Anonymous wrote:I'm still struck how so much is conveyed with so little

- when Ilya first utters "Shane"
- the season 5 phone call
- "I'm coming to the cottage"
- the whole ending at the parents' cottage

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Anonymous wrote:No one would accept this show if it was hetero.

They would feel the woman was being used and abused by the Ilya character. He just wants her for sex when they are in town - and sleeps with lots of other women as well. Ghosts her by text then expects her to just be there and go down on him at his beck and call. And this goes on for years? He would he an absolutely hated character if Shane's character was a woman.

You see that Ilya is abusive and you’re right, his actions are immature and abusive.

But you’re completely missing the point that Shane is also abusive. He’s hiding Ilya from everybody. It would be like an ultra religious boy who’s dating an atheist and refusing to introduce her to her parents and keeps her hidden for years.

What’s beautiful as you watch them both grow through those 10 years to loving and supporting partners.

Ilya literally could not come out or his family could be killed. He could be killed. He could be deported back to his country and killed.

Shane couldn’t come out why?

Also, I think we are using the word abusive very liberally because it’s not literally abusive.

I don’t see it that way at all. There’s nothing wrong with two single people who are in a consensual relationship that is mostly physical. Yes, it is tragic and distressing when one or both partners catch feelings and can’t take it to the next level (btdt), typically because of external pressures and sometimes because of pride and ego, but the other party can always say no and move on with their life. No one is forcing you to stay if that’s not what you want.

I don’t blame Shane for keeping their relationship secret. He was young, extremely competitive and focused on his hockey career, on the spectrum so struggles with attention and being in the public eye, and also wants to protect Ilya. It is why he tells him at the cottage that he would’ve probably come out to his parents sooner, but kept it private because of his concern for Rozanov.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No one would accept this show if it was hetero.

They would feel the woman was being used and abused by the Ilya character. He just wants her for sex when they are in town - and sleeps with lots of other women as well. Ghosts her by text then expects her to just be there and go down on him at his beck and call. And this goes on for years? He would he an absolutely hated character if Shane's character was a woman.

You see that Ilya is abusive and you’re right, his actions are immature and abusive.

But you’re completely missing the point that Shane is also abusive. He’s hiding Ilya from everybody. It would be like an ultra religious boy who’s dating an atheist and refusing to introduce her to her parents and keeps her hidden for years.

What’s beautiful as you watch them both grow through those 10 years to loving and supporting partners.

Ilya literally could not come out or his family could be killed. He could be killed. He could be deported back to his country and killed.

Shane couldn’t come out why?

Also, I think we are using the word abusive very liberally because it’s not literally abusive.

This is erotica. Hockey smut. You are reading too much into it. It is a fantasy novel and women like fantasies involving men roughing each other up and treating each other in a way that would be considered abusive if it was a man and a woman. Ilya would be considered just another loser of a F*boy and nasty player who treats women badly. Which is why there is so much man on man content now in TV and film. A big audience is straight women and they like it.

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Anonymous wrote:I appreciate that it is a very low budget show, but the creators clearly put a lot of effort into doing a good job. It’s also great that they gave opportunities to lesser known actors. The actor that plays the Russian is fantastic. He isn’t even Russian he is from Texas.

Yes, all of this. The acting is quite good, especially the actor who plays Ilya. I was very surprised that he isn't Russian or Russian speaking. A lot of the show is also beautifully shot and has really good music. I was not expecting to like it so much.

+1. Connor Storrie's acting is incredible, he carries that show. I was shocked to find out that he is from Texas. His Russian is excellent (my mother is Russian, and I am fluent).
He is so hot too.

Agree. But Hudson Williams was also outstanding, just more subtle. They don’t state it in the show, but in the books, Shane is mildly autistic and Hudson played the character with that in mind. It’s a really strong performance.

Fair point. Both leads are excellent actors.
I haven’t enjoyed an indie show like this in years.

The physical acting in this series is phenomenal. The way Connor can convey so much emotion with just one look. Hudson too. Man..I want the best for these talented young actors.

Anonymous wrote:What stood out to me was how Shane was coached by parents in his career (to do as many ads as possible while the getting’s good) and Ilya was on his own and I’m sure missing opportunities.

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Anonymous wrote:I appreciate that it is a very low budget show, but the creators clearly put a lot of effort into doing a good job. It’s also great that they gave opportunities to lesser known actors. The actor that plays the Russian is fantastic. He isn’t even Russian he is from Texas.

Yes, all of this. The acting is quite good, especially the actor who plays Ilya. I was very surprised that he isn't Russian or Russian speaking. A lot of the show is also beautifully shot and has really good music. I was not expecting to like it so much.

+1. Connor Storrie's acting is incredible, he carries that show. I was shocked to find out that he is from Texas. His Russian is excellent (my mother is Russian, and I am fluent).
He is so hot too.

Agree. But Hudson Williams was also outstanding, just more subtle. They don’t state it in the show, but in the books, Shane is mildly autistic and Hudson played the character with that in mind. It’s a really strong performance.

Fair point. Both leads are excellent actors.
I haven’t enjoyed an indie show like this in years.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"I'm coming to the cottage" 💀

I set my CarPlay up to play this clip when I start my car.

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Anonymous wrote:The unbelievable acting and chemistry makes this show/story/love so addictive. I am re-watching it as we speak.

They have great chemistry indeed. They touch and kiss each other so sensually. I don't think I have ever seen kisses this beautiful and passionate in ANY show or film.

Anonymous wrote:I was really moved by the scene with Shane and his mother in episode 6. 🥺🥺

Anonymous wrote:Episode 5 is among the best TV episodes of all time. For me, it's up there with The Red Wedding in GoT, The Hope That Kills You in Ted Lasso, Ozymandias in Breaking Bad, The Constant in Lost and a couple of episodes in The Last Of Us. It had joy, pain, grief, hope and a big ILY sprinkled on top. I was feeling all the feels!

Anonymous wrote:"I'm coming to the cottage" 💀

Anonymous wrote:The unbelievable acting and chemistry makes this show/story/love so addictive. I am re-watching it as we speak.