Home
Creators
Search Recent Random
Posts
Search DMs Popular Hash Lookup Tags Random
Importer
Import FAQ
Register Favorites Keys Review DMs Logout
Community
Telegram ThePornDude
Home Creators Posts Import Register Favorites Logout

Watch S1E5 of "Heated Rivalry" with Me | "I'll Believe in Anything" (Patreon)

Published:
2026-05-07 08:30:33
Edited:
2026-06-30 03:11:58
Imported:
2026-05
Tags:

Videos

  • 659122011.mp4

Downloads

Content

Files

Comments

A

CANT WAIT TO GET HOME SO I CAN WATCH THIS 🙌 an hour and a half left to my shift 😫

gothamnightlights

I hope you’ve been doing well, and much love to you always 💙

gothamnightlights

I hope you have a great rest of your shift!! Much love to you always!! 💙💙💙💙

Rsbl

The conversation with Rose at dinner made me cry sm. Shane facial expressions killed me. Hudson really nailed the shutting down and going no-verbal under stress, like he had me crying my eyes out for him, you could see the fear, relief, acceptance all at the same time❤️‍🩹

Sebastian Siwek

Ohhh my god never jumped quicker on a video 10am in berlin and episode 5/6 i was waiting to watch with u here we go ^^

Dennis A

I've been waiting. Exited to see what you thought about this one. 🙏🔥🏒💞🏳️‍🌈

Rain ༊*·⟭⟬⁷

I’ve been doing great. Much love to you too. I can’t wait for episode 6 💜🫶

Sebastian Siwek

calling your brother a F Slur and living of the money of him and still wanting more , sorry not without putting work into it but Alexi no hope ! i am so greatful for my family and i know how greatful iam to have 2 siblings and both parents and we still do sunday lunch every week .

Sebastian Siwek

little easter egg in the time of ilya was in the room shane's pulse dropped from 122 to 81 ( ilyas jersey number ) Rose is Jennifer Lawrence aka Mystique from X-Men

Chigirl22

You just made my day! Watching at 5 am--who needs sleep anyway??

Sebastian Siwek

Skip ( Scott and Kip Ship name ) not skipping the episode

Rsbl

We all got cuteness agression over high Shane at the hospital let’s be honest 😅🥹 Also, after they realize that they have fallen in love, the fact that their sex scene isn’t shown makes the episode even more powerful ✨

Sebastian Siwek

hey you been warned episode 5 and 6 are 10/10 episodes ^^

Ashley Phelps

Skip is also their ship name lol Scott and kip is skip and Shane and Ilya are Hollanov the Skip epsiode is vital for the first watch but after that I do skip it because I like Scott and kip but I LOVE Shane and Ilya and their dynamic so much more the skip episode is more like a regular romance movie but Shane and Ilya are so much more complex and interesting to me but yes now you know why Scott's book is called "Game changer" because he changed the game for Shane and Ilya 💜

Sebastian Siwek

and youe meant Ilya and Shane ( Hollanov or Shilya as Ship names ) are favs to Skip but me myself and I love all 5 couples from the books ! do u planing to read the books ? if please in order ^^ let me know please

maggie6122

Oh man I was crying alongside you Dylan… such a good episode! Also love that your cat somehow sensed a pivotal Scott/kip scene and made an appearance 😂 I literally cannot wait for the last episode (my personal fav)!!!

Joshua Rodman

Our host getting us through another week. .... Marley doesn't get much screentime. In the books it's sort of natural to have a bunch of secondary characters on the teams who get occasional interactions with our leads, giving us a feel for how Ilya and Shane are navigating the sport, the locker rooms, the pressure. But for the most part they're just in the background, providing a taste of environment more than being identifiable personalities. For the show they're obviously high on the list to pare down even further. ..... Different people have different reads on Alexei's words and actions. I don't think Alexei believes Ilya is attracted to men, and just tosses the f slur around casually because he's awful. I believe this because I think if he DID think that was true, I think he would try to use it actively to extort money. As for why he's so awful, I think this is because their dad, Grigori, has emotionally abused them both for their entire lives. Ilya has responded to this with attachment avoidance, and an inability to be open about what he thinks and feels. Alexei seems to have responded by becoming abusive himself. Which doesn't excuse him, he still has agency. I just see a picture of generational trauma interacting with Russia's toxic levels of patriarchy, and Grigori probably telling Alexei that he's worthless compared to the golden boy.

Kim Simpson

Made my morning when I saw this drop. Can’t wait for the Cottage! Hope you will react to some Connor and Hudson interviews they really great! Thanks ❤️

Joshua Rodman

Alexei is certainly a "piece of work", and I too would cut him off. But I see him mostly as a casualty of their dad Grigori. We've seen how much he emotionally abused the golden boy Ilya. Alexei probably got it even worse.

Tymm Reacts

I loved watching your reaction to this episode. I did want to clarify something for you, though. It's called "The Skip-isode" not because anyone disliked it. Skip is the shipname for Scott and Kip. Episode three is based on the first book in the Game Changers series, (Heated Rivalry is book two), and is called Game Changer. It received 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, so, it was liked...like, a LOT. It may be that the fans of the books knew what was coming added to the fact that it was a sweet and romantic episode with a painfully melancholy ending that made it popular. But the "skip" in "skipisode" was not a negative thing. I adore your reactions. I want to see you do more queer content. Have you seen Heartstopper, yet? If you haven't, would you react to that? I'd enjoy seeing you react to the series. Have a great day!

Jaxx Cordd

Told Ya! :) this show is worth the watch

Rsbl

Tbh I find Scott and Kip’s relationship so boring and too idealistic (meeting a cute guy at a smoothie bar and asking him out without knowing anything about him, like please 😂😂😭), but I get why episode 3 is important.

V

When you said “I love my mom” ❤️ ❤️ ❤️!!!!!

Vicki Lewis

Dylannnn!!! You made me cry!!! You are emotionally perfect in this episode! Oh and I don’t think your cat likes your picture haha 😸 anyway pack your bags we are going to the cottage 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

Nat from Oz

Yay episode 5 best episode ever.

Joshua Rodman

I think on rewatch there's more going on with them then it first seems. Scott is barely able to even get over his fear to flirt properly. Kip is too self doubting to go for and then to stand up for himself. But overall agreed, their lack of complications does mean there's only so much scope for a story.

Mark100

1:06:50 Sigh. I would watch -- hell, I would *pay* to watch -- a compilation of the instant when each reactor realizes what Scott is gonna do. You did not disappoint.

Joshua Rodman

There's so many important moments in this episode, but for me, on rewatch, the one that resonates with me most is Svetlana talking to Ilya and telling him, in subtext, that he deserves love, that he can be worthy of love, and therefore to go embrace it.

