Heated Rivalry Recap: Second Banana

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So, remember how we thought there were just a couple of gay hockey players? Turns out, there are more! We now know about Scott Hunter, making three, and that’s enough for me to jokingly suggest they all might be! The latest episode of Heated Rivalry is based on Rachel Reid’s book Game Changer and tells a new love story. This time, it focuses on Scott Hunter – you might remember him from the Sochi scenes – and his relationship with Kip, a barista. The romance is ‘forbidden’ – playfully, because they’re both men. But don’t worry, it’s a different vibe than the previous couple’s story; it’s a sweet and wholesome love story, unlike the more intense connection between Hollander and Rozanov.

The initial attraction between the two rivals, shown in the first few episodes, was very physical and built on strong sexual tension. We saw their interest in each other develop from quick, secretive looks to more direct, though calculated, advances – including suggestive photos and displays of attraction. Their competitive relationship actually fueled this dynamic. However, just when things were getting interesting, the show took a surprising turn. The developing relationship between Hollander and Rozanov was dropped, replaced with a more predictable and overused storyline.

This week, Scott and Kip quickly connected, a stark contrast to last week’s slow start. Scott immediately turned on the charm – and showed off his abs in a tight shirt, seemingly hoping to impress us all – and their flirtation began with a playful request for an extra banana in his smoothie. He even left Kip a generous tip, and did it again later. Scott then invited Kip to a game, hoping to win him over, and the strategy actually worked! Despite Kip being clearly interested, he’s still unsure if Scott is gay.

Their playful connection really takes off when Kip and Scott literally bump into each other at a fancy gala—Kip is working as a waiter, and Scott is a guest. After Kip accidentally spills a tray on Scott, Scott impulsively asks him out for Mexican food. It’s clear Scott isn’t very experienced at taking care of others, but when the restaurant is too crowded, he smoothly suggests they order takeout at his place—making you wonder if he planned it that way. While it’s been obvious they’re attracted to each other, it’s only when they arrive at Scott’s apartment that we get confirmation he’s gay: the overhead lights are off.

The scene starts with warmly lit lamps, quickly followed by Scott and Kip becoming intimate—though it’s so dark it’s hard to see clearly. It would have been nice if the room had been better lit! Afterward, Scott asks Kip to stay, which is good because the next morning reveals Kip has an incredibly athletic build. Scott immediately asks if they can have sex, but frustratingly, the show cuts away. If you’re hoping to see that, you’ll have to look elsewhere. It’s a stark contrast to what we saw in last week’s episode, making you wonder if it’s even the same show.

Even after a couple of brief and private encounters, Scott repeatedly asks Kip to stay until he returns home. But why the sudden, dramatic move with the U-Haul? It seems this is the first time Scott has ever had someone over, and he’s keeping his sexuality a secret. Honestly, I’m not very interested in storylines that focus solely on someone struggling with being gay. With Hollander and Rozanov, their internal conflicts were only one part of a much bigger and more engaging story. They had several other interesting problems that made their episodes far more compelling.

The storyline is straightforward: two men fall in love, but one is hiding his sexuality, forcing them to keep their relationship secret. This understandably frustrates the other man. Initially, Kip tries to accommodate Scott’s desire for secrecy, and they enjoy a blissful period. Kip is essentially kept as a luxurious companion in Scott’s apartment, and their passionate intimacy is shown through a montage of affectionate and sensual moments, including a brief sex scene that pushes the boundaries of what would be acceptable on a more conservative channel.

Things start to get complicated when Scott unexpectedly joins Kip at an art gallery. Worried that being seen at an art gallery might reveal his secret, Scott abruptly leaves. Though he’s been hiding their relationship, Kip eventually tells his friend Elena, who is understandably cautious. Later, at a social event where their worlds collide, Elena confronts Scott, telling him that Kip is unhappy being kept hidden and that both of them deserve to be open and happy.

Even after their honest conversation, Scott immediately messes things up when he gets the chance to be supportive. When Kip mentions his friends are planning a small birthday party, Scott says he can’t face going. He claims he wants to be open about their relationship eventually, but isn’t ready yet, suggesting they wait years – mirroring Aidan’s decision to put things on hold with Carrie when he moved back to Virginia. I found this frustrating on And Just Like That…, and I still do. This rejection is the final straw for Kip, and he leaves Scott’s apartment – seemingly for the first time since they started dating – and their relationship ends, much like how the argument about the bananas began.

Kip goes back to his normal life and has a sad birthday, which Scott observes from outside the bar, seemingly for effect. When the Sochi Olympics arrive (a detail reminding us this episode takes place in 2014), he wears the lucky banana socks Kip gave him, but covers them with athletic socks. It’s a subtle symbolic touch at the end of this sweet, though simple, episode – a noticeable shift in tone after last week’s very explicit content. While it’s good to see this show exploring a variety of gay stories, from wholesome to provocative, it’s a bit jarring after last week and feels like going from adult content to a harmless search. Hopefully, we’ll get used to it if it means more hockey players on TV. And speaking of…

Butt Dials

Let’s keep track of all the butts in this show. Here, a handy guide:

• 26:54: Blink and you’ll miss Scott’s hockey butt during this naked make-out.

The scene returns, showing Kip with his hands on Brody’s thighs while on top of him – a loving moment between the two.

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2025-12-05 15:55