Heated Rivalry

Credit To @werewolfkendallenjoyer on TikTok.

I think it’s time Beyond the Threshold….

Time to talk about Heated Rivalry.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Are you coming to the cottage 😝?

So, let’s start with a quick summary to start the conversation. Heated Rivalry is a masterpiece about two hockey players on opposing teams who have a 10-year-long situationship, before it comes to light. Pretty simple sounding. NOT SIMPLE AT ALL. 

Credit to @miracle aligner on Pinterest.

This TV show is so complex that every time I watch it (which has been many times), I learn something new and even more intriguing than I originally thought. When I first heard about it, it was mentioned that it was a slow-burning gay romance, with some sex, but a great story. I was absolutely all in because a good gay love story is always fun. I started the first episode and was shocked to see so many sex scenes so fast. The first time I watched the entire season, I was like, okay, it’s a good romantic, sexy show about lovers. Then I watched it a second time and thought, okay, it’s actually kind of complex when you pay attention to the stories. The third time I watched it, I was so captivated by the story and how the sex scenes play into the importance of the entire storyline. 

I think it speaks volumes in today’s LGBTQ+ world, as the fear and stigma surrounding certain hobbies and things is so damaging. There are so many areas of our lives that remain separated in straight and gay ways. Where it’s seen as taboo for a gay man to play hockey. Heated Rivalry represents that stigma well, showing the genuine fear and anxiety surrounding being gay in a sports field. How is it acceptable for someone to fear losing their job for something that has absolutely nothing to do with said job? The two actors, Connor and Hudson, do a phenomenal job at representing fearful men who just want to love each other and live happily. It literally takes them 10 years to even fathom saying I love you, because admitting that means they are something, and in this world, that would do terrible things to their careers. Their relationship probably would’ve been a secret from everyone even longer if Shane’s father hadn’t witnessed them at his cottage. I’m unsure if this is true, but I do believe I saw a hockey player in real life who found the courage to come out after watching this TV show, which just shows how impactful and important representation is for people today.

Credit to @Paige Donnini on Pinterest.

Not only did the show do a phenomenal job at showing the romance between the two, but their individual storylines were written and produced so beautifully. I have not read the book that this show stems from, but I’ve heard they hit the points spot on. Ilya Rozanov’s story is so inspirational, and Connor Storrie did such a great job as the actor. From an uptight Russian family that only used him for his money, to the death of his mother, and his built-up wall due to what he grew up around, Ilya’s story was so endearing to watch, and his growth was astronomical. He started with such a mean guy, don’t care attitude, and showed so many emotions throughout the course of this show, till he finally felt free. Which I believe was actually symbolized when Shane and Ilya were at the cottage. They had always hidden from the world their relationship, closing curtains, meeting in the dark, at the cottage, as Shane tries to close the window blinds, Ilya opens them, which I think represents how they finally feel comfortable to be free, or at least a little more comfortable with being themselves, together. Even more affirming is that Ilya is the one who no longer wants to “close the curtain,” considering he’s the one whose experience in Russia instilled great fear and worry that if it were found out, he couldn’t go home to Russia again because of the feelings around gay members.

Scott and Kip walked so Shane and Ilya could run. Scott and Kip’s relationship was so sweet to watch. They fell for each other fast, but again, the stigma around hockey players being gay had Scott scared to be open with Kip. Scott showed so much strength and bravery as he truly tried to be more open about it. He finally broke his shell and made such a huge gesture to come out to the world and show everyone who he was in love with. It was such a sweet moment to watch and was the main reason Ilya and Shane’s relationship was pursued further. 

Credit to @Илья on Pinterest

I’m sure I'm missing so much; I truly could talk on and on about how much I love this show. I think it does wonders for the LGBTQ+ community and gives space for people to find comfort and strength to be themselves. 

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, who was not given a choice on when I got to come out, I found this show comforting, not only to see how their relationship blooms despite hiding it from the world, but also the normalcy in sex, as when people break conformity of straight relationships, shame is often associated with same-sex relations, something I also experienced and struggle with. I think this show has a lot of meaning, even through all the sex scenes! When you really pay attention, you discover the depth of the story. 

Alright, to wrap this up, Heated Rivalry is an awesome show, and I cannot wait to watch season two and get my hands on the books the show is based on. If you’re interested in a good steamy gay romance, this is the show for you. Also, one last video because ITS SO GOOD.

Credit to @Peedispencer on TikTok.

In other news, Beyond the Threshold is working on developing the first product I will sell. It is something I’m super excited about, but it is definitely going to be a long process. It speaks true to me and can be used in therapy practices or any children’s space! 

In the meantime, please consider donating to BTT to help keep this blog running until products are finally available for sale. Your contributions are greatly appreciated, as I love this space I’ve created and want to keep creating on. 

Goodbye for now, see you in the next one!