I’m formally announcing that I have an idea that’s about to change pop culture forever. Picture this: a Reputation jukebox musical but the plot is Heated Rivalry. @Broadway folks, you taking notes? In all seriousness, the dangerously addictive Canadian hockey romance is the most Reputation-coded TV show that’s ever aired, and I can practically hear the songs playing in the background as I watch Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov’s love story unfold. Unfortunately, Heated Rivalry did not get the Summer I Turned Pretty treatment — there isn’t a single Taylor Swift song in the soundtrack so far, despite the clear spiritual connection to her 2018 discography. While Taylor isn’t exactly a gay NHL star, the themes of unexpected, all-consuming, secret love in your twenties really speak to Rachel Reid’s enrapturing tale. Should the pop icon ever get the urge to return to her 2019 loud and proud ally era, I’m strongly recommending my jukebox musical idea.
Because I’m unwell, I rewatched the first two episodes of Heated Rivalry and assigned a Reputation track to every important moment in Shane and Ilya’s romance. You’re welcome.
“…Ready for it?” is the precise question Ilya’s asking Shane with his, uh, body language, in the infamous locker room scene. Turns out Shane is most definitely ready for it, and so their story begins. The album opener sets the stage beautifully. (But I shan’t be following the album order from here on out.)
“Delicate” is the theme song for those early stages of falling for someone. In “Delicate,” Taylor’s already really into this person (*cough* Joe Alwyn), but she’s panicking about it — just like Shane is high-key panicking about this new dynamic with Ilya. It’s a dreamy love song with a healthy dose of freaking the fuck out, which is fitting for this hotel scene. “This is such a bad idea,” Shane whispers, but that doubt doesn’t seem to stop him.
Needless to say, this scene is very important to me. It’s so pure and romantic how they share this meaningful, private moment together while a million eyes and cameras are on them. It’s giving: “I, I loved you in secret” and also, “I, I loved you in spite of / Deep fears that the world would divide us.”
By the second hotel room meetup in the pilot episode, our boys are falling into a nice rhythm and fully embracing their magnetic connection. They’re getting more comfy with each other, exchanging numbers (but using girl names for the contacts), and making plans for the future. Objectively speaking, this moment screams “Call It What You Want,” specifically: “‘Cause my baby’s fit like a daydream / Walkin’ with his head down, I’m the one he’s walkin’ to / So call it what you want, yeah, call it what you want to.”
Their first fight nearly gave me a heart attack, but I’m thrilled to report I did live to see episode 2. Shane gets upset when Ilya starts acting distant (because of his dysfunctional family and all the pressure on him), and there’s tension between the lovebirds due to a lack of communication. “I guess I thought maybe we… never mind,” Shane mutters, obviously trying to articulate that their relationship means something to him. But alas, these two ~can’t have nice things~ because Ilya’s not emotionally available.
Ilya visiting Shane’s apartment is their most warm and fuzzy, rom-com-esque moment thus far. After years of meeting up in secret and flirting over text constantly, their emotional connection is palpable, and they interact more like boyfriends than strangers. I just needed to hear “King of My Heart” when they were cuddling in bed! These are the most Shane and Ilya lyrics ever: “Your love is a secret I’m hoping, dreaming, dying to keep / Change my priorities / The taste of your lips is my idea of luxury.”
Once again, they run into the obstacle of Ilya being avoidant, giving mixed signals, etc., and Shane’s fucking had it. He expresses his frustration at the awards ceremony, but he’s also super quick to forgive his lover (another Taylor reference there) the second Ilya gets seductive when they’re in the bathroom together. “Tripping, Tripping when you’re gone / We break down a little / But when you get me alone it’s so simple,” Taylor croons in “So It Goes.” It’s like she literally read Shane’s mind.
These two are the dictionary definition of: “My drug is my baby / I’ll be usin’ for the rest of my life.” In the latest steamy hotel scene, Shane continues to be the most bottom individual to ever exist, and the chaotic, passionate romance continues to make him crazy. (Meanwhile, Ilya who’s just doing whatever TF he wants and getting even spicier in the bedroom.) Poor Shane… My heart still aches from that “we didn’t even kiss” text he types but never sends.
Not to fear, folks: I have not forgotten about “Dress,” “End Game,” “Gorgeous,” “Getaway Car,” “Look What You Made Me Do,” or “New Year’s Day.” I’m confident those moments will reveal themselves in later episodes! Do come back for updates.
