TL;DR
- Jacob Tierney discusses the upcoming season of Heated Rivalry.
- The show tackles hyper-masculinity and homophobia in sports.
- Tierney emphasizes the importance of happy endings.
- The series aims to portray love without trauma.
- Fans can expect more character development in season two.
Heated Rivalry is back in the spotlight, and not just because of the ice skates and slap shots! This gay hockey drama has captured hearts and minds, tackling the big issues like hyper-masculinity and homophobia in sports, all while serving up a side of love that doesn’t end in tragedy. As we gear up for the much-anticipated second season, showrunner Jacob Tierney is dishing out the details on what fans can expect, and spoiler alert: it’s all about those happy endings.
In a recent chat with international press, Tierney opened up about the upcoming season, revealing his commitment to staying true to Rachel Reid’s beloved Game Changers novels. “I’m trying to remove fan expectation from anything that I do for the next season,” he said. “I’m going to continue to do what I did in the first place, which is follow Rachel’s books and let them guide me.” And thank goodness for that! Fans are already buzzing about the new characters who are set to join Shane and Ilya on their journey.
But let’s talk about the real tea: Tierney’s refusal to compromise on the show’s core elements. “The sex needed to be present and forward and front and centre,” he stated emphatically. And when it comes to the fate of our beloved couple, he’s made it crystal clear: “There was no way I was going to end the show on a cliffhanger.” Can I get a hallelujah? In a world where queer stories often end in sorrow, Tierney is determined to flip the script.
What’s even more exciting is his approach to representing autism through Shane, one of the main characters. “I didn’t think a lot about it in those terms. I just wrote Shane, and that’s part of who Shane is,” Tierney explained. He emphasizes the importance of empathy in the relationship between Shane and Ilya, showcasing a love that is both genuine and understanding.
As for the impact of Heated Rivalry, Tierney admits he didn’t expect the show to resonate so widely, especially within the conservative hockey community. “I wish I could say yes, but I didn’t think we would reach those locker rooms,” he confessed. However, he’s thrilled to hear how the show has touched viewers, stating, “We were putting something out into the world that carried love and hope.” And honestly, who doesn’t need a little more of that?
Looking ahead, Tierney is excited about the potential for change within sports spaces. “I hope it can at least encourage a conversation that should probably be louder and more frequent,” he said. With players publicly supporting their LGBTQ teammates, it’s clear that the show is making waves.
So, what’s next for Shane and Ilya? Tierney teased a particularly adorable scene where the couple ties the knot, promising fans that their love story will continue to flourish. “I mean, truly, the thing I’m looking forward to so much is writing Ilya and Hayden in season two because of how funny they are together,” he shared with a grin.
In a world where queer narratives are often relegated to tragedy, Heated Rivalry stands out as a beacon of hope. Tierney’s commitment to portraying love, joy, and happy endings is not just refreshing—it’s revolutionary. As we await the new season, one thing is certain: love stories can change the game, and this one is just getting started.