The Reel Rejects - HEATED RIVALRY Episodes 3 & 4 REVIEW!! (Aaron & Andrew)

Episode Date: January 6, 2026

SPARKS FLY BETWEEN SCOTT & KIP + ROSE LANDRY ENTERS THE PICTURE!! Heated Rivalry Full Reaction Watch Along:   / thereelrejects   HEATED RIVALRY Episodes 1 & 2 Reaction:    • HEATED RIVALRY Episodes 1 & 2 REACTION!! A...   Gift Someone (Or Yourself) An RR Tee! https://shorturl.at/hekk2 Aaron & Andrew are BACK on the ice giving their Heated Rivalry Reaction, Recap, Analysis, Breakdown, & Spoiler Review!! Aaron Alexander & Andrew Gordon react to Episodes 3 & 4 of Heated Rivalry, the Crave / HBO sports romance series adapted from Rachel Reid’s novel, as the show deepens its emotional scope by exploring secrecy, superstition, jealousy, and the long-term consequences of hidden relationships in professional hockey. Follow Aaron On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealaaronalexander/?hl=en Follow Andrew Gordon on Socials:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovieSource Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/agor711/?hl=en Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Agor711 Intense Suspense by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Support The Channel By Getting Some REEL REJECTS Apparel! https://www.rejectnationshop.com/ Follow Us On Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelrejects/  Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reelrejects?lang=en Twitter: https://x.com/reelrejects Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheReelRejects/ Music Used In Ad:  Hat the Jazz by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Happy Alley by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... POWERED BY @GFUEL Visit https://gfuel.ly/3wD5Ygo and use code REJECTNATION for 20% off select tubs!! Head Editor: https://www.instagram.com/praperhq/?hl=en Co-Editor: Greg Alba Co-Editor: John Humphrey Music In Video: Airport Lounge - Disco Ultralounge by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Ask Us A QUESTION On CAMEO: https://www.cameo.com/thereelrejects Follow TheReelRejects On FACEBOOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM:  FB:  https://www.facebook.com/TheReelRejects/ INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/reelrejects/ TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/thereelrejects Follow GREG ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER: INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/thegregalba/ TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/thegregalba Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Without further ado, we're going to get right into this. So episode three, season one, commencing in a three, a two, and a one. All right, guys, that was episodes three and four of season one of Heated Rivalry. We hope you enjoyed that. If you are watching on YouTube, make sure you do all the YouTube stuff. Share the video. Don't forget to like it. Most importantly.

that bell so you can notify when new videos are coming out. Yeah, we're going to be dropping episodes 5 and 6, I assume, at the same time, so the way you don't miss out on them. It's by clicking that notification bell as Aaron just mentioned. Also, if you are listening on Apple or Spotify, make sure you give us a five-star

rating. We would appreciate it all special thanks to find folks over a prepper, doing an incredible job editing down the highlights, so that way you're able to view it over on YouTube. We appreciate their hard work. And also, full-length reaction where you sync up with your own copy. It's over on our Patreon on page, Greg and John exclusively to cover many

other TV shows and highlights. Also, it's just a good way to help us just offset a lot of the monetization issues that we run into on a day-to-day basis. We're watching it on HBO Max, so we appreciate you supporting us over there. Also, you can become a righteous reject. If you join us over there, 15% discount on T's

like these, rejectnationshop.com. Erron. Drusith. We're going to get into questions in a moment. Just quick thoughts. What did you think of episodes 3 and 4 before we get to the questions. Episodes three and four.

Oh, excuse me, five and, wait. Yeah, we were on three and four, right? Yeah, okay. I thought you were questioning it. I was like, wait, did we just watch three and four? No, no, yeah, three and four. By bad. Yeah, go ahead.

Three and four, we're really good, man. It was really great. I am really impressed by the show's ability to really draw you in to its characters in a way that is beyond the obvious, beyond just dialogue. But certain looks, certain camera choices, the way that we play with lighting, I think it's all really, really impressive. I was really, really enjoying episode three. I think that it did a great job of endearing us to these two characters pretty instantly between Kip and Hunter. And you really felt their love.

You really felt the plight of, you know, Hunter wanting to embrace this life, wanting to embrace the love of his life. but he can't because of the fear and the repercussions he feels come with that and then you know kib wants to fully embrace his life and he can't because he loves him so much but he feels like he can't fully be himself and be honest with the world and the way that he wants to even though he is out in public with his sexuality but he can't be open and honest with his father and it seems like he has a really close relationship with his dad. His dad seems so kind and sweet and loving and accepting of him. And I really love

that I have that relationship. So it was a bummer and really sad that, you know, they couldn't be with each other. At least that's what the implication was at the end, that they can't be with each other because of you know, this life the hunter has. And Kip

not wanting to settle for less than what he feels he deserves. And you kind of get not the exact same thing, but like a similar thing with with Shane and wanting to not settle for less than what he feels he deserves you know they just hooked up with having this multi-year thing

and then here Ilya is talking about like the different girls he's hooking up with and you know he has like somebody but they're just friends and probably going to get somebody else he just doesn't really treat him with a sense of care or importance you know it's like you get a little

bit and then you lose some with a sense that you know finally they have the sleepover but then you know after the fact he's talking about all these other people and you clearly see this is something that's hurting uh hurting Shane and yeah you just can't do it anymore but you know there's still this multi long history and attachment there even though they don't see each other frequently there's this history and attachment there and you sure it's very well illustrated in that final moment there yeah but yeah I think this is is still great still very well written and well acted yeah I'm enjoying it it's very riveting

and I love how dramatic it can be. Well, like I said in the first two episodes, especially being from someone who's very competitive, someone who's played sports early, someone who teaches sports. I love the psychology that they get. And especially with guys who are dating each other, too, and are romantically linked.