Ivan Velez

*** Scream!!! Like a 12 y/o girl*** just woke up and saw this … ty, ty ty watching it now 🤣

Jure Gasparut

I love this episode! Your reaction is so wholesome. Can’t wait for the Cottage episode 😭 After watching the show, I binge read and listened to all 6 books in one week. Such a great story ❤️

Mark

Best bedtime TV watching ever.:) All women are amazing in this show!

ChrisMas

Yay!! It’s here, looking forward to enjoying/experiencing this with you!!

Catherine Strachan

I so loved watching you watch this episode. Your reaction was priceless ❤️

Edward

Lol it's called the SKIP episode because Scott Hunter and Kip ship name is SKIP.. don't worry people love that episode

Ivan Velez

You’re right, Ilia going back to sexual jokes after pouring his heart out in Russian to Shane is a coping mechanism… even though he’s financially successful, his emotional abuse by a heartless world is so all encompassing and he has become so broken that he can’t even imagine a life with Shane so he retreats to deflection every time he even gets close to feeling emotions. He loves Shane more than anything but at this point he is so vulnerable that he can’t even say it in Russian and has to pause for a second before he confesses how much he loves Shane. It’s absolutely heartbreaking 💔 ❤️‍🩹 😭

Ivan Velez

It is unfortunate because they do have a complex relationship in the books. Time being the heartless bitch it is, they had to cut so much to shoehorn the series first book into 1 episode it’s a shame. They price you pay when making something with limited budget.

Ivan Velez

And Miles is nightcrawler 🤣

KnightOwl1978

Thank you for letting us watch this show with you! See you at the cottage!😃

Kyle B

SKIP is their ship name! Scott and Kip! LOL

Adavan

This was a fabulous reaction! 👏👏 There are so many amazing moments and scenes in this episode. Let's start with the ending! It is absolute perfection...the moment we see Scott realize that he needs more than this milestone, he needs to share the moment with the man he loves...the immediate demonstration of just how much representation matters...the music swelling perfectly...the way the camera circles around Scott and Kip on the ice and then around Ilya and Shane watching at home, symbolically encompassing them all together in that moment because it means so much to all of them. Just absolutely incredible! The scene with Shane coming out to Rose (with her gently and beautifully nudging him along) is so sweet and heartbreaking at the same time. Hudson absolutely nails that moment, the tension, the fear. The way he like, swallows and the way he holds himself, so rigid - it's like the truth is trying to burst out of him and he's doing everything he can to stop that from happening. The Russian monologue, as the scene has come to be known, defies description for me. Connor Storrie is such a ridiculous talent. To nail that depth of emotion, that vulnerability and heartbreak, in a language he. does. not. speak! is insane. Makes me cry every time. Also Moonlight Sonata playing in the background! Jacob said he wanted to find a beautiful piece of music to put behind that scene to show that that's what Ilya's voice sounds like to Shane while he's speaking. Shane can't understand the words, but it's like beautiful music washing over him, and it evokes powerful emotion in him. This show was created with such endless attention to detail; that's what makes it so endlessly rewatchable. I can not wait to see you at The Cottage!! ❤️ P.S. Shane in the hospital is about he most adorable creature ever! 😍

Ivan Velez

I am so glad you enjoyed this episode as much as I did. For me it was absolutely beautiful and I cried all through it. Can’t wait to see your reaction to episode 6 😀

Kyle B

They call it the man aquarium in hockey….that’s the technical term

Ivan Velez

I’ve read book 1 & 2 which are the ones depicted in season 1 after watching the show even though I bought all of them. I’m waiting for season 2 to read more books but I don’t want to spoil the show’s emotional impact by reading what happens before I watch the shows.

emerraldx

squeeeee! 😈 so excited for my breakfast date w/my favorite reactor to my favorite episode of my favorite show 💕 but I have to wait for hubby to leave for work 😅 he thinks I am weird for watching this silly thing over and over 🥺 and being addicted to all the fanfic/tumblr arts (stayed up way too late reading on AO3)

WILLIAM jewelry

The moment Dylan realized that "two dudes are going to kiss on the ice" and he looks into the camera with his sly smile... priceless!

Susan AKA Maisy13(YT)

This is my favorite episode, only slightly beating out 6, but this episode is how we get 6. I think that Ilya and his brother have a very complicated relationship, and I don't think it even has to do with Ilya being Bi, but more with how their father probably pitted them against each other and because Ilya has natural hockey talent, even though to Ilya he didn't feel like he was loved more, because his dad was so critical of him, he gave him more attention, and his brother probably felt resentment towards Ilya and calling him that slur is maybe just a common insult in Russia, it wasn't so long ago it was a common insult here. I don't think we'll get more of their relationship is season 2, because I've read the book, but season 3 might have something, becasue Unriveled should be out then, and I think that's supposed to explore more of family issues, though that is not guarenteed. I kow it's probably been mentioned, but Scott and Kip ship name is Skip, so maybe that is wny episode 3 is referred to that, though some do skip in on a reheat becasue it is a kinda a stand alone, though obvi. ep. 5 has their big kiss. I thing any way you watch is fine. Rose and Svetlana are both great! All the women on this show are great, and I know the worry is real when you think someone might betray Shane, but it is a joy that Rose is mature and is understanding and understands her worth. Also, surprise kitty appearance. Very cute! So, I guess no Jaws rections, huh? lol. Anyway, on to The Cottage!

Alan Mitchell

Incredible Reaction Dylan. Not sure if anyone else has brought this to your attention, #5 of Heated Rivalry is the highest IMDB rated episode of all time (actually tied with

Alan Mitchell

Breaking Bad episode "Ozymandias".) We're talking about beating out every

MavenCree

Been waiting for this one!!! 😁😁😁

Alan Mitchell

Game of Thrones episode, Sopranos, The Wire and other masterpiece shows.

Alan Mitchell

Only two episodes ever have had a rating of a perfect 10 with IMDB.

jo

@16:57 absolutely baby boy knows who he is now. I hear that disco song in my head, “I’m comin out!”. I saw one reactor that, in the Rose & Shane scene earlier, when they cut to them walking out of the restaurant, they were like, “okay, but like, why do you look gay now?” - 😅 like he’s already holding himself differently

jo

@32:45. I really appreciate you respecting the complexity for Ilya. So. Many. Reactors. and viewers are like, fuck Russia don’t go back yay - in the most American way. Ilya’s entire cultural reality is completely lost on a lot of people. In his culture, folks don’t walk away from their people and family as easily as we do here (& I saw that as a kid who is estranged from family - it’s a privilege to have that as an option). There’s nothing simple about it for Ilya, and his mom is buried there. So I appreciate you having some reverence for how much we can’t really understand what he must be feeling.

