‘Heated Rivalry’ Episode 5’s Rose Scene Deserves More Attention

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If you haven’t yet watched the popular 2025 sports drama Heated Rivalry on HBO Max, now’s the time! And for those who are already fans, episode 5, “I’ll Believe in Anything,” is truly exceptional. It’s a compelling drama filled with surprising turns, emotional moments, and plenty of romance.

Many viewers are praising the emotional connection between Shane (Hudson Williams) and Ilya (Connor Storrie), and rightfully so. The characters finally talked openly about their feelings for each other, realizing their relationship was more than just physical. In a particularly moving scene, Ilya confided in Shane while grieving his father and struggling with his feelings about Russia. He even told Shane he loved him in Russian. While Shane said he doesn’t understand the language, many fans believe he knew exactly what Ilya said.

Viewers of Heated Rivalry are either still buzzing about that surprising kiss or dissecting the episode’s dramatic conclusion. It’s no surprise the moment caused such a reaction – Scott (Francois Arnaud) publicly revealed his attraction to Kip (Robbie G.K.) with a bold kiss, broadcast live on national television during a hockey game. This also convinced Ilya to finally accept Shane’s invitation to visit his cottage, marking a significant turning point in their relationship.

Rose Stole ‘Heated Rivalry’s Biggest Moment


Warner Bros./Crave

Though she’s not the main character, Rose Landry arguably had the most impactful scene in episode 5. While Ilya’s confession and Scott’s revelation were sweet, Rose’s bold move deserves the most recognition. After a hint of trouble between her and Shane in the previous episode, they went to dinner, where things felt a little awkward. Rose then cleverly steered the conversation towards her gay friend’s crush on Shane, and directly asked Shane if their intimacy issues stemmed from him potentially being gay.

Rose asked the question in a way that felt supportive, not intrusive, and allowed Shane to be honest without feeling ashamed. She genuinely wanted to help someone she cared about accept themselves, and her kindness made her the first person Shane confided in about his sexuality. While things had been progressing with Ilya for a while, it wasn’t until talking with Rose that Shane fully accepted he was gay, and he was okay with that. Unlike Scott’s public announcement, Shane’s realization was a personal milestone, but it was incredibly important for him.

After dinner, Rose promised Shane she would always be there for him. She let him know she still cherished their friendship and wanted it to last. Shane, a professional hockey player, was thankful, and they said goodbye with a hug.

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Rose played a key role in Shane’s emotional journey, helping him understand his own feelings and ultimately share them with Ilya. This led to Ilya’s heartfelt invitation to visit Shane. If you weren’t already a fan of Rose, her actions in this episode might just change your mind! Many viewers are hoping to see more of her in the upcoming second season of Heated Rivalry.

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2025-12-24 04:19