That's really the most intriguing part for me. Yeah, another two great episodes. I really thought episode three, I'll get to episode four momentarily, because we're going to get into the questions in a sec as well. I thought that was such an ambitious choice saying we're going to pause on Ilya and Shane for this

for the most part this entire episode we're going to focus on Kip and Hunter and we're going to and like I was instantly drawn to that relationship seriously like right away yeah and I thought it was

I thought it was as well I really like that we got to see that it wasn't a toxic relationship like Ilya and like with Shane as well and I think a big part of that has to do with that I mean obviously we know

that Hunter's his family as we got to go through the episode a little bit more we got to learn more the backstory of both characters especially with Hunter and like really made me shed a tear and especially learning that his parents lost their lives in a DUI accident

is really dreadful and sad to hear and then also too so he's got a lot of grief and trauma that he's dealing with and then also too when it comes to Kip's character. He's just a really sweet and dearing, compassionate person. And also he's got such a great relationship with his father. And I think the, because of this, that's why they're able to not have such a toxic relationship. Yeah. And I think that's, we, we mentioned too while we were watching it. I think

that's why Ilya and Shane have such a, even though like when things are really going well, it's not as volatile but when things are when he's not communicating i think how big part of that is because of the environment he grew up around whether it's his brother or whether it's his father and then like as we get more of the story fleshed out or the characters fleshed out in episode four even and we find out like because they gave us a little hints of detection of that with the the dimension now we find out like he's really giving his brother all this money to because he's in russia and he's got he needs his brother to take care of his of his father so but again you really understand that trauma in that relationship and this is why like he has such a tough time being vulnerable around Shane

but then you see the the relationship with with Kip and with with Hunter and like immediately it just clicks and I just I felt so bad because Hunter wants to be with him but a big part of it at least from my interpretation the way I I was reading it was a big part was is profession and how I don't think personally it was just that he's afraid like how people are going to react if he comes out if he wasn't a professional

sports athlete I think a lot of it has to do with that because as you pointed out in episodes one and two it's such a masculine sport but also too it's just it's a very ostracizing thing when you are a professional athlete and people have their opinions but also too it's like a private club if you

will when you're a professional athlete and you're the superstar, and people can be very ostracizing and volatile when it comes to that type of thing. And it could be a PR thing, which it shouldn't be. Honestly, you're just, you're with someone. Yeah. Who gives a crap? Yeah, but I felt bad, like, you could really feel in the actor did such a great job who played Hunter. You could see when they're private, how in love and in lust they were and just how into Kip he was.

And, like, it really, like, was speaking to me in my heart and my soul, like, how much, like, they embodied each other. and how much they were into each other, but then when they were in private, like whether they were going to get art for the house or something, you could feel like just the facial expressions and how scared he was of being outed and being caught possibly. And, like, you could see almost, like, panic attacks happening.

And I genuinely, like, I wanted him to be in a place where he wasn't afraid to be, you know, with this man, and no one would judge him. And I wish we lived in a world professional, at least for professional athletes and just men in general where it's not that big of a deal where people know those type of things.

So it just really felt awful for the character. And then you feel at the end of the episode when he's looking through the mirror or the glass window rather and he sees him and he like he imagines I can only imagine he's thinking of a life where he's with him

and he's maybe not a hockey player doesn't have to worry about these things. So I mean there's a lot of pressure being a professional athlete. So just in incredible episode. Like I said, the writers took a bold move there, just putting a full pause on the the two main characters of Shane and Ilya that we had in the first two episodes and putting a focus on these two. And I thought that was a, I thought it really worked for me. And then getting into

episode four, I loved episode four as well. And I think it was fascinating as well, seeing, having him finally, like, come to the realization that he's finally communicating with him. He wants him to stay and I thought that that was a big growth and evolution for Ilya and also too seeing the contrast to that when he starts when you know starts talking he was really sharing about you know being with other women and all that and maybe sharing a little too much but I appreciate the honesty there but then you see that Shane is not yet ready to commit to that you know to Ilya there and then you can see once he starts dating just to I feel like it's more of an experimental thing because you got the pressure of like everything that comes with

and I keep using the word probably sounds tedious at this point of being a professional athlete but then you you see the pressures that come with that and also his parents talking about being with the at least like grooming him to stand next to a Dutch princess or whatever they were talking about so I can understand Shane's having the mindset of let me just see what this is like I think too for him when he met Rose in the beginning It was just, I just want to talk to her and just see what happens. And then there was a genuine connection. It was just human-to-human type of thing.

And then it's like, okay, well, Ilya was telling me about how he likes girls. Let me just see what this is kind of like and then go from there. But I love how at the end, like, there is that hint of, by the way, we're going to get into questions really here. I do like that there is the hint of that they're thinking of each other in that moment right there. So, you know, it's the foreshadowing that hopefully they're going to get back together, of course, is what I would like. I want them to get back together. Oh, you mean because it's such a toxic relationship? Yeah, I feel like she deserves better than Elyah.

But maybe that's unpopular, but I feel like he has to deal with his own shit and heal before they can. Yeah, for sure. But maybe, I mean, look, being a human is all about growth and evolution. So I think maybe, hopefully Ely gets to a place where he does do that and then they can't be together. Yeah. I hope, I hope Hunter and Kip can get together. Yes, yes, yes. That relationship.

That was my favorite episode of the show. Yeah, that I want to see for sure, too. So anyways, guys, if you are a royal reject, you can ask us questions. We will shout you out individually as we are about to do. So we're going to start that right now. All right. We have a question from Art. Thank you so much for being a royal reject.