A

Okay got caught up in hella chores after all. This is my reward 🫶

Michele Willard

I have watched loads of reactions to Heated Rivalry, but yours was the best 😊, no speaking over the actors, you understood and reacted perfectly and to see the emotions on your face made me feel as though I was watching it for the first time again. Thank you ❤️

FTLNewsFeed

Ivan: You are safe to read book 3 "Tough Guy" and book 4 "Common Goal". There's nothing in them, except for the fact that the book 3 couple exists, that is even mentioned in book 6 "The Long Game" from which Season 2 will draw its' material. Book 5 "Role Model" is also said to be coming to Season 2, so I'd skip that. You can also read "Time to Shine" and "The Shots You Take" by Rachel Reid as they are excellent, but not put in the Game Changer universe.

Sebastian Siwek

I would not read when he don’t read upfront . Book 4 will be a part of Skip‘s mini series and book 3 is a big part of beginning of book 6 and book 5 /6 are season 2/3 the film July to December back to back plus tje mini series for Skip. So u can the 2 books TtS, TSYT, are nit HR related and stand alone

emerraldx

Awwww Heathcliff joined in for the most epic part too😻 knew you were gonna make me cry watching this episode but that was more than normal after this many times. I love you too Dylan & your mom 💝

jo

I think I’ve seriously seen nearly every reactor out there (many of us have) - seeing you experience this was really special. I love your heart and spirit. I was watching your face during the Tampa hotel scene, when Shane said, “would you want to be, if we could?” … just so appreciate you. Get some real tissues for episode 6; your sweet face deserves more softness than paper towels. And yes, I get raging headaches when I cry. ((hug))

jo

P.S., looking forward to one day seeing you watch Heartstopper and Young Royals.

emerraldx

yes so much this, I’ve reheated enough not to need to see much of the picture itself anymore and just spent those last 5 minutes hugging myself lost in Dylan’s facial expressions reliving that first viewing emotional crescendo 🤗

MavenCree

Scott and Kip = Skip. Hence Skipasode. (Not as in 'skip this episode' 😂 Even those who don't like ep3, would NEVER tell you to skip it, ot episode5 wouldn't have the impactof that ending. )

DramaQueen Malèna

One more complication for Ilya: He doesn't have American citizenship. If he's outed and he loses his job because no hockey team signs him, he loses his visa and has to go back.

jo

just want to invite folks to practice some open-mindedness & curiosity around Ilya “coping” through returning to connecting through sex. I hear a lot of assumptions & judgments & analysis from folks along these lines, which I assume is their own sense of what might be true for themselves, but it’s important not to debase sexual experiences & connection as *less than* verbally articulating feelings.

jo

When Ilya’s father dies, these two men have been connecting and showing affection and care to one another through sex for 7 plus years - it’s familiar, safe, nostalgic, comforting. Ilya’s had very few experiences of opening up and being vulnerable and soft with Shane at that point, and one of them resulting in a hugely painful rejection and period of losing Shane. There’s no objective truth to judging sexual experiences as more shallow or less meaningful than expressing emotions or talking. Ilya could have gone clubbing, or gotten wasted - he didn’t - he called his boyfriend. He is turning to Shane for support.

jo

And in general, I would caution all of us to try to refrain from judging anyone’s instinctual way of coping with a parent dying or any trauma. When Ilya is in Russia, in an unsafe place, around hostile people, maybe it’s not wise for his nervous system to be flooded with feelings. I hope we can trust his way of surviving and not assume it’s avoidant or maladaptive.

Michelle West

I'm exactly the same, unfortunately so many people keep referencing things that happen in The Long Game, without warning of spoilers, that I already know more than I want to about Season 2. Jacob has said it will include Book 5 (Role Model) and Book 6 (The Long Game) so I might read the first four books before the show, still not sure.

Michelle West

Also, so many reactors forget the mundane issues like Ilya being dependent on having a visa to stay in either the US or Canada. If he is openly gay and forced to go back to Russia it would be catastrophic for him.

Michelle West

Although I like Episode 3 I do sometimes skip it when rewatching the show. It's really important to the overall story but I find it a bit boring so don't really need to see it again, whereas I could watch Ilya and Shane forever.

Michelle West

So many people miss this point. Going back to Russia as an international celebrity, seen by many to be representing his country, while known to be gay who be unbelievably dangerous for him.

A

Excellent and thoughtful reaction as always 💖 it was a real treat to (re)experience this masterpiece with you and I'll see you at the cotageeeee !!

DramaQueen Malèna

I was a bit disappointed because Kip is a little bit boring in the show. In the book, Kip is an out and proud gay New Yorker, history student, he loves to go to bars and clubs and he has a great friend group. And he definitely wears different outfits. I don't understand why he wears just boring black or dark t-shirts, not even a ring, a necklace or a nicer sexier top. Because that's what Scott liked about him. And in the book there is also this class difference and Kip didn't accept living at Scott’s and expensive gifts. And he's intelligent and really charming and fun.

jo

💯

MavenCree

Yeah. I usually only watch the beginning, cause... incredibly bodies, up to the art buying part. But I would never tell anyone to miss the whole thing. Gotta watch it at least once.

Rsbl

Yeah, and also the lack of chemistry between the actors playing Scott and Kip 😅 Shane and Ilya had me hooked after just one episode bc their chemistry is just on another level, but I didn’t buy it with Skip.

Timothy Alberts

OMG, this episode kills me every time I watch it! In Ilya's monologue, before Shane closes his eyes, he hears Ilya through the phone, and when he closes his eyes, he hears Ilya as if he were there with him...together. When he opens his eyes, it reverses, and he is again hearing Ilya on the phone. The scenes in Russia always give me chills as I remember the time I spent in Moscow in the early 2000s working on a film. It was in February, and 20 degrees below zero, and snowing every day. The interiors are so accurate, all the dark wood and the grandeur of the palace. We were told by our "handlers" that we would be monitored at all times, and there were cameras in our hotel rooms. Moscow felt foreign like no other country I have visited. Love you too💖. PS, I thought you would like to know that the hockey arena is known as the boy aquarium!

Jill

SCott & kIP Scip a sode

Loon4life

I couldn’t wait for you to see this episode! It’s my favorite in the whole season. You will LOVE episode 6!

Jill

This was awesome thanks for it. Also, your headache from crying is a situational blood pressure issue so drink more water. Maybe that will help. Now, off to re-watch this again before bed tonight.

