniefred K

Where do we go from here 🤔😭

JessieC

crud I wrote a whole thing and my page crashed. I'm sure someone else said, but the at the end, Ilya is in a hotel with his teammate, they show him in the bathroom before the club scene and it has a basic shower/tub combo, the shower that Ilya is shown in in the very end is Shane's shower, you can see it's the same one as the one they are in together at the beginning of the episode. This means that Ilya's not actually there, it's Shane fantasizing about him while he's trying to have sex with Rose. I missed it initially; someone had to point it out to me. we don't know what happened with Ilya at the end of the night-- in the book they do confirm he didn't go home with the girl though.

Yara Heuvelman

‘And your rewatch….’ alright you don’t have to call me out like that

Beck Huston

Plus he is an actor in the series. Probably as famous as Rose

lauren

it was really ilya, that scene is in the book!

K

This episode is constructed brilliantly around so much subtlety and subtext. We start off with the club montage of Ilya realizing that he having deeper feelings for Shane then we switch to Shane and Hayden looking like to 2 gay husbands nd their baby, mirroring the relationship that Ilya is starting to feel. Then the tuna melt scene whwn Ilya decides to lay his cards on the table about being bisexual and trying feel Shane out about if he may feel the same way about him. The phone call from Ilya's dad interrupted them diving deepens in Ilya telling Shane that he liked him, but when Shane asks Ilya about his father that gives Ilya the impression that Shane really does care about him too. But Ilya's response was to cuddle and Shane's was to go for his dick, confusing the emotional with the sexual.....

Fiineval

Yes, t is the fact that with Rose Shane can have a "normal" relationship that fits in society and shane's own vision of himself. That is what Ilya is jealous about.

K

Then Ilya saying "Hollander" trying to turn back the clock on calling him Shane and triggering his gay panic. Then the next scene....SHANE'S PARENTS KNOW he may be gay.....and they're trying to draw him out in the same way that that Ilya was trying to draw him out. So back to back Shane has an opportunity to an emotional connection and love with Ilya and maybe acceptance from his parent but then he meets Rose, his safe closeted comfort zone.

K

Buckle up. Episode 5 is gonna be a rollercoaster.

Anne H

I hope they will show the scene from the book where Shane's dad discover his son is gay, I laughed out loud when I read that.

Sigrid

i just don't think that's true. that takes away from the other things that scene is communicating, that ilya ended up going home alone and is thinking of shane too.

K

Because it was like throwing it in Ilya's face after Shane dipped out on him. That's why Ilya was rubbing that woman in Shane's face in the club.

K

Compare thw start of the episode up Shane and Ilya on the stairs of his apartment like they're not even gonna make to the bed and the end of the episode when Shane is going up to have sex with Rose looking like he's going to his execution.

Sigrid

yeah, i agree. it's like he's very upset cause from his perspective he tried to be more vulnerable with shane and it blew up in his face, and then the next thing he knows shane has a girlfriend and he pretty much assumes that is a double nail in the coffin for their thing that they've had going on for years. and then he's also upset they can have a normal relationship that people celebrate, while ilya is terrified to really act on his feelings towards shane for multiple reasons where many of them are about the fact that their relationship would very much not be that, if it came out, but instead a possibly very scary thing (especially for ilya)

K

That zoom in was all of us! I've seen porn stars who can't work their hips in unison the way Shane and Ilya do. And that didn't come from no intimacy coordinator.

K

"I'm think I'm gonna be sick" Adam when straight sex shows up 🤣🤣🤣

K

Yes. Yes. Yes. Ive been saying this all weekend to people that that's exactly what's going on. Ilya is talking to Shane in the same way that they always talk to each other with the little digs and insults but it all comes down to "I like you, do you like me?" This is exactly how emotionally closed off men talk to each other. You constantly have to read between the lines.

K

Goddammit. That's a big spoiler for the people who haven't read the book.

K

Rachel Reid recently said she plans on writing more Shane and Ilya books and that they are the two characters that stay on her mind.

K

Sums it up perfectly.

K

Connor Storrie's face acting and acting skill overall is so off the charts. He is so different in real life from this character you get whiplash seeing the 2 side by side.

ally

it’s not an hallucination. the shower we saw at the beginning of the ep is not shane’s bathroom either. it’s a just hotel bathroom set. it’s really a budget thing 😭

K

Yep. Miles is checking Ilya out while Ilya recognizes Miles because he's been stalking Rose's Instagram and knows Miles is in her circle so if she's near then Shane probably is is too. The way Ilya went to the club to get laid trying to get over Shane but ended up back the hotel beating off while Shane is sexing Rose. There is so much mirroring in their actions and responses. It really does elevate the story even better than what the book does.

K

But he never wanted a woman and definitely had not been searching for and he never thought that's what he needed to be happy.

K

That's not a trope. Thats the reality foe just about every closeted gay man who is trying have the Norman straight existence that he is raised to believe is normal, good and acceptable. Shane is experiencing what every gay man has gone through since religion turned society against homosexuality.

Ingeborg

I think the thing with this episode is that it sets up how Shane feels pressured to fit a certain box, be a certain person. He's asked about girlfriends, babies, Swedish princesses, etc. It culminates in Rose, someone who should be everything he would want, but it's not. It's all him trying to fit into what he thinks he should be, and fighting against what he actually wants.

