Heated Rivalry Episode 5 cast and characters: Here's who brought one of the highest-rated episodes of IMDB to life

Aashna
Heated Rivalry Episode 5 cast and characters (Image via Instagram/@heatedrivalrycrave)
Heated Rivalry Episode 5 cast and characters (Image via Instagram/@heatedrivalrycrave)

Heated Rivalry is HBO Max's queer hockey romance based on Rachel Reid's Game Changers book series, which created history with Episode 5 titled "I'll Believe in Anything". The fifth installment of the hit drama earned a rare perfect 10/10 on IMDb from over 5,000 users, trailing only behind a Breaking Bad episode with the same score but a higher volume of ratings. "I'll Believe in Anything" surpassed heavy-lifters like Game of Thrones and Six Feet Under to emerge as a surprising (but much-deserved) winner.

Heated Rivaly Episode 5 was the penultimate hour in Shane and Ilya's story, which brought our perpetually confused hockey players closer than ever. When they were faced with the consequences of their sexuality on the ice, an unlikely action by a fellow hockey player instilled them with hope.

Here is the complete Heated Rivalry Episode 5 cast.


Heated Rivalry Episode 5 cast and characters: Meet the main players in "I'll Believe in Anything"

Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov

Like the previous four entries, Williams' Shane and Storrie's Ilya led the emotional hour in Heated Rivalry Episode 5. The rising stars have become Internet sensations after their respective debuts in the HBO Max series and for all the right reasons. The fifth episode shifted their dynamics as they realized their lingering feelings for each other. The All-Star game in Florida, which paired Shane and Ilya on the same team, was another game-changing moment for the couple.

After Shane suggested how their relationship has changed since the iconic tuna melt scene in Episode 4, Ilya resists and reveals how his family and country would never accept their relationship. However, when he breaks down in Shane's arms, the couple shares an emotional moment that alters the terms of their casual fling.

It's not surprising that Heated Rivalry Episode 5 is one of the highest-rated episodes on IMDb, given Williams and Storrie's impressive portrayal of their respective characters. While the actors have already charmed Reid's fans with their electrifying chemistry on and off the ice, their quite emotional growth and 'compatibility' cemented them as one of the most powerful pairings on the small screen.


François Arnaud as Scott Hunter and Robbie G.K. as Kip

If Shane and Ilya were the emotional centers of Heated Rivalry Episode 5, Arnaud's Scott and Robbie's Kip were the titular game changers from Reid's book. Scott Hunter is the New York Admirals' Captain who initiated an adorable romance with Kip in Episode 3. While the third episode ended on a bittersweet note for the couple, one where Scott was forced to witness his boyfriend from the shadows, the fifth episode featured a bold move.

While Scott had concerns about his sexuality and being an openly gay hockey player, he finally let go of his fears and embraced Kip publicly after winning the MLH cup. For Kip, it was a moment of pure joy, witnessed by Shane and Ilya on national television. This historic moment in Heated Rivalry Episode 5 paved the way for Shane and Ilya's future.


Heated Rivalry Episode 5 cast: Supporting characters in "I'll Believe in Anything"

In addition to the main cast, here are the supporting characters who brought Heated Rivalry Episode "I'll Believe in Anything" to life:

1) Sophie Nélisse as Rose Landry: An important character from Reid's book, Rose Landry played a big part in Episode 5 after she helped Shane realize his sexuality and true feelings for Ilya.

2) Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova as Svetlana: While Shane could not be with Ilya in Russia for his father's funeral, his best friend Svetlana remained his emotional support in Heated Rivalry Episode 5.

3) Callan Potter as Hayden Pike, Shane's teammate and best friend

4) Christina Chang as Yuna Hollander, Shane's mother

5) Dylan Walsh as David Hollander, Shane's father

6) Nadine Bhabha as Elena Rygg, Kip's best friend

7) Matt Gordon as George Grady, Kip's father

8) Franco Lo Presti as Cliff Marleau, Ilya's teammate in Boston

9) Slavic Rogozine as Alexei Rozanov, Ilya's brother

10) Miss Niki Nikita as Rose's make-up artist

11) Rhosslyne Bugay as Shane's nurse

12) Jonathan Dubsky as the medic

13) Sam Beaton as the referee

14) Pia Maria Bazzaco as the swimming kid in Florida

Tune in to the Heated Rivalry finale (Episode 6) titled 'The Cottage' on HBO Max on December 26.


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Edited by Aashna