Ganicus

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 amazing, brilliant. This episode is so revealing of Ilya's true character 🤯 , always gets me. Thanks again for these amazing reaction videos. Your input is very mature, deep, thoughtful and relatable. YOU are great! 🤩

rhiannon leigh

I loved your reaction! This show is so amazing 🫶🏼 ep 5 & 6 are so perfect…

Joshua Rodman

The moment when he starts steeling himself to do it.

Steens

I’m only part through this but I legitimately laughed out loud at “punching cooters together” 😂😂

V

No no no don’t edit yourself dylan, you are spot on with your reactions!!! Just go get it, lots of love back to ya ❤️

mac20

I didn’t think the final scene with Scott and Kip kissing on the ice could be any cuter, but then your beautiful cat sauntered in behind you. Perfect timing to make the emotional scene even more adorable. I hope the paper towels you’re using are the super-absorbent kind. :’(

Steens

Had the biggest grin on my face at your reaction at the end. I love seeing people just get hit by it. It’s such a great show and an amazing episode. Enjoyed watching this reaction! 🫶🏻 P.s. love your nails so much!

gothamnightlights

I caught that! When they were painting her blue lol so funny to me

gothamnightlights

Thank you for being here!! I hope you had a great day today :) 🙏🏻💙

gothamnightlights

Oh that’s sick!! I can’t wait to read their book! 🙏🏻💙

gothamnightlights

I definitely do plan on reading the books! Very excited for that :) 💙

gothamnightlights

Maggie!! Much love to you always :) And yes it’s crazy that he joined me for that moment, he’s so smart 🙏🏻💙

Dennis A

See you at the Cottage. We're all still here. You'll see... 🙏💚

gothamnightlights

Thank you for this! I really enjoyed your perspective on Alexei and Ilya. They both definitely have their trauma but one is using aggression to express himself whereas Ilya is more reserved. Very insightful as always :) Much love to you

gothamnightlights

I definitely will and thank you so much for being here!! Much love to you always!

gothamnightlights

Thank you for telling me that, it went completely over my head that their ship name would be Skip!! And yes, I had someone reach out today about Heartstopper so expect to see that soon! I'm so extremely grateful for your time and for you being here :) Much, much love!

G S

7:56 "He has to be playing dumb about Miles. There's no way he didn't know (that Miles is gay)." I really liked this characterization detail. I remember when I was closeted (decades ago) that I was constantly anxious in any given situation thinking to myself "How would a straight guy react to this?" So when Rose starts talking about ANYTHING having to do with gay people, this panic sets in: Would a straight person have noticed that Miles is gay? How would an accepting but definitely NOT gay guy notice about Miles? So here Shane is definitely "playing it safe" (as you said) because in his mind he's trying to act as nonchalant about it as he imagines a straight guy would act. ("....or whatever." 😂)

LittleRedBus

I also think it’s really interesting that he was saved and Ilya’s phone as the Colonel in the first episode and then in the fourth as he’s starting to lose his mind more and more Ilya is calling him papa… it’s so devastating that he can never know Ilya, and Ilya won’t get a second shot at a relationship with him - they can never really know each other and yeah he’s still preserves the sweetness with the term of endearment despite an obviously broken relationship.

gothamnightlights

Truly, truly heartbreaking. But such a beautiful and hope filled ending for this episode!!!! I can't wait to see what happens next :) Much love to you always!

gothamnightlights

I'm definitely looking forward to reading the books after! And thank you so much for your kind words and for being here :) Much love!!

gothamnightlights

Agreed, they're all so powerful! Thank you for being here!! Much love!

gothamnightlights

I can't believe I'm only just now learning that lol!!! i.e. I definitely should've done the math in my head. Much love to you always!

gothamnightlights

Thank you so much for being here, and I'll see you there! Much love to you always!!!!

gothamnightlights

Lol I cannot believe that went right over my head!!!! Much love!!

Jill

Good points, plus it's only been a few times each of those 7 years.

LittleRedBus

One thing I think we don’t discuss enough is how Ilya is expected to be a top notch communicator in a second language. He is still looking up words (compatible) to try to understand - which I think is also related to his default mode of sexuality and flirting. He is finally able to be vulnerable here but he can only express it in Russian. Another obstacle. Also in the Russian monologue the line “I make sure the food is always perfect” sends me back to the tuna melt scene. Ilya has planned and prepped food, stocked his fridge w gingerale - and it’s not enough in the moment - just like all his giving and caretaking is not enough for his family either. Shane leaving reinforces all the trauma . Easter egg: in the Tampa hotel room Ilya has ginger ales stocked in his mini fridge for Shane again. Shane can only get what he wants from Ilya.

gothamnightlights

Wow, using Moonlight Sonata in that way is actually genius! And yes, I agree, Connor Storrie has absolutely killed this role. In a good way, I mean. It's still hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that he is not actually Russian!! Now that we are approaching the final episode, I just want to say your ability to bring little details to my attention that I definitely would not have caught on my own means so, so much to me. I'm forever grateful for you, and I look forward to seeing you at the Cottage :) !!

gothamnightlights

You single handedly always make my days better with your comments! I am truly grateful for you :)

gothamnightlights

Love this comment!! Also, I hope you and your loved ones are doing well :) Much love always!!

gothamnightlights

I'd understand if they don't go much deeper into the relationship between Connor and Alexei, but there is a part of me that will be happy if they do :) After some time has passed, of course. And yes, their ship name went completely over my head which is insane! The comments I was referring to were, like you are saying, people talking about how they usually skip this episode on their rewatch :) I can't believe "Skip" didn't calculate in my head though!!

gothamnightlights

Also, I agree with you about the women of this show, they are so grounded and powerful :) I look forward to seeing you at the cottage, and I am so very grateful for you always!

Maria

Role Model and The Long Game take place almost concurrently. It’s like two POVs of the same timeline (or really four because there are two viewpoint characters in each book)

Ivan Velez

Thank you but there is no guaranty that Jacob won’t use the 3rd episodes in the next seasons to address those other books therefore they will stay in my shelf until I’m sure 😂

gothamnightlights

Thank y'all so much for this :) This show has changed my life in so many ways, and I will always be grateful for it :) Much, much love to y'all always

gothamnightlights

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this :) Thank you, thank you, thank you. And yes, I will be watching Heartstopper soon!

WILLIAM jewelry

I saw that you were not wearing your frog ring this time (I notice since I make jewelry). What are your ring sizes and I will send you some things to wear. reach me direct at bill@designlifenetwork.com and where to send (PO Box or where ever).