JessieC

It is an obviously different bathroom and shower from the one in HIS hotel room before the club you can see it at 41:43 , and it's the same one he was in with Shane at the beginning 7:57 , if it's a continuity mistake it's a big one... it certainly implied that he's not actually in it-- they are in Montreal... Shane's city, right? when they are in Montreal they meet in his apartment, so that would make it even more confusing if they're suggesting that's the hotel shower in Montreal.

JessieC

I was so confused by Ilya suddenly being like "I f*ck girls... lots of girls... let me tell you about this girl I've been f*cking..." out of nowhere and obviously Shane was confused by it too.

Elina

I wouldn't say that. After all, he keeps trying to sleep with women, but realizes that it doesn't feel right somehow. At this point, however, he hasn't yet concluded that he is gay; he simply thinks that his standards are too high and that he hasn't found the right woman yet. So when he meets Rose, he is really happy that he finally likes a woman.

JessieC

I think it's both. Shane is glad to have Rose because of his internalized homophobia, but ALSO because she's a good damn girlfriend he can be affectionate with her and he doesnt NOT like her, he might not be sexually attracted ot her like he "wants" to be, but I think he genuinely cares about her

JessieC

booo spoiler!

JessieC

the food too, everybody is always talking about his "gross food" but Ilya made sure he had food Shane could eat

Maria Stoycheva

who's gonna tell them? ok, let me be the 100th person to tell them - there are multiple books and Hollanov, don't you fret ;)

JessieC

I bet he had bought breakfast food for him too that he had planned to make him

JessieC

no, he doesn't WANT it, but it is convenient to have a woman that he genuinely likes to take the pressure off of him, and I think he does enjoy the affection and lack of fear he gets to enjoy with it-- it's SOMETHING that he's tryingt o enjoy-- but it's not enough (as the song was saying)

JessieC

shhhh we dont point out necessary pillow placement, let him retain his dignity, lol

Maria Stoycheva

I didn't want to believe it at first (because the book does tell us that he doesn't go home with the girl and it makes sense he'd jerk off in the shower instead) but I am starting to like this theory. I find it really heartbreaking that Shane has to imagine Ilya in his shower, so he can get off with Rose and the scene is filmed amazingly, so either decision works for me, really. In my heart, I know this is exactly what Ilya was doing anyway 🤷‍♀️😅

JessieC

the problem is that he knows Shane doesn't do casual like he does and that he's been his one exception-- so now he's not anymore. I think Ilya knows Shane wants domestic he just cant have it, and he genuinely seemed some kind of happy with Rose. Shane keeps insisting that he's bi (not our place to correct him even if it's implied that it's maybe not true) so Ilya might genuinely be worries that it's serious because Shane's never HAD a girlfriend in public and Shane's a serious guy.

JessieC

the book DOES have the jerking off in the shower scene, so... I don't know-- maybe they got lazy and didn't think we'd notice? if it IS meant ot be real it would have been more fitting to have him trying to jerk off in that sad 2-in-1 shower we saw in his actual hotel room than the nice one when he was feeling all depressed, especially since he had a roommate that night. extra awkward and pathetic feeling.

Elina

Then we probably just interpret chapters 14 and 15 differently. I would say that, of course, Shane doesn't have a deep-seated desire for women, but because of his socialisation, he assumes, somewhere in the back of his mind, that he should want a woman. It's only in his relationship with Rose that he repeatedly realises that even though she would otherwise be perfect for him, they are not physically compatible. Ultimately, he must admit to himself that he never intrinsically wants a woman, and that even with Rose, it will never feel the same as it did with Ilya. But up until he realises it's not working out with her either, I think he convinces himself that he wants to meet a suitable woman and doesn't question this. That's why he keeps trying, and he's so happy when he meets Rose because he really likes her.

Sylvia

“Controversial opinion: this is better than porn” 👏THAT’S👏RIGHT👏BABIEESSS👏 This is why the romance girlies (and non-girlies, ofc) love good romance—it’s sex as the vehicle for emotional storytelling, and when sex isn’t divorced from emotion and/or plot and instead given the weight and respect it’s due it’s so, so much hotter!

Mel Baker

"This is not enough" !!

Lauren Holz

Evan Ross Katz has seen it and was absolutely ravingggg about it on the Drop Your Buffs podcast, as one example

TheWhiteQuill

Ilya was trying SO HARD to open up to Shane though, and to get him to open up back. He bought ginger ale, he had ingredients ready for a food Shane could eat, he put on a hockey game so Shane would relax... he asked him to STAY!!! And then he broke the fourth wall by saying his first name.. and Shane said it back and then panicked because he hasn't admitted his true sexuality and feelings to himself yet (so even though he was more emotionally available at the beginning, and was getting hurt a lot by Ilya, he still wouldn't have been able to go there at that time as he wasn't admitting to himself that he wanted more). But Ilya did try now!! And then he desperately tried to pull it back by going back to "Hollander". I'm crying, I'm throwing up, I'm sooooo sick!!!!!!! But I've read the books thank god. lol

TheWhiteQuill

Love all your comments... you just get it!

