The Best Heated Rivalry Scenes We Cannot Get Out Of Our Heads

IMDb isn't always the kindest to shows when it comes to reviews, and HBO's Heated Rivalry’s last two episodes opening to a whopping 9.9 out of 10 rating is proof of just how good the Canadian BL drama is. For context, it's now tied with Breaking Bad as one of the best finales of all time.

And this is not just talking about the romance, but how good the show itself is as a whole. Every little detail calls back to a previous episode. The music choices make you think about parallels between past and present, between Scott and Kip's relationship and Shane and Ilya's. The lighting is so good that it speaks volumes without the characters saying a word. Heated Rivalry was not made for watching while you do the dishes or scroll your phone on the side, and it shows.

In only six weeks, the love story of ice hockey captains Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov won our hearts. Season 2 may be a long way off, but these scenes? Permanently etched into our brains.

Ilya’s Russian Monologue

Ilya and his dad have shared a relationship that's complicated at best, but his world crumbles down nevertheless when his dad passes away. Shane knowing just what Ilya needs in this moment and empathising with him even when he doesn't understand a word singlehandedly makes it the best scene in a very solid episode. As for Ilya, sharing everything that’s been troubling him (including finally confessing his love for his so-called rival), is an impressive milestone for a person who isn't the best at emotional vulnerability. Also, in case you missed it, actor Connor Storrie didn't speak Russian before the show, which makes the four-minute monologue even more impressive.

The "Silent Retreat" At The Cottage

Throughout their seven-year-old situationship, Shane and Ilya’s love is hidden in the quite literally shadows, so the two finally getting to show their love for each other in broad daylight (although still in private) feels like the warm hug we had all been craving for. It also ties back to episode 3, where Elena tells Scott at all relationships need sunshine to grow and flourish, and in this episode, Shane and Ilya finally get to feel the first rays of sunshine bring in warmth to their lives.

The Club Scene

Shane and Ilya’s relationship is at its lowest when they coincidentally visit the same nightclub (albeit separately) after a rough match in Montreal. Of course, the two are feeding into each other's envy here, but that shot of Ilya spotting Shane will go down in history. Bonus points for the song selection because boy does it describe Shane’s feelings without him saying a word - sandwiched between a girlfriend, a successful career and people fawning over him, it still isn't enough because Ilya isn't a part of his life.

Shane Coming Out To Rose

An underrated aspect about Heated Rivalry is how relationships between gay men and their girlfriends are shown as something beyond pop culture "gay BFF" cliches. Shane and Rose entering into a relationship isn't something we were thrilled with in the beginning, but the deep respect and adoration that exists between the two and Rose being a safe space for Shane to be himself makes it an endearing one to the viewers. Also not to forget the hysterical line: "I kind of prefer being the hole, rather than the peg."

Scott And Kip’s Victory Kiss

Throughout Scott and Kip’s relationship developing over their meetings at the latter’s cafe was one of the cutest things in the show. What made the relationship even more special was when Scott, seeing his teammates celebrate their victory with their loved ones, brought out his loved one in front of the cameras for a kiss on live television, cheered on by the whole world. Not only is it a very profound moment for these two, but also a moment of self-acceptance for other closeted players watching it on their screens (cough our leads cough).