Heated Rivalry Finally Breaks The Unsavory Trend That Has Been Plaguing It All-Season Long

by

Be warned, this article contains spoilers for episode 5 of Heated Rivalry, titled “I’ll Believe In Anything.” As its first season nears its end, Heated Rivalry has overcome a recurring issue that had been a minor drawback to an otherwise successful show. Originally a Crave series, it gained even more popularity after becoming available on HBO Max to audiences beyond Canada. The show is based on Rachel Reid’s novel of the same name and centers on the complex professional and personal lives of hockey rivals Ilya Rosanov and Shane Hollander.

Though the love story isn’t based on a true story, the central conflict in Heated Rivalry comes from the famous NHL rivalry between Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby. The show definitely draws viewers in with its passionate scenes, which are particularly daring. However, the heart of the story is a secret romance that unfolds over ten years. Despite its popularity, Heated Rivalry has always suffered from one overused plot device, making certain aspects feel predictable.

Heated Rivalry Episode 5 Ends In A Big Win For All Major Characters

HBO Max

Okay, so I was really getting frustrated with the first four episodes of Heated Rivalry. Every single one ended on such a downer! Like, the first episode left me bummed with Ilya and Shane having that huge fight on the rooftop after their first season. Then, in Vegas, it seemed like Shane was almost embarrassed to admit he didn’t even kiss Ilya! It kept happening – episode three had Scott and Kip forced to break up, and then we got that famous, but still sad, Montreal club scene at the end of episode four. It felt like the show was deliberately trying to make me feel bad!

Episode 5 of Heated Rivalry, titled “I’ll Believe In Anything,” brings positive changes. As the New York Admirals win the championship, Scott unexpectedly kisses Kip on the ice, hinting at a possible off-season romance. Seeing Scott’s bold move encourages Ilya to accept Shane’s offer to travel, and to explore their connection. This is the first time in Heated Rivalry that both main characters experience a shared victory.

What To Expect From Heated Rivalry Season 1 Finale

HBO Max

The TV show Heated Rivalry stays very close to the original novel, which is why fans of the book are enjoying it. If the show continues to follow the book’s plot, Ilya’s decision to spend time with Shane at the cottage is crucial – it will not only shape the season one finale, but also the future of their relationship throughout the series. Due to the show’s popularity, it has already been renewed for a second season, promising more of Shane and Ilya’s story after the initial six episodes.

What’s impressive about Heated Rivalry and Jacob Tierney’s adaptation is that it stays very true to the book, yet still manages to be engaging even if you’re already familiar with the story. The actors do a great job bringing Shane and Ilya’s characters to life, making the show enjoyable for both newcomers and fans of the original novel.

Read More

2025-12-19 08:58