CG

It's a trope. It is definitely a plot decide in many m/m love stories, the obstacle that helps them realize their true feelings (generally without much weight given to how the woman feels or is affected by the move... and THIS bothers me BECAUSE of real life situations I have seen.And no not everyone goes through that (especially off for him to have to "prove" something 8 years into their situationship.

TheWhiteQuill

Adam was going through it this episode! Also, the pillow placement was so real LOL

A.R. Dorado

I think Shane wasnt just guarding his heart. Shane is in so much denial about his sexuality that when Ilya brought the topic up as a way to Segway into talking about his feelings it triggered Shane.

Melissa K

very much agree with you on this. I think that if it it had been back in Vegas, it would have been different even then. Too much time has passed and now Shane is a two time cup winner and more people than ever depend on him and he can't just throw that out the window. It was fun for him when it was just sexting and occasional hook-ups but the second it got more personal he wanted out. Every single time Ilya tried to just be intimate with him at the house in a non sexual way, Shane turned it to sex until the end when it blew up and he finally admitted what he was already thinking, which was , I can't keep doing this. I think that Ilya saying he was with Svetlana and she likes him was his way of testing the waters to say he wanted Shane to meet her but the whole girls thing just blew up in his face.

Margi

I didnt think it was funny. But thats me coming from the experience of being "outed" against my will. I promise you it wasnt funny.

Breazee~

Right! Ive watched both and this is definitely better! Lol The emotional side, the closeness, the intensity is absolutely awesome and so much more hot!

Margi

There could be more written if they want. Nobody anticipated the ovewhelming response

Margi

theres author notes on her intention with this . Basically fear because feelings being shown. He cooked, he asked him to stay,first names...

KenDrickt

Please don't read the book or look at spoilers online for this show for now haha. I am loving these unfiltered reactions! Also, I love that brown hoodie of Bradrey from previous reaction of the show!

JessieC

I had to think hard and go back to the book to remember, Shane does reference some attempts with women but maybe I assumed they were unsuccessful. I'm pretty sure the representation of Ilya is on point but it was all suggested and not specified for who and when wne where he was with other people. The other men thing... I don't think it mentions it at all in their first book, I did not read their 2nd-- is that a spoiler?

Margi

been there done that. Crazy this club scene mirrors my life!

Rachel

Adam the subtle pillow move with a Christmas tree pillow I just DIE 😂😂

Rachel

This is honestly one of the best episodes of tv I have seen in a while. The fact that more is said in the spaces between words than actual words - how that last five minutes said fifty million things without a single word being spoken - just though how it was shot.

Margi

I am so happy for Connor. He knew he wanted to be an actor at a young age. He has landed a chance to show his range!

Margi

Nope .Its about denial. Hes trying to prove to himself hes not gay because it wont work in his life.

Margi

But you havent even seen her reaction . Nothing has happened. 1.Shanes on the spectrum. 2. Distance and time.

CG

Something happened.

Margi

Wow the actors should be so proud because this IS the story in the book

Margi

Ilya takes risks. But hes been friends with those two since childhood.

Bradam Reacts

UGH!!! your note about in between words is SO TRUE

Bradam Reacts

SOOO HARD. I think it literally triggered Shane's fight of flight to be talked to as casually as Illya did

Bradam Reacts

I honestly was embarassed about not having much to say... but I was sitting on the plane later that evening and it was all I could think about. I think it literally knocked the wind out of me

Milana Smile

that is so cool, the actors are really amazing!

snallahej

Baybay…..the scream I scrumpt. every time. between these 2 and Omar, I’m ruined.

Alexis Kahlert

Omg to share the significance of "All the Things She Said" by taTu, its a song by a RUSSIAN duo about dreaming of a girl, about being a lesbian, and it was VERY controversial (esp in russia) when it came out. (taTu is a acronym of a Russian phrase mostly translating to 'this girl loves that girl') The lyrics are so shane and ilya where theyre at in this part of the show "all the things she said running through my head" "i keep closing my eyes but i can't block you out" and most significantly "THIS. IS. NOT. ENOUGH" cuz the other ppl theyre with are not enough then oh my god the remix with the male voice a beat dropped lower??? KILLERRR

j-l

ive been seeing tweets with thousands of likes being biphobic bc of that scene and its so frustrating😭😭

JustinThyme

Such an amazing episode and an equally amazing reaction. In addition to the riding comment, I love that Bradley said we know they’re both in his hand! Seriously though this episode is so good. Ilya is ready to get closer to Shane and even calls him his first name for the first time. Shane at first responds in kind and then immediately panics and leaves. The rest of the episode is heartbreaking but amazing to watch. The dance floor really remind me of Evan and Isak. And that end! Woah! Can’t wait for the next episode!

Jacqueline

RYAN PRICE MENTIONED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! he is another character in one of the books hehe

MavenCree

That whole time at Ilya's house, right from "Stay" was him trying to tell Ilya that he loves him. Even telling him about Svetlana... after 8 years, he wants Shane to know who he is completely. Shane was even taking the lead in the giggity time. He's being more open with Shane than he's ever been with anyone, even using his first name for the first time. Aaaaaaand then Shane freaks the frack out.

MavenCree

I'm like... I really wanted to hate Rose... but dammit.... I like her.

