Warning! Spoilers ahead for Heated Rivalry episode 5, “I’ll Believe In Anything.”A week before it wraps up its smash debut year, <em>Heated Rivalry</em> has finally broken an unsavory trend that has been plaguing the show throughout its otherwise successful run. The Crave series garnered wider acclaim when it landed on HBO Max and became available outside of Canada. Based on Rachel Reid’s novel of the same name, Heated Rivalry follows the professional and personal relationship between pro-hockey arch-rivals Ilya Rosanov and Shane Hollander.
While the romantic aspect of it isn’t based on anything in real life, Heated Rivalry‘s main dynamic is inspired by Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby’s NHL careers. Admittedly, the intimate moments in the show are a major draw to it, especially since they are executed more boldly. However, at the core of the show is a forbidden romance that develops all throughout a decade. As beloved as it is, there’s one trope that has plagued Heated Rivalry from the beginning that has made it somehow predictable.
Heated Rivalry Episode 5 Ends In A Big Win For All Major Characters
For all of its first four episodes, Heated Rivalry always ended on a disappointing note. Episode 1 wrapped up with Ilya and Shane’s intense separation on the rooftop after their rookie year. This is followed by their Las Vegas encounter, which capped off with Shane almost disappointingly texting Ilya about not even kissing after. The trend continued with Scott Hunter and Kip Grady’s story in episode 3, where they were forced to split up. Finally, episode 4 left with the now-iconic Montreal club scene.
Things change in Heated Rivalry episode 5 and for the better. In “I’ll Believe In Anything,” Shane and Ilya watch the New York Admirals win the championship, when Scott brings down Kip and kisses him in the middle of the ice as the prospect of spending the off-season together hangs between them. Ilya is initially hesitant about taking Shane’s offer, but seeing Scott’s brave display convinces him to take a chance on the trip and on them. This marks the first time that an episode of Heated Rivalry gives both its main characters a collective win.
What To Expect From Heated Rivalry Season 1 Finale
Heated Rivarly hasn’t deviated much from the novel that it is based on, and that’s one of the reasons why those who loved Reid’s book are on-board with it. Assuming that it keeps it that way until the end of season 1, Ilya agreeing to spend some time with Shane in the cottage is integral, not just to how season 1 will end, but how the rest of their story will play out beyond the show’s debut year. On the heels of its success, Heated Rivalry has already been renewed for season 2, meaning there will be more to Shane and Ilya’s narrative after episode 6.
The great thing about Heated Rivalry and Jacob Tierney’s work is that even though the show is as book accurate as possible, the way the stories are executed still makes it an interesting watch even for those who have read the novel. The cast’s performance also play a part in this, as they bring the story of Shane and Ilya to life. Together, Heated Rivalry is able to cater to both new viewers and those who have long known Shane and Ilya through Reid’s book.