Maria

I loved this reaction 💗💗💗 The success of this show has really just shown me how many people love to see love and romance. And we’re starving for positive portrayals of male relationships and queer joy. I feel so grateful to Jacob Tierney and team for bringing us this series in an otherwise uncertain and challenging time. Dylan, I see you said you want to read the books—I’m not a big reader but after I finished the show I read all the books in a week 🫣 I would love if you did a read-along or posted highlights on Patreon. Fair warning, though, the books are more sexually explicit than the show! ❤️‍🔥

Kurt Lindquist

All day at work all I could think of was my episode 5 date with Dylan…and you did not disappoint 😘. Ilya’s tunnel monologue, for me, is the most powerful 5 minutes of tv I have ever watched. Probably driven by the exceptional writing and directing and of course Connor Storrie’s gut-wrenching performance…but it also hits me hard thinking of how my older brother treated me similarly (calling me the f word at as early as 10 years old). I think a lot of people connected very deeply and personally with this show and it is clear the show has impacted you too, Dylan. You should bring your cat to the cottage next week! Black and white tuxedos are the best cats. My black and white, Luna, passed away nearly a year ago. She was my buddy and a total sweetheart.

Mark100

No, I'm talking about the reactor, not the character. Look at Dylan's eyes at that moment.

gothamnightlights

Wow that’s insane! Moscow definitely seems beautiful and it’s nice that you weren’t alone while you were there :) Also, I love the boy aquarium!! My mom’s boyfriend loves hockey and sometimes she’ll say “the boy aquarium” but yet another thing that never clicked for me 😫 I love it. And I love you, thank you so much for being here! 🙏🏻💙

gothamnightlights

Thank you for this^^^!! I’ve never known why my head starts to absolutely kill me every time I cry but I’m also notorious for my lack of water intake!! Also, so much love to you always!! 💙💙

gothamnightlights

Thank you so, so much for this :) Eternally grateful for you 🙏🏻💙

gothamnightlights

Thank you! And yes, I’m definitely looking forward to episode 6!! Much love to you! 💙💙💙💙

gothamnightlights

Thank you for this! My son has a habit of making everything better and more special :) And they definitely were not the absorbent kind so I’ve definitely learned my lesson on that!! Investing in some Kleenex for sure. Much love to you! 💙

Bradley Weeks

I've been looking forward to watching this all day long. Couldn't wait to come home put my feet up and relax and watch this reaction. Thanks Dylan, This was fun. So glad you enjoyed it. Looking forward to "The Cottage". It's my favorite episode.

Adavan

Aw, that's so sweet!! I'm always more than happy to yammer about Heated Rivalry and our boys! Thank YOU for doing the series justice and just *getting it*. ❤️

Thomas Labruna

A small but important nuance that could easily be missed...Shane freaked out in episode 4 on Illya's couch when Illya said "Shane" right before he came and Shane responded "Illya". He couldn't deal with that level of intamacy

Thomas Labruna

sorry t.....in Episode 5 (when they hugged after Illya started to cry) before he left Illya specifically said"Goodnight, Shane" to tease Shane a bit and this time Shane smiling said "Goodnight, Illya". After the level of intimacy they shared, no feaking out this time. Also, noteworthy no sex was depicted in this scene or for that matter no where in this whole episode. Nothing to interfere with their growing acceptance of intimacy which was developing throughout the episode.

SirMatelot

Beautiful reaction! You are the only reactor I've seen that listens as intently to the Russian monologue as Shane does. Thank you for letting it play out without interruption. Also, I'm loving that your eyes filled with tears during the hospital scene. Skipisode is just short for the Scott and Kip episode. By no means was it meant to imply that anyone should skip episode 3. Sorry if I gave the wrong impression with that portmanteau. Skip is short for Scott and Kip, just as Hollanov is short for Hollander and Rozanov. Music and lyrics are very important in this show. Moonlight Sonata plays during the Russian monologue and I'll Believe in Anything (I need sunshine) plays when Scott brings Kip onto the ice. At this point, Shane and Ilya are still in moonlight, while Scot and Kip are in sunshine. Looking forward to your reaction to episode 6!

WhitB

Your reads are spot on!

@baydreamer

Don't sleep on Young Royals. One of the best TV series I've seen. And Jacob had HudCon watch it in preparation for HR.

@baydreamer

We like Rose. We love all the women in the show.

Shane Cawley

you are so enjoyable to watch with thank you for sharing yourself. its refreshing that you do

Tami

Beautiful reaction! You're definitely right about Shane being more confident after his conversation with Rose. And he just seemed to feel lighter. And I love it that you noticed the change in Ilya when he said, "It's okay." It's like his first instinct was to put his walls back up, but then he told himself, it's alright, you're safe with Shane, and let the walls back down. Just two little words, but they revealed so much. A line in this episode that breaks my heart every time is in the hotel room when Ilya says to Shane, "You don't like me." Because you know that's how Ilya sees himself... unlikable, unlovable. He needed Shane in his life to show him that he is worthy of love. Looking forward to joining you at the cottage!

James

So I joined your Patreon just for this (and for episode 6 when that drops). I’m honestly so glad I found your channel — your reactions have become some of my favorites. I’ve watched a ton of them, and yours just hit differently. So thank you for that. A couple of easter eggs for you, if you’re into that kind of thing: In this episode, when Shane is in the hospital, right before Ilya turns to leave, Shane’s heart monitor jumps from 80 to 81 — Ilya’s jersey number. It’s such a tiny detail, but it adds so much meaning once you notice it. And during the tunnel scene, right before or during Ilya’s monologue, a police car drives by. It gives this subtle symbolism of “what you’re doing could get you thrown in jail here,” which adds a whole extra layer to that moment.

Calzoncit

I know what people say and think but I don't know. Scott and Kip are the show for me. Whenever I rewatch, I just watch episodes 3 and 5. I like Ilya and Shane too but, Skip makes me more emotional. Call me basic or whatever but sometimes we need a fairytale too, and that's the reality of the situation as you say.

Seb Celt

Your side-eye game is flawless.