We're asking a question. We appreciate you so much. What do you think of the acting, especially knowing that Ilya actor is Texan and learned Russian in two weeks? And Shane is diagnosed autistic. in the series but the actor is not and is really different from him in real life huh interesting first of all what do you think about

Ilya being Texan I did not know that and Shane is also diagnosed autistic did you know either of those things I did not know I was not aware of though I wonder if Shane I don't know if that's a line that we missed or if that's something that's revealed in episodes 5 and 6 or it's just in the book

this is based on a novel but yeah no I think they did a great job. I think the actor who plays Ily, I would have never known that he was not Russian. Never. And he's from Texas, no less. And that Shane is

autistic. But yeah, I did not pick up on that, but I think that's interesting to know in cool context, knowing what happens or what's going to be going on from here on out or going forward. But as far

as your initial question, I think the acting is incredible in the show. I think it does a really great job of showcasing not only the chemistry but the interior world of both of our characters or all four of our characters are leads. Yeah, I think that the one scene where

Shane is on the couch and he has tears in his eyes and he's trying to smirk has a smirk. He wants to celebrate for Ilya but he can't, not in the way that he wants to but you can still see a glimmer of that coming through. I think that speaks to just the nature of the medium that we're in

in film slash television versus something like acting on stage because you have to be loud and expressive with your feelings. But I love the intimacy of the small idiosyncrasies and micro-expressions of what a camera can capture. I think they did a great job of showcasing that. That's true.

Well, I was just going to say that's what I love to get into the psyche of guys who are so competitive but also are being intimate with each other. they're, like, seeing that they're happy for each other, but it's, like, also competitive. I love seeing that contrast. I think the acting is so fantastic,

and that's also what I loved about. I mean, I think Ilya and Shane, I don't know the actor's names yet, sorry, but it's not a big deal because I still haven't learned all the actors' names yet and Stranger Things I've been watching that show for a long time. But I will say I do appreciate, I think they have incredible chemistry,

and I love the contrast between them, whether it's their mannerisms, and just how totally different they are. And I think sometimes, even though I know the relationship is very toxic at this point, but I do think a lot of times two opposites do attract. But also, too, like we got literally thrust into a whole different relationship in episode three, as we mentioned already, a few times. And I was like instantly because, again, we felt that chemistry immediately.

And it was just incredible acting. Like, right away, the actor who played Kip, I just immediately felt his compassion and his sincerity. And I was just, oh, my God, I'm so invested in this character in the first, like, two or three minutes. So I like that actor a lot. I'm not sure if I've seen him in anything, but I really like him a great deal. And I'm really hoping we get to go back, cut back to that relationship as well. I hope that's not just a one-off for this season at least, but we'll see. But I had no idea. Ilya was Texan. I legit thought he was from Russia, at least from his accent. So I really love when actors can really embody the characters that they're supposed to

be. Just quick example of that, someone like Keith Ledger. when I watch, whenever I watch the Dark Night, I don't see Heath Ledger anymore. I see The Joker. Whenever I watch The Batman, I don't see Colin Farrell. I see Oz. I see The Penguin.

So I'm going to give the actor who plays Ilya since you're saying he's Texan, I don't hear a Texan in any way. I see a total Russian actor. So I appreciate when actors really embody the roles that they are in and they literally disappear into that. I would never,

if you did not tell us this, had not looked it up, I would never have known he was from Texas. So that's incredible to hear that. And I did not know either. Maybe I missed it as well that he was autistic. So maybe that's something as well that we're going to get into in episodes five or six. So that's just something that, again, that's just something observant that I wasn't noticing. But it's an interesting fact as well when it comes to Shane. But like I said, I appreciate both those characters. and I love them so much. So I'm curious to see what we're going to go

with these characters in the next two and just if their relationship gets out and I'm fascinated to see. But thank you so much, Hart, for the question. We appreciate you. At all. All right, Matthiel, thank you for sending in a question. I appreciate you.

Hi, Andrew and Aaron. I love to see you, you're reacting to this surprising gem. I particularly loved the parallels and contrast between the two main relationships in episodes three and four. It is down to the smallest details of how Scott and Ilya both extend a hand to call their men back

but with heartbreaking different results. What do you think that the narrative choice to shift between the two stories? I think it was incredibly bold. If I would have been a writer in that room, I would have said, I don't know if this is

in this way. Right now I'm not a writer but I don't know if I would have made that choice and I'm glad I wasn't there to say that because I think it was the right thing And I think to see that contrast is so fascinating to see. But also, too, we get to see the different styles of why one relationship is so volatile and why one and toxic, as Aaron said, and why one is not. But also, too, you get to see the one that's not the toxic relationship. What's causing it to break apart is, like, him being outed and what's ruining the relationship.

And then you feel so bad. And what I appreciate so much about Kip, too. he's been so understanding. I think they said they've been dating right a few months at this point and he's been very understanding and very loving and sincere towards Hunter the entire time.

And I think the same thing for what I noticed in the two relationships is like Shane when Kip and Shane keep everything contained and within them, it just really causes a lot of panic and

just dismay within them and it's just so hard to keep something like that like when you love someone so much and you have to really just keep it contained within you it's very difficult and I understand that because you're it's the person you you hold most dear to you and you have to keep that just private

so I understand like how hard it is and I appreciate that they shed a light on that in sharing not only they were contrasting the relationships but they were also comparing the they were shedding light on the similarities as well. So I like seeing that as well, and then also just, as I mentioned, seeing the contrast between the volatile parts of their relationship. Like you saw the communication, the honesty, but then they actually went back to that

in the fourth one where finally Ilya was letting the walls down a little bit and was being more honest and communicating with him. And I also appreciated little details, for instance, with Shane. I'm trying to remember the character's name. I appreciate the little details, like, as well with Shane, where he's, like, trying to learn little things like Russian and then things with Kip, like, where he's making him food and doing stuff like that. Like, that's love language to me. So I appreciate that they were going into stuff like that. But I think it was just very bold, very wise.