MavenCree

Notice that when Ilya saw the picture on the phone, he moved it up and was focusing on the fact that they're holding hands in the picture... something that he and Shane can't do. I don't think Ilya would've cared if Shane had an occasional hookup, but the fact that he was in a "Romantic Relationship" with someone is what's hurting him and making him angry.

MavenCree

No that wasn't Rose's friend at the bar. That was Shane's team mate... And Ilya saw him and realized that it means Shane is probably in the club too, soh he scoped. Then Shane saw Ilya's team mate and realized HE was in the club.

MavenCree

Note that this entire episode Shane's been asking for a friggin' ginger ale (and seriously, what are these bougie places that don't have ginger ale?) meanwhile Ilya had a cold can ready for him and gave it to him without Shane even having to ask for it.

MavenCree

Can we just get Rose and Svetlana together just to tie everyone up nicely. Cause normally, I would hate any women who come in between my ships... but both of these women are so likable! (And no, I haven't read the book... Amazon says my book should arrive today actually. - so if this is where it actually goes, I don't know, but yay.)

Sarah Smith

Yes! And this is touched upon in the book when Ilya is watching the lake house video. He’s kind of upset that he’s never been there, never seen that part of Shane’s life and gets a ping of jealousy wondering if Shane has freely brought girls there.

MavenCree

You may now realize why this entire fandom has been crashing out since Friday and why both versions of "All The Things She Said" are charting again.

Ivalani

No spoilers, I'm only referencing their first book. They have a very memorable conversation (in Heated Rivalry) about a man from Mexico Shane hooked up with where Shane admits he ultimately didn't like it bc that guy was not Ilya. He also mentions hooking up with others in the prologue. Re. women, he mentions something about "enduring" sex with them. It probably should have been clarified better in the book but even if it wasn't for me it's funny how some people think that someone like Shane, a super successful handsome and rich hockey god only has sex like 3 times a year i.e. when he meets up with Ilya.

Ivalani

They will 100% include Troy and Harris and I can't wait. Also, Kyle appeared in ep 3 and they made sure we notice him at the bar where Kip hangs out. And there was a Ryan Price mention in this episode.

Levi Snazzy

The actress for Rose plays young Shauna in yellowjackets Idk someone mentioned that already

Elizabeth Gates

Yes, but Ilya also didn't care as much that Scott Hunter was next door and he doesn't have the same squeaky clean reputation Shane has to protect. Shane hasn't even acknowledged to himself (as of Ep 4 or the equivalent place in the books that he is gay yet.) Ilya is secretive but fine with being bisexual. And, as a book reader, it is clear in their thought processes that Shane is more cautious than Ilya is about this particular topic.

BriB

You guys are doing awesome!

MavenCree

Notice that Shane doesn't drink... until after he left Ilya. Now he's drinking at parties when he was always about the ginger ale. He's especially drinking when he's out with Rose. Not to excess, apparently, but still, it's a shift. (I wonder if Hayden will notice. He commented in this episode that he keeps ginger ale stocked at his house.)

Sephorah Elambo

no, Miles is Rose’s friend unless you’re talking about JJ but they weren’t in the same scene.

spoon

No the guy at the bar was Rose's friend Miles. Ilya recognized him because he's pictured with Rose a lot and was seen at the game with her when she showed off wearing Shane's jersey

spoon

obsessed with how ilya was like "i'm gonna ask him about girls to figure out his sexuality" only to go about it in a way that translates to "let me tell you about my side hookups of which you are just one" ESP after he put all that work into luring shane into staying with promises of ginger ale and tuna melts!! that man is on the road on and off for 10 months of the year he does NOT keep that fridge regularly stocked up but look how excited he was taking out all those tuna melt ingredients all stacked neatly and ready to go.

Claudia Posch

Absolutely!! It's tickling things in our brain porn could just never.

Anna Holland

Y’all’s reactions are my fave rn. The commentary is immaculate🤌🏼

K

I posted the video of him at 13 saying he wants to be an actor on my Twitter and it's honestly the sweetest most inspiring thing I've seen all year now that he's actually achieving what he set out to do....and is still his authentic self while doing it.

Andreina Colina

Guys, please read the books, you won’t regret it❤️‍🔥

alice.nowonder

I have not read TLG, yet. Would you recommend reading it before this season ends?

Maria Stoycheva

no idea, really. I haven't read it either but will likely start it before ep 6, just in case they decide to hint at something from in in the finale :)

Hal

I’m begging yall to read the books! You have so much more insight on Ilya. He’s such a great character 😭 Also, Jacob Tierney confirmed season 2 will be the long game! We aren’t leaving Shane and Ilya yet 💗

Anniina

The way Ilya says "Hollander" twice after the couch scene, it's like he's trying to erase the fact that he said Shane's first name on accident and scared him away😭 And the second "Hollander" actually sounded more like "please, don't go"🥺 This show is going to be the death of me🥲

Adam Michaels

I found it extremely interesting that every episode has ended on a down note that pulls at your heart. Very good directorial choice there. The episodes all seem to build towards something happy but then break. While I have read the books, I am interested to see how Tierney ends the next two episodes. We know there won’t be any changes due to the season 2 pick up but I am still very interested to see if the final episodes switch from ending on heartbreaking notes or are more positive.