David Wayne Fox

Beautiful. Dylan, you are the first person I've seen react to this with microexpressions... a term I just learned recently that referred to Hudson Williams' performance as Shane. I've seen many reactions to this show and there's a lot of screaming and crying and laughing and sobbing...justifiable enough considering the masterful filmmaking here. Here, I love that you are just totally you, soaking this in and obviously very moved by it. Honestly, I was somewhere in between after watching this episode... I was sitting in my living room alone and tears were streaming down my face for a solid 40 minutes after the episode was over. You expressed gratitude for this fandom, and this fan is grateful for you, too... you have at least one gay friend in New York. See you in the cottage! Love and hugs😘😘😘

Chris

You did another great job with this one. I know some others talk more, or might be more openly emotional and animated (sometimes to a fault) but I love your more subtle approach. You are paying attention and, when you do stop to say something, you always say things that are thoughtful or right on point. One huge example is pretty much everything you said after the All Star Game. The number of people that have zero concept of the fact that Ilya truly being with Shane is not an option for him. He's obviously fighting it, and was starting to get over that fear to start #4, but that's why he says "we can't" twice in the hotel room. So many people truly don't understand how Ilya just doesn't "get over it" and be nice to Shane. Whenever I tell people about the show, I always mention that Shane is on the spectrum and that being openly gay or bi is NOT an option for Ilya. When the show starts, Russia isn't great, but it had been getting better for a little while. By the time the Olympics come around, Russia had taken several steps back in that area. You noticed that Ilya was opening up when he told Shane it was ok when he asked about his brother on the phone. It's small, but it's meaningful. Also mentioned Shane being boring, and we all know by now that Ilya really loves boring. This was also the episode that truly got me to cry too. The end of #3 got me a little bit, but not like this one. #5 just keeps coming at you with hit after emotional hit so it's just a matter of time before one lands. Cam

Chris

hit enter again by accident. Just wanted to end that i can't wait to see you watch the last episode. It also has a bunch of hits, but they are a bit more subtle and different than #5's. It's just beautiful and you will surely love it.

Carly Shue

Im too happy we are here. Im SOOOO excited for the next ep!!!!!! PLEASE bring tissue!!!!!!! Im months into this mess and Im still at the cottage. SOOOO EXCITED

Robert N. De Santis

Called the "Skipasode" because it is a combo of Scot and Kip. Love your sweetness.

Neil Redknap

Remember in Episode 3 when Elena is dancing with Scott and says to him that Kip deserves sunshine and so do you? In this episode, I loved that a song with the lyric "I need sunshine" was chosen for the scene where Scott has Kip come down to the ice. So thoughtfully done. The perfect tie-in!

jcdp1129

As always great reaction! You have become my favorite reactor the I follow on Patreon.

Roy Bergeson

I've watched many reactions, but yours was different. I felt I was watching the show again with a really fine person, a caring, decent friend. Watching it WITH you felt real. Your comments were great, but the takeaway for me was you as a fine, honest, caring person. Can't wait to share the cottage with you..................

eeeezypeezy

I've seen this episode....some amount of times... and it still makes me feel like I could lift a Ford F150

Joshua Rodman

I was just saying that, in addition, that moment gets me.

Joshua Rodman

For me, book Scott is not so interesting, a man struggling to find his way out of the closet. This isn't a boring situation, but it's one we've seen many times. But Scott in the other books, as someone who is so clearly and forthrightly happy to be out and visible and who loves to keep showing up for people, while uncomplicated, that is the figure we haven't seen enough of.

gothamnightlights

Thank you for this ^^^^ Gosh this show has made me realize how long it’s been since I’ve had a Ginger Ale and I want one so bad!!!!! Much love 🙏🏻💙

gothamnightlights

I will definitely be checking out the books! This show has absolutely blown me away so I can only imagine how well written the books are!!!!! 💙💙💙💙

gothamnightlights

I am so sorry to hear about your loss, but I know she had the best life with and because of you :) Much love to you and yours always 🙏🏻💙

gothamnightlights

Thank you for being here!! I’ll see you at the Cottage! 🙏🏻💙

gothamnightlights

Absolute love this detail, thank you for pointing it out :) 🙏🏻💙

gothamnightlights

“Skip” being their ship name completely went over my head lol! I look forward to seeing you at the Cottage :) Much love to you always 💙💙💙💙

lisabts

I really didn't love Ep3 because it felt a bit hallmark-y to me and I missed Shane and Ilya, but Ep5 wouldn't have the same emotional payoff wihtout Skip, so I can appreciate Ep3 for what it is.

Keen

The scene of Shane on the rowing machine at the beginning was a direct homage to a Hitchcock filming technique

Keen

At the hotel bar when Ilya’s sitting there nervously, sees Shane walking in with the confidence you spotted, I love the way Ilya mouths “OK” to himself and downs his beer, our man needed a lil pep talk 😉

Keen

Ilya doing the finger taps to his temple for “glasses back on” may be the single most sexy nonverbal in the whole show

Keen

Their sexual banter I think has evolved over the series from a distancing tactic to even in ep4 becoming a way of saying “we’re ok, this is what we do, it’s our thing.”

Insatiate Hope

Your reaction was everything. Closest thing to being able to experience it again for the first time ourselves. Beautiful. ❤️✨

Keen

When we got to the NHL finals match and Dylan stopped during the end of the game twice I was totally in “don’t you fng DARE pause once the song starts or we will end you!!” mode. Very relieved Dylan survives to Reactor another day 🤣

Keen

I said elsewhere that their banter goes from distancing in the very early episodes to a sign that “we’re ok, this is what we do, it’s US,” even in ep4, but I think it’s true for all of the ep5 banter. And not to tag-team too much on your point about dichotomizing, but the whole “sex is a way of avoiding real emotions/intimacy” attitude can sometimes reflect homophobia, internalized even. People can forget that when highly closeted, sex is often The way to build the connection, not just an adjunct that comes once you’re in love. And that’s as legit a way to do relationships as verbalizing. I say more cishet couples should be open to it. And more media portrayals should celebrate it.

Keen

Your fervor over it was really cute, though. And there really were people who failed to get that without Skip’s story, Ilya and Shane’s (“Hollanov” 🤢) relationship arc and the whole point of the show doesn’t have the impact Tierney is going for. He didn’t have to include 2 books. He chose to do Skip in the middle and do it as a stand-alone episode strategically. Without Skip, The Cottage loses important heft.

Keen

Tierney also picked Moonlight Sonata over all the available love and romance music because he wanted something that is timeless (as opposed to picking some Swift love song that’s way popular today) and that is so baked into Western consciousness as “Romance” that the audience would just sink into the scene.

Chantal Harris

Omg I love this episode so much. I fully believe that by the time the guys meet in Tampa, they have both fully recognized their feelings for each other. Until now, their encounters have all had moments of awkwardness, miscommunication, etc. In episode 5, they are fully embracing every moment together. Chatting in the bar and on the beach, being playful in the pool, having honest emotional conversations, teasing after sex, calling each other on the phone... They are being boyfriends! Don't even get me started on the hospital scene....

Keen

I think the mundaneness and choosing not to show all the complications/struggle from the book was exactly the point. After two fraught episodes, we get one hour of the traditional cishet romance narrative, full of all the gauzy tropes—meet-cute, he falls first, side characters who only exist in relationship to the couple—and yet homophobia still wins…Which underscores the reason society needs to Queer Romance. And that’s what Tierney is doing with his specific choices when adapting the series. The Skip story is a necessary piece that allows the escalation from 4 and 5 (with Skip back as a bookend) to get us what we need to fully understand and appreciate The Cottage.