And it really, it could have went off the rails very easily because throughout episode three, if you were not invested in that relationship, you could have, like, even halfway in or a quarter of the way in where I want I'llie and Shane back. like let's why are we here so the fact that they made it work is incredible i'm glad i'm glad they did it what about you yeah no i thought it was really interesting seeing the contrast between the two relationships because i think the thing that sells us immediately is watching those two in the coffee shop the moment they interact how apparent it is that these two are you know attracted to each other how they're flirting without like saying it overtly And just the buildup to them finally consummating. And I really liked the difference in which how they showed their sex scenes versus Ilya and Hollander sex scenes.

Because I felt like with those two, it was very much, you know, it was passionate, but it was very much like they're just, they're screwing, you know, and they're this, this size. thing there's this release that they're trying to get out in secret and nobody can know about it it's just like straight to business you know and then immediately leaving open and it gets to that point where you know they're not even like doing the the bare minimum bare essentials of of that kind of connection with like with ilia not even kissing Shane and him just kind of going to him because he feels like he he wants this thing with this guy but this guy's using him as a form of escape when he feels all this pressure around him and doesn't feel like he can be himself anywhere else so he just is kind of taking what he can get

whereas the other relationship there is a lot of love there and the way that they showcase of their scenes it does I said I said it right before it switched I was like I appreciate how the sex scenes were more central but then it kind of quickly became a lot more sexual where the other ones were more sensual even though they were sexual too but i feel like there was more love there when they would kind of uh have their scenes so i like the how that was showcase and that difference but also the fact that even after their first time hooking up he's like no i want you to stay and i feel like because we saw for two episodes what ilia and hollander's relationship was for him to ask him to stay you expect it to be a similar thing like okay i'm just going to leave now

but i was like no i want you in my life i want you around and i really loved that i really like that you know it was almost the quintessential like meat cute situation of like okay these two need the coffee shop and then they get together and then they fall in love but there's this obvious hurdle that they have to get through of hunter not being fully comfortable and even terrified of the fact that he could be exposed to the world. He couldn't even go to an art gallery without having an internal freakout about somebody knowing who he is. Even though if you just go into an art gallery with another dude, it doesn't inherently mean to the world that they're going to think that you're gay.

But because it's such a visceral thing for him, he couldn't do it. He couldn't handle it. And it's so sad that this fear of the fallout prevents him, from fully embracing the happiness he knows that he can have with this man. And it's really unfortunate. I agree with him. I'm wondering, too, what's going to happen?

Like, because a lot of these star athletes are, they have advertisers and they have sponsorships. So I wonder what's going to happen. Yeah. If you're, if you come out, if in that regard, I would hope nothing would happen because it's not that big of it. Yeah, and I would hope so. Again, this is like, what, we're 2016,

2016, no, or whatever. is but I will say this before we move on to that because we do have a few more questions to go here but I will say I did appreciate too that Hunter was very honest and direct with him saying like I know we just met each other but I feel the vibe and the energy and I really adore you and like you and I do want you in my life having said all that I do have to keep it very private so he did inform him right away what the situation is so he was being honest and direct and I did appreciate that but it wasn't fortunate that we had to get to a point that we're in in society where we have to be like that yeah but i think to not contest your point but i feel like that's when

they first started hooking up and obviously they got to a point where they loved each other right wanted a life with each other you talked about like we don't have to do this for a few more years yeah yeah until he gets to retirement for the long haul yeah but that's that's tough thing to ask someone to do for years lie to their family yeah no no no of their relationship course, like to keep that with it like that would make someone really sick for sure. Yeah, and even though

both of them have this private relationship that's going on, there is definitely more intention and more harmonious love and intention with the relationship we saw in episode three versus the relationship we've seen

in episodes one, two, and four. Yeah, we're going to get into that in one second. It looks like on the next question. So thank you so much for the question. We appreciate you. All right, from Maria Stoycheva, sorry, apologies if I accidentally mispronounced it. Thank you so much for being a royal reject asking a question. We appreciate you.

For episode three, why do you think this story is included in the series and why exactly at this time? Where do you expect it to go? What are the differences to the Shane Ilya storyline that were maybe not too obvious but spoke to you? Hmm. Not too obvious, but spoke to me. That's interesting.

question um why i think they included it was to showcase what it's like to be somebody who is in a more masculine field who is traditionally masculine um and hetero field to be someone in a uh homosexual relationship and i felt like the way that they compared and contrast were brought upon in very different ways one was we're getting straight to business dirty little secret we have this rivalry and we use it as a game to both mess with each other but also motivate each other so there's like a competitive nature in addition to this primal sexual thing they they have going on where the other one is more about their hearts and more about their intent and they are able to accept and embrace these feelings for one another whereas these two don't know how to do that because of the amount of pressure from their internal, external lives, coupled with their own family pressures as well and their own histories and whatnot. So that's definitely something that plays into the other relationships.

