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Welcome to part two of a six-part series discussing the music of Heated Rivalry, one episode at a time. In this week's episode, we are covering every sound in Episode 2 "Olympians." We dive into the soundtrack choices, including the song chosen for the show's first ever montage. We also deep dive into the score by Peter Peter, and how the music he created for the show adds contex...

This week, we are diving into more hockey-specific questions sent in by listeners. The goal is to help paint a better picture of Shane and Ilya's careers, positions, and their impact as players as they enter The Long Game / Season 2 of the show, so SPOILERS AHEAD for anyone looking to avoid plot points for The Long Game or Season 2!

Welcome to the first episode of a six-part series breaking down the music of Heated Rivalry , one episode at a time. In this installment, we're exploring every song featured in Episode 1, "Rookies." I'll also dive into Zoe Si's article, "Power Play: Behind the Music of Heated Rivalry," which examines creator and showrunner Jacob Tierney's philosophy on music and...

In this episode, we are (once again) answering listener-submitted questions pertaining to The Long Game and Heated Rivalry Season 2! Spoilers ahead for those looking to avoid them. We are focusing on the largest story beat of The Long Game. I'll share my opinion on how it was written in the book vs how it may appear on screen in the show. We'll also talk about music and music choices. Lots...

It is hard to believe, but this week we are breaking down the final episode of the Outlander series, Season 8, Episode 10, titled " And the World Was All Around Us ." This show has meant so much to so many, alongside the books. I feel lucky to have been along for the ride since season four premiered, to have read the novels more than once, and to see these characters I love so much on sc...

On this week's episode, we're discussing a listener-submitted question which asked, "What makes Shane and Ilya's relationship distinct from other romance stories?" I touch on a few narrative distinctions, discuss how they fit within traditional romance tropes, and touch on how the very specific framework that their characters exist within informs our investment in their story...

This week, we are diving into Outlander Season 8 Episode 9, "Pharos." This episode was written by Diana Gabaldon herself, and sits as the penultimate episode of the season and the series as a whole. We discuss the rescue of Lord John Grey after he was kidnapped by Captain Richardson, the emotional reunion between Jamie and Lord John, how William is coming to terms with having two fathers...

In this fifth (!!!) episode of our Heated Rivalry Q&A series, we tackle three questions submitted by listeners. We discuss what David doesn't say to Yuna when he returns home after discovering the boys, how I think Shane would have finished the sentence "and I guess I thought we... never mind" on the Vegas rooftop, and whether or not Svetlana knows Jane is Shane. Let's talk!

This week, we are diving into Outlander Season 8, Episode 8 "Into the Forst." This episode is the final time we see my beloved Marsali, get to witness Jamie and William grow closer in their strained relationship, watch as the Ridge continues to prepare for the looming battle ahead, and learn some very significant show changes to the character of Fanny. As we grow closer to the finale, mo...

In this episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite adaptation choices in Heated Rivalry. When adapting this novel for television, Jacob Tierney decided to expand the role of Svetlana, and that decision not only created another dynamic character for audiences to enjoy but also helped to externalize Ilya Rosanov as a character. In the novel, so much of Ilya’s characterization lives internally throu...

This week, we’re diving deep into Outlander Season 8, Episode 7, “ Evidence of Things Not Seen." This is one of the most emotional and controversial episodes of the final season so far. We break down the devastating fire at the print shop and the episode’s major revelations surrounding Faith and Master Raymond. There are some standout performances in this episode (hello, Lauren Lyle!) and ple...

In this fourth installment of our Heated Rivalry Q&A series, we dive into Ilya’s move to Ottawa and the perception that Shane Hollander failed to fully grasp the magnitude of the sacrifice Ilya was making for their relationship. We also unpack the emotional and psychological differences in how Shane and Ilya view hockey and why the move to Ottawa impacts Ilya so deeply beyond the career implic...

This week, we’re diving into Outlander Season 8, Episode 6 "Blessed are the Merciful," where loyalties are tested, emotions run high, and new storylines continue to develop. We break down the biggest character moments and what this episode could mean for the road ahead (given there are only a few episodes left).