Keen

yeah, 3’s typical cishet arc is exactly the point. People gotta see it once to get the whole reason why Romance needs to be Queered. It’s the contrast to Hollanov, the very same ole yawn of it (for some people) that ends up being the point

Keen

I LOVE how Tierney was so meticulous that every lyric of “I’ll Believe in Anything” is perfectly synced with a shot, almost frame by frame. Tierney has said he wanted with that episode to gift the Queer community a perfect jewel of gay joy and celebration, after so many decades of media portrayals of despair, tragedy, shame and oppression. He gave us Sunshine too.

Keen

Jesus a read along from the series would be Peak Dylan gifted to your fans

Keen

so true, the authenticity bleeds through the screen

Keen

I think it was intentionally Hallmarky/a cishet romance arc on purpose because it proves the point of the series—no matter how we do “romance” homophobia is always there to thwart us, so we might as well Queer Romance itself, because maybe doing so is not only better for us but as a bonus ends up better for cishet people too. We already have seen ways that Queer culture has helped the mainstream—no vanilla straight people were talking about “aftercare” until LGBTQ and hets in the kink world gave it to them, now it’s almost normalized lol

Keen

Calzoncit, I say you actually get the point. Without Skip, right there in the middle and back to bookend 5, the whole fng point of the entire series fails. A show that Queers Romance needs to lay out the case for why we need to. The strategic decision to include Skip wasn’t just to shove another book couple’s story in. He could have made a good season by leaving it to Hollanov or by adding any of the other couples. The Game Changer book didn’t need to be featured in the entire series ever. But Tierney picked it because with it he can do what he wants to do with Hollanov. Heated Rivals the book didn’t need Skip’s specific story, any other fictional player could’ve come out. But Skip as Tierney adapted them is fundamental to the season’s success.

Keen

It’s fascinating how much book Scott when he’s closeted is like the stereotype of the traditional husband role—stressed out provider who ignores obvious signs of the stay-at-home wife who is devoted but secretly needs more but can’t ask for it. It’s Don Draper without the adultery.

Shadow, No Chaser

This. F*cking. Episode. And THAT Russian monologue in the underpass. Thank you, Dylan, for allowing yourself to be vulnerable in front of us, and for trusting us with your vulnerability. Lots of love from a small town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. xx

jo

yeah I love the parallels even though obvi so many differences … I think Jacob likes the storytelling model of 3 seasons of 6 episodes, but also, the *yearning* - Simon & Wilhe (Omar & Edvin’s work) were a good study for chemistry.

jo

YES all of this 💯 🙏🏼

Arazmus

Oh, my sweet summer child. The "SkIPisode" as in the "Scott-kIP" episode. You're adorable. :D

ned flinn

Thank you, Dylan, for being open, vulnerable, and sharing your emotions. As an old gay man I truly appreciate your reactions as a young gay man. It make me very proud to be gay and proud of your generation of gay men. Thanks again.

eli

I'm so glad I finally got some more money and could subscribe to the membership, because while you work hard for those edited versions on youtube, watching your full reaction is like, extremely relaxing? compared to other reactions where they talk ALL the time over the show and they barely even watch it (no shade to them, that's just how they do their content, but my point still stands). like I genuinely feel like I'm watching hr for the first time again with a friend and it's so refreshing. AND YOUR ENTHUSIASM GOT ME ENTHUSIASTIC TOO AND I START TALKING TO MYSELF AND AGREEING WITH YOU OVER THE SCREEN, IT'S SO FUNNY. ANYWAYS, I LOVE YOU DUDE, HAVE A NICE DAY 🥹🩷can't wait for ep 6!!!

gothamnightlights

Thank you so, so much for being here🙏🏻💙 Your kind words mean absolutely everything to me. Again, thank you 💙

gothamnightlights

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this lovely comment :) The “you don’t like me” line was definitely a gut punch. So very grateful for you and your time always 🙏🏻💙

gothamnightlights

Wow, thank you so much! And yes, the Easter eggs and nuances of this show have been so incredibly fun, interesting and intriguing to me! So thank you for taking the time to point those out :) very, very grateful for you 🙏🏻💙

gothamnightlights

Thank you so much for your kind words! This show is so powerful in so many ways, it is absolutely insane. But in a good way, of course. I’ll see you at the Cottage 🙏🏻💙

gothamnightlights

Thank you so much for your kind words and for this absolutely beautiful comment!!!!! I greatly appreciate you 🙏🏻💙

gothamnightlights

I can’t wait to see you at Cottage!! And yes, I will definitely be investing in some Kleenex for this sixth episode!! Much love to you always 🙏🏻💙

gothamnightlights

I still can’t believe that went right over my head!!!! Thank you for being here, the fact you took the time to watch and to also comment means the world to me :) Much, much love 💙💙💙💙

gothamnightlights

I absolutely love this detail! This show is so extremely rich with moments like that, I absolutely love it :) Much love to you! 💙💙💙💙

gothamnightlights

Wow thank you!!!!!!!! I’m so very grateful for you and your time :) Much love to you always! 💙💙

gothamnightlights

Thank y’all so, so much!! For your time and for this lovely comment! Forever grateful for y’all 💙 See you at the Cottage!!!!

gothamnightlights

Absolutely love this ^^^^ And I love you as well!! So very grateful for you :) 🙏🏻💙

gothamnightlights

Thank you so much for this 🙏🏻 I’m sending much love to you and yours always 💙💙💙💙

gothamnightlights

That hospital scene had me in a chokehold! Like I said in the video, I could not have handled another second of that!! I mean I definitely loved Shane and Ilya’s dialogue but I’m just glad that accident in the rink didn’t have worse results for Shane!!! 🙏🏻💙

gothamnightlights

Sending you so much love from the states 💙💙💙💙 Thank you for being here :) 🙏🏻💙

gothamnightlights

This comment really just made my day :) You are so loved and I am so extremely grateful for you always 💙💙💙💙

gothamnightlights

I love you too, and thank you so much for this lovely comment!!!!!!! You are so kind :) 🙏🏻💙

SirMatelot

According to a young Russian reactor (Marina Speaks on YouTube) the blue lights passing by the tunnel from right to left symbolize Ilya's family ("My father is police, my brother is police") exiting from his life. After that, Ilya no longer talks about Russia, his emotional soliloquy turns to Shane.

Kignak

Fuck, man. It's shit like this that I love. I am so thankful that you and so many others have recorded your reactions to things like this. Again, fuck. I get emotional all over again each time I watch someone live through the same experience that I went through. I agree, it's life changing.