And I think the reason they chose to do it now is because we saw their relationship building between Shane and Ilya over the course of those two episodes to the point where we got to, we're just having so much time pass where Ili is just distancing himself and just using. Shane whenever they're in town, even though that's clearly not what Shane wants. He wants to have a more consistent or more intentional thing with him. At least

that's what I felt the story was implying. Whereas Ilya's kind of just using him to as a form of escapism. And I felt like showcasing them hooking up without even kissing to then

showing the other two guys then consummating and then spending the night is to show the contrast of what an intimate relationship can look like within hockey players but in two different ways of going about it and just to showcase the spectrum of what intimacy can be

between sets of people and the other question what do I expect it to go I hope I really do hope that Hunter and Shane can maybe find out

about each other and then be friends yeah um part of me did expect that because it kind of implied that Kippin Hunter broke up right I feel because he's outside of the bar

it seemed like that's what happened yeah yeah exactly that because they can't be they can't be public about it with anyone it seems other than the ones other than the friend Maria I think to figure it out that unfortunately they have to break up it seems like yeah so part of me thought

the kip and and Shane were going to find each other and then that was going to be a thing but i guess that we didn't go that route but i think we're i would hope fingers crossed so we do revisit the the kip and hunter relationship because i really like their storyline i do too and there's another part of the question what were the differences to the shana ilio's storyline that were maybe not too obvious but spoke to you um i don't know if there was any of the thing that wasn't too obvious but i think just like the anxious avoidant trap and cycle of what people find themselves into i feel like that's something that's universal whether you're gay straight pan or whatever and i think it was interesting um seeing that relationship play out but also especially

with an alia who is who started off as somebody who is from a traditional heterosexual masculine perspective as engaging in something that people perceive as not masculine while also holding these masculine traits in regards to his own feelings. Why do you think the story was included in this series? I think we've mentioned a few times

just about seeing the contrast and also too we see two competitive guys who have a relationship with each other but they also spend so much time away from each other. And now two guys who are in the same city, one's a civilian and one's a sports athlete. So it's, I like seeing the contrast and seeing that type of relationship with someone versus like two guys who never really get to see each other. They have to interact

a lot more via text. And then there's a very divide in terms of how much they get to see each other. So it was nice to actually get a wholesome relationship where they get to spend a lot more time together. So that endeared me right away that they get to spend so much more time together. so I liked seeing that. And where do you expect it to go? I'm hoping they get to reconcile, but also, too, I can't remember. I know we literally just watched it.

I think they were mentioning, too. Was it Hunter, too? I know they mentioned that they were in a room like hunters right next door, don't make any noise. So kind of were already foreshadowing that he pot, not foreshadowing, but that there was a possibility, not that he could be gay,

but that they had more. intention of doing something big with Hunter's characters, so I appreciate that they already did that, but I don't know where I expected to go. I'm hoping that we get a vindication with those two characters when it comes to Kip and Hunter, because I'm so, even after one episode, I'm so invested in those two characters. My only concern is I just don't know if you can't force someone into doing something, and I'm not sure yet if Hunter is ready to have that relationship be public and also on top of they've been hinting as well that kip is possibly going to what was he was applying to boston or something for what was he was applying for

i can't remember i think you're on right track like yeah college okay was a college okay i just can't remember what he was applying for but yeah there's a possibility having said that i've seen a lot of romantic films in the past and tv shows where if he does get the application that Hunter could say, like, I don't care who knows about us. Don't go to Boston. Come here, stay with me. Could see that, too. So if he's ready to take that step, like, I think that'd be

beautiful and incredible, and he's not worried about advertiser or what anyone thinks. I think that'd be amazing, too. And then what was the other part of the question? What are the differences to the Shane Ilya storyline? I think the, I mean, I'm not going to go into what's not so obvious. Just the most obvious thing to me

is it's not as competitive. But, between the two relationships because you got the number one draft pick and the number two draft pick. So Aaron and I always mentioned it while we're watching these episodes, everything is so competitive

between these two sportsmen. So whether that's in bed, whether that's through a text message, whether that's on the ice. So just seeing just a regular relationship between two guys, not saying that these two don't have a regular relationship too when it comes to Shane and Nilea,

albeit it's a little more toxic. But seeing the, you know, between Kip and Hunter, A relationship between two guys who are not both sports athletes. Only one is I appreciated seeing the substance there and seeing something a little bit different. And just like one is very supportive of the line of work he does and the other one is very supportive of him and his arts and all that stuff. So I like seeing those types of differences. It was nice to get a little bit of a break between Shane and Ilya and to see the – seeing the – seeing the contrast there in that way.

So I would say that was the biggest difference, just competitive-wise and toxic-wise. But like I said, in terms of expected to go, I would like, if anything, I want them to get back together, but not in a forced way for Hunter. Because when it comes to whatever it is in whatever wake in life, I want someone to feel comfortable in their own skin, whatever it is that they do. So we shall see what happens, though. We shall see. All right. All right. Christian Seabold, I hope I'm saying your name, right? Sorry if I didn't. Heated rivalry centers a myriad forms of sustained queer intimacy as part of ordinary life adult, adult life, more explicitly, rather than something fleeting, tragic, or treated as a side story. So what do you think this type of portrayal gives audiences that previous portrayals could not? rivalry centers myriad forms of sustained queer intimacy as part of ordinary adult life more explicitly rather than as something fleeting, tragic, or treated as a side story. So what do you think this type of? Why don't you take this one first and I'll respond? All right? Yeah. I think this does something different in the sense that it is first and foremost, it is the leading story. It is about

you know these two sets of guys that are experiencing love or intimacy in a way that is not typically given the spotlight in other forms of media if it is it is showcased as a side story i think the thing that was maybe surprising for me going in is the amount of sex that was on display i expected it to be a show i think the only thing i really knew about is like it's about some guys guys in hockey and that's it but i don't know the inner workings or the fact that there would be sex involved in the show and i think it was interesting seeing how it was playing out and how i'm trying to figure out how to how to answer the question i feel like it was interesting seeing how intimacy plays out because it's not something you you typically see or is given spotlight in typical American movies or television. So for it

