Breaking Down the ‘Heated Rivalry’ Season 1 Finale
It is a bittersweet day as we say goodbye to the runaway hit, Heated Rivalry, as the long-awaited finale officially airs. For the last few weeks, we've become absolutely obsessed with this hockey romance. And while we know that more is absolutely coming, we're still freaking out over the finale that gave us a peek as to what is going to happen next to Shane and Ilya as their story continues. So much happened at the cottage and you're not going to want to miss a single detail!Here's the ultimate break down of the season 1 finale of Heated Rivalry.So, we're off to the cottage!Finally! We have officially made it to the cottage. After spotting it on the TV and accepting his invitation, Ilya flew over to visit Shane for two weeks during the break in the season. The two finally have the alone and private time that they've been waiting for: no breaks, just each other. Of course, this means that the barriers between them break down even more especially as they tell each other more personal stories about their childhoods, growing up, and in Ilya's case, his mother. However, they know that their little slice of paradise won't last forever unfortunately, so they try to make a plan.Sabrina LantosAre they going to finally be together?! Yes and no! Despite Scott Hunter's reveal at the end of last episode, both Ilya and Shane don't feel comfortable to full come out and reveal their relationship to the world. But it is clear that they are very serious about each other and Shane even comes up with a plan for them to be closer together. The two of them would start a charity together, telling the public that their rivalry has actually formed into a friendship over the years. Ilya would move from Boston to Ottawa to play for a worse team, but it would allow him to be closer to Shane as it is only two hours away. This would also make it easier as they big rivalry would be done especially since they wouldn't be on two rival teams.After telling Ilya his plan, they finally say "I love you," to one another, proving to each other that this is very much real for both of them and they agree to the plan. Everything goes well until...Uh oh, what happened?! The two hockey stars are living in such bliss together that they don't realize that Shane's father is actually in the house when they kiss each other right outside. He immediately runs away and Shane decides that it's finally time to tell his parents the truth.Shane and Ilya decide to head over the Shane's parents house where they reveal the truth about their relationship. While they are surprised by the fact that they believed they hated each other and how long they've been together, they ultimately accept the relationship when they realize both how real it is and how in love they are with each other. In an emotional moment, Shane's mom, Yuna, leaves to go outside. Shane follows her outside and apologizes for not telling her sooner, while she tells him that he has nothing to apologies for and that she is sorry for not making him feel like he could tell her the truth. They both return back to the house to join Ilya and Shane's dad, David for dinner.Sabrina LantosWhile Shane's mom tries to make a plan for a big reveal, Shane tells her about their plan to be together, but keep their relationship a secret. Yuna questions Ilya's intentions to leave Boston for Shane, but Shane points out that Ilya's loyalty is not with the team but with Shane. Shane starts to panic about the future, but Ilya reminds him that both his family and his boyfriend are there with him. Shane is surprised he used the term boyfriend and the two share a kiss. Shane's parents make plans to meet up with them for a dinner and Ilya asks them to text before showing up, obviously so they don't run into them doing anything else.The finale ends with Shane and Ilya driving back to the cottage together, holding hands and chasing the sunset. Sabrina LantosThat's it?! That's how season 1 ends?!Yes, unfortunately, that's the end of this first season of Heated Rivalry. However, the series has already been renewed for a second season, so there's way more to Ilya and Shane's story left to come. At least we can always read The Long Game to see what will happen next!Related StoriesRead The Books Behind 'Heated Rivalry' In OrderIt’s Official: ‘Heated Rivalry’ Season 2 Is a GoThere's Very Little Hockey In ‘Heated Rivalry’