In this episode, we are breaking down Outlander Season 8 Episode 5 titled "Send for the Devil." We pick up with the Siege of Savannah raging outside of the city, leaving Brianna and Roger on opposite sides of the conflict. The bigger conflict between Jamie and Captain Cunningham comes to a head, leaving for both of them to face one another at Lodge Night.

In this episode, we take a deeper look at Shane Hollander’s evolving hero’s journey across Heated Rivalry, The Long Game, and the highly anticipated book Unrivaled, using insight from Rachel Reid herself. Drawing from a recent interview, Reid made it clear that while these books center on a love story between Shane and Ilya, this trilogy has always been Shane’s story. In this episode, we break dow...

In this episode, we are breaking down Outlander season 8, episode 4 titled  " Muskets, Liberty, and Sauerkraut ." We'll be diving into the new development surrounding Fergus and his parentage, Brianna and Roger's journey to Savannah with Jacobite gold hidden in sauerkraut to secure weapons, Brianna and Lord John's conversation about William, and Roger's failed mission to...

In this episode, I’m diving into the BookCon panel featuring Jacob Tierney and Rachel Reid! We'll be recapping the conversation, unpacking some of their most interesting responses, and I'll be sharing my own thoughts along the way. I also get into a bit of speculation—purely for fun—for season 2, attempt to connect some dots, read between the lines, and elaborate on some changes that may h...

This week, I am tackling some hockey-specific questions submitted by listeners and fans of Heated Rivalry. We discuss rules, the Draft, Playoffs, Fighting, and even touch upon the women's game. If you've become a hockey fan after watching the show, or are simply confused by some of the hockey-specific happenings in the series, this episode might help clear some things up for you. As a form...

In this episode, we are discussing more submitted questions from listeners (wild!). We'll touch on Unrivaled and how the release of Rachel's latest book will impact the shooting schedule, and how Jacob can use art and cinematography to convey the story of The Long Game. We also talk about hockey! Specifically breaking down what the "Cap" is in hockey and how it plays into Shane&#...

In this episode, we're breaking down Outlander Season 8, Episode 3! We'll be diving into the shifting dynamics between Jamie and Cunningham, the subtle choices that hint at what’s still to come in Jamie's storyline, and discuss the moments that felt like beautiful callbacks to earlier seasons and moments between Jamie and Claire.

In this episode, we are answering more submitted questions regarding Season Two of Heated Rivalry and The Long Game (book). I will be touching on how I would write episode one of season two and how I think the season will be paced. We'll talk about some of the character changes in the show and how they will affect the storylines of season two, how I think Hudson will handle speaking Russian, a...

This week, we are breaking down Season 8, Episode 2, titled "Prophecies," directed by Caitriona Balfe! In this episode, we'll walk through the book-to-screen comparisons, how the show has re-arranged some of the major storylines, that scene with Amy, and the way this episode left us wanting more with Jamie's storyline. So buckle up, grab a dram, and let's talk all things Outlander again :)

In this episode, I’m answering submitted questions about Season 2 of Heated Rivalry. In Part One, we will discuss the overall structure I predict for season two, and what moments from The Long Game (and the rest of the Game Changers series) might make it onto the screen. This is a full spoiler discussion, so if you haven’t read the books, consider this your warning. I’m diving into timelines, anti...

We're back on the Ridge and breaking down Season 8, Episode 1 of Outlander titled "Soul of a Rebel". In this episode, we’ll talk through the major moments, character catch-ups, and the details that stood out on first watch. I’ll also share some early theories about where the story could be headed as the final season begins. Intro: Europe by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysom...

In this episode, we take a closer look at the moments in The Long Game that happen off-page. Many of the emotional beats are implied but never fully shown. These off-page moments help shape the story and relationship, even if readers only catch glimpses of them and have to fill in the gaps on their own. With season two of the television adaptation ahead, I explore the scenes I think would be most...