to be more explicit, more graphic, I think it normalizes it and shows for traditional audiences that, listen, people of different sexual orientations are allowed to showcase love and showcase

how they give expressions of love. And I think that it in ways it's not, you can too different it is but it's not so i think that the way that they were able to showcase it allowed it to have have a light in a way that makes it like oh okay cool um and i like that it was a part of the story and especially in episode three how it showed as a as a contrast to how they use intimacy to connect or yeah how to use intimacy as a form of of

game playing yeah so yeah i like that it was it was front and center and it wasn't made to be um something that was pandering but rather something that was more authentic and more genuine yeah i mean i i'm trying to think of i mean we watched what was it called simon love simon right and we watched uh what was the other one i watched it was with army hammer and timothy shaller call me by your name call me by your name those were really great films but this is the first that Like Aaron, the only thing I knew about this was hockey and two guys that were going to be in love with each other. But I think, as I've mentioned a few times, the thing that was different for me was just seeing the competitive edge and seeing like that from that form of it. So that was definitely something different.

But I do like how they portray it. Not saying that these films didn't. So I don't think it did anything from that point different. but I do like how they treat it as completely normal. Again, I'm not saying that those two films did not, but I do, I think the episode that really broke my heart, all the episodes honestly have made me come from a place of feeling tragic just from the, that they have to worry about what other people think.

And I don't think any relationship should ever have to worry about that, especially episode three, like that really, like between Hunter and between Kip. like that relationship is so wholesome so to see those two characters not be able to continue that relationship because Hunter is so worried about what others are going to perceive of him as well as possible advertisers

and you know when it comes to his sports franchises whatever like that is something different I have not seen because the only other two films like that are just like I said top of mine or love Simon and call me by your name

So it's definitely different in that sense, but yeah, it's fascinating to see on a professional sports scale like this to see it in that way. But I do like how they treat these characters with the utmost respect, and they're treating it as normal relationships, but they still have a lot of shit that they have to worry about from the real world, and it's a lot to deal with. And it's really tragic in that way,

but when they're in their most private and intimate moments, I'm so, like, I'm really so infested in these characters that if things don't work out, that it just breaks my heart. So I, I'm just anxious to see, like, where, what the resolve is going to be, though, in these final two episodes, I've not read the book yet, so I don't know where, if there's more the, in terms of there's going to be more seasons. But like I said, in terms of what it does different from the other two, I would say that's the biggest thing is just,

like the setting and the competitive spirit. That's the biggest thing that is contrasting for me. But yeah. Thank you so much for the question. We appreciate it. All right. CR, there are four references to Gingerelle in episode four. Makes sense.

Episode four. We see Shane request Gingerill at the restaurant with his parents. Then later again at the bar where roses. The restaurant says they don't serve Gingerell. And the bartender shames him into getting a beer instead. teammate Hayden also says he and his wife always have Gingerill stocked at their house when he wants to come over again.

During his stay at Ilya's house, Ilya pulls out a ginger ale for him without being asked. I do remember that. And then asks if the ginger ale is cold enough for him. What do you think this insight focus into Shane's favorite drink is meant to represent narratively? Oh, crap. Isn't Gingerelle a Canadian drink too?

Or am I wrong? Because my dad was obsessed with Gingerelle. I remember growing up, he always wanted Gingerelle. I think it is a Canadian drink of them, not mistaken, but I don't know what they... I don't know. I remember I'm having Gingerill too much at the house. Well, I know growing up, he did. Oh, my God, so much...

I believe. I also love Gingerill. Yeah, let me just see, just really quick. Where does Ginger L. come from? Where does Ginger L. come from? Ireland. Oh, it's from Ireland. Never mind. Might have loved in Ireland, an Irish drink. That's funny.

There's Canada dry. Oh, Canada dry, probably. That's what it was. That's a good observation. I did not notice that on our watch. And I'm kind of sad that I did. Maybe on our rewatch, I'll pick up more on the stuff with the ginger ale. But yeah, I do think that, at least in that last scene,

Rasa was cold enough for him, that it's a showcase of Ilya paying attention yeah that's a good point to Shane's likes and you know him asking him to stay the night and him making him the sandwich him to melt him finally opening up to him in some regard and even down to them being on the couch together and calling each other their first names

and it felt like it was there was just so much history there between them but I feel like both of them in a way were scared in that moment because I don't want to put myself out there again just to be tossed aside, even though he is showing these signs of maybe he is, you know,

more open to me and more willing to accept and embrace me. But yeah, that's one I'm going to have to sit with, CR. I think you're on the right path. That's how I felt as well when he was getting himself. I mean, to me, that's my love language. When you're able to communicate without saying anything is to get, the your significant other stuff that they love without saying anything like ginger elf that's what they like tuna melt and we saw that in episode three when it came to kip making i think he made

feta chicken without the feta and he was making him the the blueberry with the banana and the the smoothie and stuff like that so i think that is a is a big thing because i oh sorry i think that ilia is really taking a step forward and growing and evolving in terms of the relationship he was as Aaron just pointed out, calling him by his first name. So I think that he's really taking the next step. But then, as you also just pointed out, that Shane doesn't want to feel tossed aside like he did. For six months he didn't hear from him.