JessieC

yeah that confused me too, I was wondering why tf he was romancing him so hard just to take the time to rub all of his sexual conquests in his face.

Bernard Escalona

Oh and if you checked the original russian version and check the direct translation it is above perfect!!!

katyggls

Y'all are sooo valid for that. I've thought about the end of this episode almost constantly since it aired. This show is made of drugs or something lmao.

MavenCree

Not either of them. Another guy. Don't know his name.

Lisandra Campbell

So the long game is actually about Shane and Ilya years later so I think that’s what they are going to do

G S

I lowkenuinely have had to pause this several times, walk away, and then come back to it or else I would have EXPLODED with anxiety. I guess it's a sign of how well Shane and Ilya are written and how well they are being acted and I am 100% all in invested in their journey. I'm being emotionally manipulated and I love it. 🥰

Gambit

“This is not enough” playing over the scenes where Ilya is masturbating and Shane sleeping with Rose fits so well!

Gambit

The fact that Ilya knew once he saw Miles at the bar to look for Shane shows how much Ilya tunes into Shane’s life

Gambit

The Gingerale! Ilya cares so much that he pays attention to what Shane likes. And Ilya’s second “Hollander” was basically begging him to stay

TheWhiteQuill

It absolutely was Miles. Shane did not go to the bar with team mates, he went alone to meet Rose. Ilya had been consuming media of Rose and Shane and Miles is always with Rose as they are filming together. Rose asked Miles to get them drinks... he went to the bar and saw Ilya (who he would also likely recognise as someone Shane played against since they've been watching and attending Shane's games) ... at that point Ilya realises if Miles is there, then Rose is probably there which means Shane is there and he starts to scan the room. Shane realises Ilya might be there when he sees Ilya's teammates. But at the bar that was 100% Miles.

Phoenix Beifong

Just finished episode 5 and I have been crying for the nonstop. Y'all not ready.

Chloe

I’m dead after watching episode 5😭😭😭Jacob is INSANE

Daniel

the not sutle xmas pillow move!

Precious Wah

I have just finished watching episode 5. I'm crying.

Precious Wah

As a recommendation, can you guys check out 10DANCE? It's available on Netflix.

DP

It’s really so great we can’t get pregnant , there would be a lot of babies born in 9 months

Rikke Hestvik

You guys need to watch episode 5 ASAP! You will NOT regret it!

Rikke Hestvik

I am actually in psychosis still istg

Helen Wilson

Guyssssss I need to see ur reaction to ep 5 asap.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Bradam Reacts

literally 😭😭 gaybies would LITTER the world

Mark Edwards

I hated this episode. While the soft core aspects are hot, I’ve dealt with enough closeted head cases that the story just isn’t entertaining. Also find the multi-year relationship arc unbelievable.

Bradam Reacts

while I would usually agree about the multi-year relationship (because it really has been soooo long) because it's their job to happen to see each other 2 or 3 times a year, I do find it believable that two gay/bi men would hook up in this fashion. I think the story behind the relationship makes the length make sense. I have to remember that they live in different countries and text... it's a long-distance FWB relationship that literally CAN'T be more than that for them right now. otherwise I'd think 8 years like this is absurd

Mad BABY

ep 5 is my fav so far.

Jose Palacios

Ilya had everything prepared. Did you notice that he had the groceries and ginger ale ready, also he had a chance of clothes for him ready. Ilya was waaaaay in love already. Episode 5 is a beast of acting.

JadedSims

That was me commenting about Shane being autistic :) it was confirmed by the author, but she said that Shane is undiagnosed, so he doesn’t know he has autism

TheWhiteQuill

I cannot wait for your reaction to Ep 5 !!! I've already watched it like 3 times...

TheWhiteQuill

Yes their jobs make all the difference here. As someone who had a FWB for 5 years who I only saw when we were in each other's countries (NZ and AU) a few times a year (we're still good friends just without the benefits now lol)... I know it can happen. As far as the closeted bit.. I can't relate because I've always been openly Bi, but since it's neither of them wanting to come out of the closet at this point it makes a bit more sense also. It would be different if one of them wanted to come out and the other didn't and they were still doing this... and meanwhile they are also hooking up with other people (In the books Shane does see a couple of females and has a couple of one off male hookups). So that is just some people's lives (like it was mine). I don't think it's common.. but it happens.

Helen Wilson

No need 😊, its a game changer tho. I just cant wait to watch it with you tho. You guys will cry 😢 😭

sirius

They are so bad at communicating😭🙏 Shane has undiagnosed autism and misses a lot of context clues and Ilya doesn't know how to communicate straight about his thoughts and feelings. Partly because of a language barrier and partly because of the way he was raised (emotions are a weakness) so you can imagine how well they communicate with each other💀

sirius

The scene where they are at the couch they are both trying to open up and get closer to each other, they just don't know how❤️‍🩹😭 Ilya tries to connect with Shane through talking about sex, something he is very comfortable with while for Shane that's a topic he is struggling with and doesn't feel as comfortable talking about. Shane tries to get closer to Ilya by talking about family, a topic that he is comfortable with but what is painful and hard for Ilya🥲 They are both trying their best with the cards they've been dealt😭💜 Also not you saying its impossible for Shane not to give Ilya head and being completely right, Shane loves giving head😭😭