Robert N. De Santis

I want to thank you for replying to me personally. I am 73 years old and after The Lord of the Rings, this is my most favorite viewing experience in many a year. Your comments are lucid and though you sometimes jump the gun on conclusions, you always own up to anything that you say incorrectly. Admirable quality in anyone. I hope that you enjoy episode 6 as much a I did.

Robert N. De Santis

When was the last time you were at a gay (or any) bar, rmsb? That was standard and likely still is. I've been with my husband 39 years, and we met at a bar on Castro Street in San Francisco. Been together ever since.

Luke Eberhart

Another great reaction. It'll be sad when there are no more episodes of this show for you react to. W/R/T Episode 3, it's definitely not something to skip on the first time viewing. I loved it the first time I watched it, and it is good and important to the story. It just doesn't have the same impact when you are rewatching the series, IMO. There is not as much to unpack as the episodes with Shane and Ilya because the story is condensed into one episode, so it gets a little boring after you've watched it a few times and detracts from the larger story about Shane and Ilya.

Calzoncit

I mean you can have the Cottage I'll stay in the Rink

null llun

this might be my favorite episode, there is just so much relief and catharsis and it feels so good to finally see. but it's tied with episode six for the spot of my favorite episode, i think you're gonna love it too :D

MichelRP

We told you with episode 1 to strap in because you were gonna be taken for a ride. This show is something else!! Good writing, great cinematografie, wonderful casting. Everything just came together so well with this show!!! Next episode is the cottage!! We're all waiting for you there!! Love ya, honey!! ❤️

mac20

Here’s an analysis of Scott and Kip’s episode. Some good observations about how important they are to the whole story. Thought you might enjoy seeing it. “I’ll Believe in Anything,” as they say. 👍🏒❤️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6D5ttNJldXg

Arranit Malushaj

Man, this episode broke my gay heart into pieces only to heal it by the end, and wonderfully so. I'm so proud that this little Canadian show ended up touching so many people, myself included.

Jose Sepulveda

Thank you for uploading this chapter! I swear I almost reached through my computer screen to give you a really big hug :( ! It would be great if you could read the book *The Long Game*. I say this because, unlike *Heated Rivalry*, we can find out what Ilya is feeling, and to be honest, it's not for the faint of heart :( Thank you for your kind and honest reaction! A kiss from Chile 🇨🇱

Sandra

Late to the party but finally here. Beyond thrilled watching your reaction to everything happening with our boys. Hopefully you have invested in some tissues at this point 😉 Your reactions are so precious, sincere, sweet and thoughtful. I love the grace you give Ilya when so many people don't look beyond the cocky face he presents but we all protect ourselves in one way or another, don't we? I could ramble on and on but I'll spare you that. Take care and much love, my dear! ❤️

Sandra

I've heard it intentionally used/referenced both ways.

Sandra

I am not a traditional rom-com person and actively avoid them like the plague. Destination Wedding being my favorite rom-com explains alot. 🤣 So while I love Scott and Kip as well as understand their pivotal role in the series, it's not my favorite. As a matter of fact, I have read all of the books but specifically have not finished theirs even though I was 2/3 through it.

Arctic Goddess

Thank you so much Dylan. Your raw reaction means so much. This show has changed millions of lives Dylan. Gay, straight, he, she, theys. In such dark days, its a show about acceptance and love. And the endorphins released when you watch it are extremely addictive. It starts out such a furtive little spicy gay hockey tv show, then it expands your heart and mind. I can't remember feeling this way about a piece of media in so long. Now you see why there is such a frenzy around the show, and why Connor and Hudson (who were waiters this time last year 😮) are now A list celebrities with scripts being thrown at them right and left. Actor Michelle Williams called in to a podcast that Hudson was on, to tell him how much his acting meant to her on this show, and to ask him who his inspirations are, and he almost wept! He was like: "Oh my God, you!" The other great part of this show is to see how humble and grateful the two leads, Jacob and the cast is and how much this show has changed their lives. It just won a Peabody award, which us like a Pulitzer prize for TV. The Pitt and Severance have won too. Anyways. Cant wait for the Cottage. Love ya! 🥰

Rsbl

Same, I couldn’t finish Skip Book either 🫣 Troy-Harris and Hollanov are definitely my favorites

Kristin Crighton

We definitely don't blame Ilya for jumping back into sexual conversation when he switches back to English. Sex is very much his safe zone and where he finds his comfort. I think Shane gets it at this point too. I think that's actually why Shane starts to initiate on the couch after Ilya's phone call with his father. He's trying to comfort him in a way that Ilya understands.

Caleb Valencia

This episode broke something inside me (in a good way) because I literally NEVER cried during the emotional parts of series, but this ending had me sobbing, and now everything sweet makes me cry. I genuinely thought something was wrong with my emotions because I never cried when others did, but this broke the dam for me apparently.

Rob George

Finally managing to catch up. I thought you were going to cry at one point: you were so locked in and you are so empathetic.

Eric Nord

During the bar scene you said Ilya likes Florida though. But the last time they talked about Florida was the day Shane freaked out and ran away.

Jason L

Thank you for your heartfelt reaction to this great episode! This was definitely my favourite one of this series, ecompassing every possible roller coaster of emotions that left me ugly crying by the end. Great that you pointed out the relevence of the Kip and Scott episode tying into this one, and giving us that fairy tale finale!

Mark100

Looks like your cat sensed your body temp spiking.

USAZ

“Swallow my words” or “eat my words”

USAZ

It’s called a rink.

Maria

I love your cat! I was screaming when that perfect creature started causing havoc behind you 🤩 Also, love your reaction to the series. The intense eye contact with the camera is so telling. You don’t even have to say what you mean at times. Way better than some of the overreactions I’ve seen.

gothamnightlights

Thank you so much!! I greatly appreciate you being here and watching alongside me :) And yes my cat Heathcliff is absolutely perfect I love him so much!!

Maria Stoycheva

nobody told you anything about Cliff Marlow because they didn't want to spoil you ^^ although to the TV-only people it maybe didn't even register that he's the one who knocked Shane out. but yeah, that's his major contribution in season 1 and we are waiting for him to make amends in season 2 😁

Arctic Goddess

I've seen a lot of men, gay, straight and otherwise say the same thing. My opinion is that this show paints a world of what it looks like when men reject toxic masculinity, and be vulnerable to the people they care about. Ask for consent in sex, just to make sure a partner is physically okay. Work your way through trauma and tell the person you can't live without that you love them, even in a different language because you aren't ready yet. And then be the bravest motherfucker of all time and burn homophobia down in front of a stadium, the internet and the world, and kiss your boyfriend on live television. It's incredible, and I feel the same way as a repressed 53 year old woman who hadn't cried in years. 🥹