And then he told him to just leave, and they didn't even kiss that one night when they, I think at the end of episode two, if I'm not mistaken. Yeah. So, yeah, I can understand the apprehension for Shane when it comes to the relationship and why he would feel very scared. to really fully dive into it

when Ilya says he's ready to. I totally understand where Shane's coming from, but I'm with Aaron on that, that it feels like that's what it spoke to narratively. I'd have to rewatch it as well just to see all the gingerill stuff come in here. But that's, at least to me, when it comes to like significant others,

is paying attention, being observant, is listening that way, and that's what you do for your significant other. You do things for them in that way. that's a love language being thoughtful in that way so thank you so much for the question we appreciate you see i'm rereading hold on maybe it's also an allegory for lover and acceptance as well kind of getting these details and because yeah he requests at the restaurant he shamed into getting beer do you remember him getting shamed into getting beer

i don't remember it's okay i'm gonna let a cook a little longer and then maybe we're dressed in four and five we can go on the next okay Okay, Kiki Varez. What's up, Kiki? In this show, the two main characters are played by two fairly new actors. My question is, so far, what do you think of their acting? And what has stood out to you? Also, what do you think of the overall camera work and direction of the show?

P.S. So happy you guys are reacting to this. Excited to hear your thoughts. Thank you so much, Kiki. Thank you. Well, I think they have incredible chemistry. Their interactions are whether it's coming from a toxic place or coming from a wholesome in a place.

I love it all. It makes for good trauma or it makes for good love and I appreciate it. What is the thing that stands out to me? Their abs, their shoulders,

their backs. I want to be in shape like them. Yeah. No, I just, I appreciate the, where they come from, their backstory,

whether it's their family. I really did, I have noticed too, like when it comes to, we've already talked about this, but when it comes to like Ilya's father and his, brother, just the nurturement that he had growing up, Ilya, and why he's so hard and why he's

got a facade, why it's so hard to break down the walls. And when it comes to Shane's character too, like, he's got very loving parents, but they can also be controlling too in a way. So, you know, it's understandable, too, why he's got some walls, too, that need to be broken down and why he's very apprehensive to let people in as well. So that stood out to me, but they are incredible actors. I would never, if you didn't tell us, write us this, know that they are not fairly new actors than to be the lead on a big hit series like this, like they're incredible.

They feel so seasoned these two. So they've done a terrific job. When it comes to the overall camera work and direction, there's definitely, direction-wise, fantastic. They know how to allow the actors to express themselves and know when to pan in when it comes to certain camera. There's also other camera shots too.

Some of my favorite ones are when you see like the wide shot. There was one, I can't remember which episode you could see like, I was like, oh, great shot of the wide. You could see three characters at once, one on the left, one in the center one, the right. I don't remember which episode that is, if you guys want to remind me to go for it. And then there was another one where I think it was Ilya coming home. We stayed on. It was a tracking shot where he was coming in home and we were going from right to left. So there's definitely a lot of good tracking shots that I've noticed.

And yeah, the camera work is fantastic. and also too, a lot of close-ups when we really need to feel visceral and just feel the expressiveness on the characters. So I really liked it. And I've also liked a lot of the music choices that they've gone with as well. I think music can be a very powerful tool

when it comes to film and TV. The whole point of music, for me at least, is to express how the characters are feeling as well as how we the audience should be feeling, whether it's score music or music when it comes to lyrics. And I think so far they've picked some really good choices. I've noticed some synthesizer music. and I've also noticed some techno type of beats

and also some really good songs with lyrics that have been some really emotional and good choices. So what about you? Yeah, no, I feel the same. I feel like these actors are all doing an incredible job, especially, well, I think all four of our main love interest, people are doing great. I think the chemistry between them

and the way that they are able to capture these very specific types of relationships. relationship dynamics of like being attractive to each other but also having these rivalry messing with each other playing mindings but also feeling the sense of I'm thinking entitlement's the right word

but getting jealous and showcasing that in ways that are more subtle without having the actors portray that in a way that's big like on the stage also the camera work is great too that shot was showing on the outside like what we were saying and the one that's sticking to my

brand when you say this is going back to the banana socks and the whole banana thing in episode three and then him wearing them taking the picture and sending it to Kip but then at the very end of the episode he covers them up kind of as an allegory for him hiding his uh his good his homosexuality yeah so i found it was sad he's wearing them but he's wearing it on the inside he can't let the world see that can't wear it on the outside yeah that's a good point man but yeah i think i think both the acting. Also the scene where Shane is trying to, you know,

he wants to express his happiness, but doesn't want to be too loud with his expression and his joy in a celebration of Aaliyah. All those things were great. I agree with everything. We were talking about it when we were reacting to it. It was fascinating with Miles was like

really hovering right behind Shane. And Rose and Rose was like right there too. I was like, is she cool with this? Like it does not bothering me, but I was like, is she cool? Does she know? He was right on top of him. So I was kidding.

But maybe she was so drunk and I'm not sure. Yeah, but I, yeah. Anyways, thank you so much for the question. We appreciate it. Looks like we got another question from Maria. Thank you so much. We appreciate you. And this is our final one.