sirius

Shane feels the need to be in control in every aspect of his life; hockey, the media, his diet, literally everything. The only time he lets go is sex with Ilya. He feels safe enough with Ilya to do that. Ilya on the other hand is NOT in control of what is happening in his life with his father, his brother, russia, his sexuality.. So when they have sex, it's freeing for Ilya too to be the more dominating one, to have some sort of control. Also it doesn't show in the series as much but in the books it's made very clear that Ilya is very focused on Shane's pleasure, making him feel good when they have sex! 🫶🏼

sirius

Not Shane queening out for the first time with Rose and thinking he's in love when he's just star-struck😭😂 No but we love Rose tho, she's the people's queen. Alsoooo... Rose×Svetlana anyone..? 😏 We need some lesbians in this show😭🙏

sirius

The slow turn when Ilya sees Miles at the club. Ilya knows exactly what he's gonna see. Ilya is so in love but doesn't realize it yet. This scene in the books is so heartbreaking from Ilya's POV. I can't stand people hating on Ilya for being jealous like dude he has the right to his feelings lmao AND ALSO Shane didn't do anything wrong either!!

Rachel

You guys have to react to episode 5 like yesterday. No waiting!! Do it now!! Omg I need you on this crash out with me immediately!!! 😂😂😂😂

Kovi

Just tell us when !! Episode 5 pls just say it

Kovi

The brazilian guy you claimed was is actually by the accent and word choice 100% french canadian native or a trickster for a perfect accent

Kovi

I am just refering as there native tongue as in he live in QC from childhood fir freaking sure with that accent no matter anything else that might indicate otherwise

Taleeeez

The way the scene was shot where Shane and Rose are going up the stairs was a cinematic panic attack. The over head shot of the spiral stairs, the spiraling of the shot, the use of the cover song with its slightly distorted and slower puts it all together. Shane was like he was walking to the gallows. This was not the choice he wanted to be making. God love Rose though cuz she really is that girl.

Natasha

Adam that lip lick is killing me

Natasha

“What’s going on?” Love you.

Timmy Gee

From Toronto - love you guys! Come 4 a visit :)

Eren Meza

This is a fantastic break down. Yes yes! I felt this so much.

Lonnie

He was definitely wrong for purposely trying to hurt Shane let’s be real

Marita Aura

Okay, I had to find the song playing in the restaurant, when Shane was playing cards and it took me about an hour to find the right one, plus a few other songs to add to my playlist. But then I looked this video again and found the song's name from the subtitles 🙈

Olha77

It`s so Skam, season 3,episode 3 moment in the bar! I think the director watched Skam... And the song, All the things she said, from t.A.T.u, russian pop duo- fits perfect!

Francis C

The last scene was way too personal for me. I've had these exact nights when I was drunk in a club trying to forget my ex, saw my ex's friends in said club, scanned the crowd, saw him, and then was sent into a panic spiral. I was telling my boyfriend that this is honestly a great depiction of a panic spiral / panic attack. The alteration of the music, the flashbacks no matter how hard you try to ignore them, the sensation of locking in on the trigger and not being able to get your mind off of it..... It's the best depiction of my worst nights out. I'm so thankful they directed it this way despite how actually triggering it was for me to watch for the first time

Jim

I wish the show talked about Shane’s autism, because that explains why Shane behaves the way he does. I think Hudson is doing a great job portraying Shane, and I think Connor is doing the same for Ilya. Both are great actors.

Meghan

Shane is all of our baby girl 😭😭😭❤️❤️‍🔥

TheWhiteQuill

Oh I've been there too! My ex and I were on and off for a long time and we went to the same clubs with friends frequently, and everytime we would see each other there is was so horrendous. And a bit twisted.

Jessica B

Thank goodness we have you guys to watch this episode with, it makes my stomach hurt at the end and to watch with you both makes it so much more bearable

Eli L

I agree that the fact that he's on the autism spectrum would enhance the discomfort about the ambiguous nature of where their relationship at this point, but even without that... Shane is finding Ilya's words and actions do not match and he's super confused. 1) Shane enters the house and asks if they should talk, as he often does and Ilya once again shuts him down to have sex 2) Ilya asks him to stay for the very first time, immediately clarifies "I'm not done with you", hinting that he's only interested in sex, but at the same is very sweet, and affectionate 3) He offers to make food for Shane, then downplays it straight away saying he was first thinking about making one for himself and Shane was an afterthought, then he's being considerate about the temperature of the ginger ale, hinting that he had it ready for him 4) He goes on and on about how he likes girls and makes sure Shane knows about Svetlana the friend he clearly cares about a lot and has sex with regularly, clarifies that's nothing more than than, hints that he might find somebody else, but doesn't say he wants Shane 5) He once again makes sure to tell Shane he's not funny and boring, before FINALLY telling him he likes him, but of course clarifies that he doesn't like him as a person, just for his mouth, i.e. sex, then wants to cuddle and calls him by his first name for the first time Of course Ilya likes him for more than sex at this point, he's probably already in love, and he doesn't mean what he says, but he still says them! That whole scene gives me emotional whiplash, no wonder poor Shane freaks out :(

Eli L

Yes, I've seen him in other shows in Quebec French, but clearly he was asked to accentuate his accent a bit for JJ, as opposed to François Arnaud and Sophie Nélisse (Scott and Rose) also Quebeckers, who are playing with a convincing (to my ears anyway) American accent.

