We’re going to the cottage! Plus, the best quotes from episode six of “Heated Rivalry”
This review contains spoilers
“I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too. But also, terrified.”
That’s really the first time Ilya Rosanov has ever fully vocalized his feelings. Well, except for his swoon-worthy but heartbreaking Russian monologue in episode five that was spoken into the void (and a non-Russian-speaking Shane Hollander’s ear). However, in episode six, “The Cottage”, Ilya is coming in loud and clear. And allowing himself to be vulnerable.
Episode five ended with the line heard around the world when Ilya called Shane to say he’s “coming to the cottage.” The line was underlined with the sentiment that this would take the pair’s situationship to another level. And the episode starts by showing us what that other level could be as Scott Hunter wins the Most Valuable Player award at the league’s year-end ceremony and addressed the very large and very gay elephant in the room. Francois Arnaud, arguably the most recognizable actor on the cast, shows why someone of his caliber was hired for the role. His speech touches on the homophobia in sports, loneliness of being in the closet before professing his love loudly and proudly for Kip. Arnaud delivers the monologue with the emotion and charisma it deserves. In The Kingfisher, Kip (Robbie G.K.), along with his friends including ultimate bestie Elena (Nadine Bahabha), watch on.
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As Shane and Ilya drive to the cottage, there’s a palpable anxiety. There’s the fear of being seen by the public, but also by each other. Over the nearly decade they’ve been seeing each other, they rarely achieved any level of real emotional intimacy despite the sexual fireworks (though there’s tons in the cottage). After a quick, um… house tour, the pair sit down for burgers that, despite years together, feels like a first date. They talk about Shane’s parents and their potential reaction to his coming out, which Shane admits he might have delayed because of Ilya.
They spend time by the fire, where Ilya chides, “we just sit here and look at it?” Soon, a loon wail startles the pair which Ilya hilariously calls a “stupid Canadian wolf bird.” As Ilya lies in Shane’s lap he talks about his family in Russia and the suicide of his mother. “I do not want you to think she was weak,” Ilya says. That line perhaps gives us the most insight into Ilya than any other line all season.
For good measure, the pair have a steamy couch blow job session where Ilya playfully services Shane while he’s on the phone with teammate Hayden before talking later than night about their future. It’s perhaps the one part of the season that doesn’t feel as meticulously planned. They float a few ideas. Ilya suggests he may transfer to a Canadian team since he’s a free agent next season. Shane agrees and suggests Ontario. Ilya talks about potentially marrying Svetlana for citizenship, which terrifies Shane since Ilya is bisexual. He reassures him saying, “I like women and everywhere i go i’m surrounded by beautiful women. But I am always thinking about this slow fucking hockey player with beautiful freckles… and a weak backhand.”
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The next morning, Shane suggests they start a hockey school for kids and fundraise for mental health organizations in honor of Ilya’s mother. It’s what finally drives him to tell Shane he loves him. The entire sequence is beautiful and gorgeously acted by both Storrie and Williams who subtly show the impact it has on them. However, the solution to their separation feels like it comes too fast and is less satisfying than the other love story feature in the show that got a neat romantic bow.
One wrench is thrown in the plan when Shane’s father David (Dylan Walsh) shows up unexpectedly at the cottage and spots the pair in an intimate moment. They quickly make the decision to head to Shane’s parents’ house to defuse the situation. They suggest they had a parental intuition that Shane was gay but were shocked that he and Ilya have been seeing each other since their rookie season. It’s an emotional scene, especially when Shane’s mother Yuna (Christina Chang) begs her son for forgiveness for not making him feel comfortable enough to come out.
On the note, and with a plan for the future, the season ends with Shane and Ilya driving off into the sunset. It perhaps is more of a setup for a second season than it is a completion of their storyline. And as long as that is a promise of the more Shane and Ilya, I’m okay with that.
The best quotes from “Heated Rivalry” episode six, “The Cottage”
“When I was a teenage I… I realized I may be that thing that hockey players like to throw around as an insult. The kind of language I heard in the locker room and on the ice was a constant reminder that I was different.” — Scott Hunter
“When you have a secret that you work as hard as I did to protect… it’s exhausting. It’s a non-stop effort. It’s also really really lonely. Thankfully, I found the person who changes everything. And he gave me the confidence and strength and the need to be honest about who I am. Fear is a powerful thing. But then I found the one thing that is more powerful. So I share this honor with my teammates and my coaches. But I also share it with you, Kip. You have made me better in every conceivable way. I love you.” — Scott Hunter
“It’s not a Jeep. It’s British. Practical.” — Shane Hollander
“What the fuck is McGill? Is it a town?” — Ilya Rosanov
“Stupid Canadian wolf bird.” — Ilya Rosanov
“Good morning. I like you.” — Ilya Rosanov
“But I am always thinking about this slow fucking hockey player with beautiful freckles… and a weak backhand.” — Ilya Rosanov
“And maybe one day, when we both retire, we can be together… for real.” — Shane Hollander
“She would have loved you, like I love you.” — Ilya Rosanov
“Say it again in Russian, please.” — Shane Hollander
“I’m sorry that I made you feel like you couldn’t tell me. I’m so so proud of you. Please forgive me.” — Yuna Hollander