How are you? You doing well after this on a more serious note? What is your understanding of the character's inner worlds in this episode? what would you say are their driving emotions here what were they trying to achieve um i'm doing good i'm doing well i'm a little hungry but other than that i'm really enjoying the show i think it is very unique for a a large mainstream show to be able to have queer representation I think it's been awesome and maybe showcasing it to

an audience that maybe wasn't no privy to a show of this scale prior to this. But yeah, so my own personal experiences, I think it's been very very good. You know, it's allowed me to, obviously

we feel for a living, but to be just so invested so quickly in such a short amount of time, I'm very happy that the writing is very strong in the show. I'm very grateful that the acting is very strong in the show as well and what was the other thing that you asked? What does this give me

about the character's inner worlds? I'm thinking of a few different things. I feel like Ilya feels us a lot of internal external pressure from his dad and his brother and because of that pressure he doesn't want to let anyone in. He doesn't want to let

people down so he has to just kind of lock in and only can let chanin so far because maybe that's one less person he can let down or one less person he can have hurt him so he just has him at arm's length enough emotionally but allows him in only enough physically and to you know so have access there so maybe there's some other notes that i'm not getting at this time but that's kind of what i'm picking up on and he seems like

he is starting to open up and wanting to have more of an intimate relationship with him more emotionally even though maybe he doesn't know how to do that wholly and they're finally calling each other's first names while they're in bed with one another they're not saying like

F you as much but I love when they say FU I know it's cute when they do it yeah yeah it's like they're them trying to maintain their masculinity wall so being in the like yeah there's subtext there yeah there's for sure subtext um i feel like Shane really you know he he also feels this pressure from the outside world i feel like he felt he feels

fear as well about being himself because of the maybe the repercussions that come with that but also he's just new to new to it at the beginning and he doesn't have a ton of experience and Ilius is only experiences into having a sense of intimacy it's the only form of intimacy as far as the show relays that he knows that he can be this softer side of himself

and it's interesting the contrast of him being this captain and this leader but within their relationship he is the softer one you know he's the one that that is more submissive to Ilya he's the one that cuddles him and he's one who wants him to be like kissing and stuff when he feels like he's being used

and he's going back to him even after not talking for six months. So it sucks how he wants he, on the outside world, he is someone that is achieved status and power and wealth but is softer and less dominant in his interior world than his um his private life so i thought that was the interesting contrast between those two characters um as for hunter i feel yeah he he he has this trauma but he also has a good heart but he has just so much fear about you know embracing the heart and the love that he has and then for kip i feel like he wants to live out loud fully and holy and is kind of in this position where he can't be

honest he has it's like it's almost like he has to return to the closet if he was i don't know if he was ever in the closet but he has returned to the closet because the man he loves isn't ready to be out with him in the light which is another form of pain because it makes him feel like a mistress even though there isn't an other woman or another man but it creates the sense of oh he like we're gonna it's gonna happen eventually like how when girls were the mistress like oh he's like he's gonna leave his wife like it's gonna be okay we're gonna have a great life he loves me it's kind of like that situation except not as

I don't think it's manipulative I think it's just genuinely based off of the fear but there's real love between them I feel yeah no I agree with you how are you I'm doing well I'm just really hot in here

yeah it's a lot doing well I'm just really enjoying the show I wish we could do the final two episodes right now but we will do them soon don't worry on a more serious note what is your understanding of the character's inner worlds I would say I'm going to definitely recycle a few things that Aaron pointed out, but, you know, definitely fear is one is a main theme that I was getting. And I understand why. Like, we've talked about this before. They are in a place where if you are, if you come out, there is a possibility of repercussion, whether it comes from sponsorships, whether it comes from your team. We don't know what the, the possibility of what could happen.

I personally don't think anything should happen because it's not a big deal but we don't and I understand why they are afraid to do these things and I would say also too pressure when it comes to with Shane when it comes when it comes to with Ilya

when it comes to with a hunter and I'll start off with Ilya pressure not only from that his father has instilled in him just from probably as a little kid and then also his brother but also pressure like to make sure like because his dad's also ill with dementia.

He's got to make sure that he takes care of him. So the money's got to come in. So he's got to do good as a pressure as a professional athlete is just hard in general. But then when you got the pressure on your family, like, you know, mooching off you to do well. And then also you got to take care of your sick father. Like that's pressure in itself. Also, he's the captain of his team, right? I think all three of them are the captains on their team, right?

Hunter, Ilya, and Shane. So there's also that pressure. You've got to lead by example, right? You've got to be the masculine one and then the one in charge. So there's all different types of pressure. And then, you know, when it comes to Shane, I think there's also, again, there's that, another, there's more of that fear as well of just wanting to be true to yourself and then worrying about what others are going to perceive of you when it comes to letting yourself out. and so that's what I would say when it comes to and we've obviously we saw that as well

with Hunter in episode three and when it comes to Kip just going off what you were saying like yeah I think we did hear that line too I think it was I think your dad thinks you're hooking up with like a married man or something and it almost does feel like that for him

because he has to not he can't even tell his father and I think his father's a diehard hockey fan too and it has nothing even do with that i mean he would just he just wants to tell the world like how much uh how much how in love he is and and i get it i understand that and we also have to understand too that you know he doesn't have as much to lose which sucks too in terms of for the other three that if if it was uh if it came out that he was in love with hunter not not there's not going to be repercussions for him uh as as an individual because you know he's he works at a smoothie

bar and nothing's going to happen so it's just that's the world we live in and that's it's sometimes i don't get these types of things and i don't understand but uh that's what i would say in terms of the driving emotions and what are they trying to achieve i think what i and most others are trying to treat being true to yourself yeah and find being happy finding love and yeah that's what i would say i know that's the simplistic answer not going like too deep but i mean that's what it seems seems like what I'm watching, what they are trying to do and to grow and evolve. And, yeah, that's what I would say. But do you have any final thoughts before we skiddle out of here?

No, I'm enjoying the show. I think it's been really engaging, really well shot, really well acted, and yeah, I look forward to seeing the final two episodes of season one. Ditto. All right. Well, guys, let us know in the comments section. What did you think of episodes three and four? And, yeah, we'd love to hear your thoughts. We will be back for episodes five and six.

I believe those are the final two episodes of season one of Heated Rivalry. So if you stuck with us this long, we appreciate and love you so much. Take care, and we'll see you next time.