Eli L

I'm going to recycle a comment here, but I think the first name was just the final straw. Ilya's words don't match his actions and Shane is extremely confused: 1) Shane enters the house and asks if they should talk, as he often does and Ilya once again shuts him down to have sex 2) Ilya asks him to stay for the very first time, immediately clarifies "I'm not done with you", hinting that he's only interested in sex, but at the same is very sweet, and affectionate 3) He offers to make food for Shane, then downplays it straight away saying he was first thinking about making one for himself and Shane was an afterthought, then he's being considerate about the temperature of the ginger ale, hinting that he had it ready for him 4) He goes on and on about how he likes girls and makes sure Shane knows about Svetlana the friend he clearly cares about a lot and has sex with regularly, clarifies that's nothing more than than, hints that he might find somebody else, but doesn't say he wants Shane 5) He once again makes sure to tell Shane he's not funny and boring, before FINALLY telling him he likes him, but of course clarifies that he doesn't like him as a person, just for his mouth, i.e. sex, then wants to cuddle and calls him by his first name for the first time Of course Ilya likes him for more than sex at this point, he's probably already in love, and he doesn't mean what he says, but he still says it! That whole scene gives me emotional whiplash, no wonder poor Shane freaks out :(

TheWhiteQuill

yeah you've got to look deeper than that... your whole interpretation is soley from Shane's POV... you also have to go inside Ilya's to understand why he does and says what he does and what the deeper meaning is. Of course, Shane cannot pick up on the nuance (as many seem to not be able to do)... because he's autistic.. that doesn't mean the deeper meaning isn't there, and that someone else wouldn't be able to pick up the cues Ilya is giving. It's just totally different communication styles... and neither is wrong, they are just different and can't pick up context cues from each other.

Adavan

Calling someone a "closeted headcase" is incredibly disrespectful. It's especially disrespectful when you're talking about two characters for whom coming out could be a catalyst for any number of very terrible scenarios - from losing endorsements, to losing their careers, to forcing Ilya, without a visa to stay in America, back to Russia to face possible jail and/or death. Please choose your words more carefully. There are many, many reasons people may not be able to come out and reading words like that can be damaging.

Eli L

Yes, I’m looking from Shane’s point of view because I’m explaining why he’s freaking out. And as I said at the end of my comment, I know Ilya doesn’t mean it like that, but that doesn’t change how it can affect Shane. I’m really not saying Ilya is trying to manipulate him, we have the context to understand where he’s coming from (Shane doesn’t), but Ilya’s push-pull behaviour is very similar to what you often find in a toxic relationship. Yes, Shane’s autism makes it even harder for him to understand what’s going on, but in itself, I think their whole interaction would be confusing for anyone.

TheWhiteQuill

I get it.. but neither of them are to blame. Ilya isn't consciously trying to manipulate Shane, he's trying to protect himself. And that does affect Shane yes. But so does Shane affect Ilya... like saying he keeps 'girls' private and then going and getting the most public facing girlfriend you can find just to run away from his feelings. Too many people infantalise Shane. He's a grown adult. It's not just up to Ilya to define the relationship... if Shane wants clarity he needs to ask for it, because at least Ilya was trying to get clarity in his misguided way perhaps, but still trying for clarity... Shane at this stage was still in major denial of his sexuality whereas we know Ilya is comfortable with his. So neither is to blame for this mess... but it's up to both of them to speak to what they want... it's not up to just one party.

Eli L

When Shane asks for clarification in Tampa Bay, Ily’s reaction is denial, frustration that Shane even brings it up and gaslighting. Until he finally breaks and then Shane is there for him. It takes 2 people to form a toxic relationship, it’s not so much about assigning blame. But if anyone I care about was in either of their situation and I only knew one side of the story, my advice for Shane would be « get the hell out of there », and for Ilya, « if you really like him, stop messing with him ».

Seattletodd

Thank you for doing this. I'm so glad I found your patreon page. You guys are incredible. I've enjoyed it so much watching it with 2 gay guys. I watched a reaction show with 2 straight guys. And that was good too, but this is so much better, but the straight guys really got emotional, like I've never seen before, so that was good.

sirius

When did he purposely try to hurt Shane? Never. If you mean the girl in the club, he didn't do that to hurt Shane. He did it to try to forget Shane and also probably subconsciously trying to make Shane jealous, but never to hurt Shane.

Winnie Bee

Wait bc you’re so right - episodes 1 2 & 4 end with one/both of them longing for more from the other but not being able to communicate it… it leaves us watching with the same feelings of endless frustration/desperation. I love how intentional every little detail is in this show

Isak

I actually disagree a bit with your analysis of Shane at the end. I don't think he got with Rose because she could give him the emotional closeness he didn't get from Ilya. I think he realized Ilya was finally willing/able to give it and the realness of it all freaked him the f out. So he feels safer having a shallow, fake relationship with Rose. It's not real, so it's not overwhelming. I haven't looked into the "Shane being autistic" thing, and I haven't watched the show any further than this, but I AM autistic and when Ilya said Shane's name and then Shane backtracked and ran out... That felt really relatable. It's like... you want more. The casual sex feels empty and hollow and lonely. But when you actually GET more in a REAL way, it's goddamn horrifying. The emotions can feel like being hit by an avalanche. The love can be so strong that it feels hard to breathe, like it's actually painful. So Shane feels the intimacy with Ilya, the realness of it all, and the emotions are overwhelming, he freaks, and he bolts. Ilya is clearly hurt. Shane tries to deal with his overwhelming emotions by attaching to a woman, but like, you can clearly see his heart's not in it. But it feels safe, not having your heart in it. That's my take. I kind of hope I'm wrong.

Kristin Crighton

Season 2 is the Long Game and Season 3 has been confirmed as well which will follow the new book that's coming out in June. All will follow Shane and Ilya because they have a lot of story left but the other characters do intertwine with them so maybe they'll give us an episode dedicated to one of the other couples each season.

Kristin Crighton

I don't know if anyone else mentioned this but the Vegas scene was shot at the end of their first day of filming. It was the first intimacy scene that Hudson and Connor shot. What a way to start, jump into the deep end.

Kristin Crighton

Sheesh, sorry for all the comments. I feel like throughout this show, boring has been something very different for Ilya. His family life has been chaos and pressure and abuse. For him, boring represents safety and security.

Marisa Jo Miller-McDowell

Before the tuna melt. Ilya had sex with other people yes but he didn’t end it with Shane. Shane ended it with him and then immediately got with Rose and these two have been fucking for eight years and Rose can date him in two seconds because they’re straight presenting can be at his games can show up for him all of that. I think Ilya’s heart got broken in that moment. This isn’t just jealousy. It’s heartbreak.

Adavan

VERY much so. A lot of people don't understand that.

Jodi_ice

I honestly have always felt like the first naming was a ‘heat of the moment, mind completely melted by the intense feelings and sensations oh my god.. I called you Shane/Illya’ moment. I didn’t think they did it intentionally…🥴 It’s like when people say they love someone during sex but they don’t *actually* LOVE love them.. it just slips out because of the intensity. 😂😂

Jodi_ice

Don’t break my heart even more!!! (skips off to my happy place and thinks of them where they are now, remembers the many…*many* times, and *ways* Shane has made it up to Ilya for doing that 😂😜😂)

Jodi_ice

I have 1000% done that slow turn after seeing the friend of a situationship in a club. I *didnt* then go off& get with a random bloke.. 😂 but that was just me being the eternal optimist 😂🤦🏼‍♀️

Jodi_ice

Also, he *especially* doesnt want to be alone after that phonecall with his dad& fight with his brother… but he’s not going to *say* that to Shane…

Jodi_ice

Totally feel you. I had a few situationships at uni that were the same- except I wouldn’t go off with someone else, because my neurospicy petty ass decided I only wanted *him* 😂😂😂 so I’d just spend the whole night watching. Some nights I’d ‘win’ and he’d make his way over before the lights were turned on… others I didn’t and I’d go home with my friends grabbing food on the way and bitching about it all 😂

Jodi_ice

*THANK YOU* I was starting to feel like some kind of old fogie or something for remembering t.A.T.u and all of the controversy over the release of this song in 2002! (But shut uuuup at the song being 24 years old 🫪) One thing that made me laugh when looking it up again was because of the Hudson &Connor interview where they’re reading filth tweets and there’s the one about needing a dentist.. well… the song was actually based on a dream one of the writers had at a dentist’s appointment 😂😂😂 It was the first Russian song &act to have a top 40 in the US & is the highest placing Russian act to date. The video was controversial because it depicted two lesbian school girls and many nations removed the scenes of the girls kissing. Also because they were in school uniforms people said it was sexualising children etc etc… The bigger controversies though were to come three years later when one of the girls announced her pregnancy… people started going on at her, but she reminded them they never said they were together. Infact they actually said they *werent* (and hello… bi erasure here anyone‽!!) Then in 2014, the bigger controversy when the *other* girl said that she would *not* support her son if he came out… 🤦🏼‍♀️ And if you dig even deeper, you find the duo were put together in 1999 when they were 14, by producer Ivan Shapovalov. From the start he called the act an “underage §əx project” that he put together because he “found it funny”, saying that t.A.T.u was purely designed for the “male gaze”… 🙄🙄👀 It’s such a hard thing because the song itself and the lyrics gay straight or bi are just great for so many situations. But when you know everything behind it it’s like eeps… but the song is still so gooooood 🥴🥴🤦🏼‍♀️

Kitty Betham

If you read the book you woukd know that Shane was freaking out about Ilya being “boyfriendy” so Shane initiated the couch activity to get his control back

Eric Snyder

I did a cursory glance through the comments and didn’t catch anyone remarking on Ilya in the shower at the end. It seemed to confuse a lot of people but I think the consensus is that it’s Shane imagining Ilya in the shower when trying to perform with Rose. Evidence to back this up is that it is not the hotel shower you see behind Ilya when he’s staring in the mirror after the game. It does appear to possibly be Shane’s shower at home in which you saw Ilya fellating Shane.