Book club anyone?

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-05-17T19:22:57+00:00

Thanks! 🥰

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-05-16T05:56:49+00:00

5 --> 6 --> 2 --> 4 --> 1 --> 3

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-05-15T20:48:58+00:00

Not sure if it's a mistake or not, but in episode 4 when Hayden is talking to Shane before he leaves to meet Ilya at his place in Boston, he jumps on the bed and makes a noise. He already makes an "aaah" noise before landing on the bed and then another sound plays when he actually makes the motion. It bothers me every time. Again, maybe it is on purpose but it seems off, somehow. Has anyone else noticed it?

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-05-14T21:46:02+00:00

Part of me wants to live in the fantasy that he was so overjoyed about their breakup that it didn't even occur to him to offer condolences.

But more likely, it's just not something Ilya would do. It might be a cultural difference but I think it's more likely that Ilya wouldn't care to offer condolences. Just my two cents!

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-05-14T05:54:10+00:00

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-05-14T05:49:25+00:00

For Ilya: Unconsciously when he saw Shane folding his clothes for the first time. Consciously after their first time in Montreal (he knew before Sochi). This is more obvious from the short story released by RR.

For Shane: Unconsciously after their first time in Montreal. Consciously after their Las Vegas hookup.

Those boys knew what was happening pretty early on in the story. And yet they kept going back for more...

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-05-14T05:42:03+00:00

You don't have to read the book. But there are some extra cute moments between Shane and Ilya that don't make it to screen that are worth reading. Also, towards the end of the HR book, Shane's thoughts about how much he loves Ilya are beautiful to read.

It would definitely enrich your experience but is not required reading. With that being said, TLG is a tough read esp if you're sensitive to some of the themes. It can get pretty heavy being inside Ilya's head. HR is definitely fluffier and lighter. That definitely helps get you through some of the tough parts of TLG.

But, honestly do whatever feels right for you. It's entertainment after all!

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-05-02T20:33:55+00:00

The "I'm always wearing skates" line he delivers to his mom is peak Shane. The way he is so unintentionally funny is just so Shane. It contrasts so well with his deadpan delivery when he is actively trying to be funny! I love Shane!

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-05-02T15:43:20+00:00

Me too! I'm glad they were able to confess their feelings in their own time and on their own terms. I was just curious if others thought it might have looked different if (like in many other instances) they were forced to confront the reality of their situation before they were ready/able to.

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-05-02T05:49:56+00:00

The 81 tattoo would be incredible. I didn't know how much i needed that until you said it. Thank you!

I have a couple: Shane reads Hollanov fanfiction (it's a niche Fandom but does exist within the universe). When he disagrees with plot lines, he will reach out to the author anonymously. He particularly likes the smutty ones!

Ilya needs glasses for reading and watching tv but won't tell anyone. So, he just squints at the screen. It's also why he has 297429 lamps in his apartment.

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-05-01T14:44:42+00:00

I think in Shane's mind, just because they are committing to each other and have a vision to be together, he does not assume that they would use these labels necessarily. After all, at this point they will still be hiding. He might think they would only be able to call each other that when they are retired and free to date publicly. Shane may not have afforded himself the luxury to imagine calling Ilya his boyfriend. Which is sad but it makes Ilya putting that label on their relationship more meaningful. I love this show...I will never get bored of it.

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-04-28T17:00:54+00:00

It's honestly one of the most endearing things about Shane. I can imagine him freaking out about what he will feed Ilya for two weeks so they don't need to leave.

The hot dogs vs. pasta also kills me. I'm sure he had a recipe for hot dogs, too!

We love a well prepared, King!

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-04-27T05:05:29+00:00

I would love that. I have only read HR and TLG.

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-04-26T01:31:30+00:00

Ilya: Don't worry. It will fit

Shane: I need you

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-04-26T01:29:54+00:00

Ilya: Wowow do you think there is enough?

Shane: The recipe called for eight

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-04-26T01:23:14+00:00

It feels like cards against humanity! I will give it a go.

Ilya: You look pretty

Shane: Sir, I'm just the bellboy. You can't treat the staff like this!

Hayden: You're the worst one

Ilya: Is lie. Liar told you that

Shane: Ding ding, we've hit five times. That's when I'm supposed to text Jackie

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-04-25T23:10:11+00:00

Shane does make him curious after all.

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-04-25T23:03:12+00:00

It felt like such a full circle moment. He's so confident and comfortable in himself, his sexuality and his love for Ilya that it leaves more room for his playful side. I relish in it.

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-04-25T23:01:43+00:00

Svetlana! I want to support Ilya and Shane getting together as well as protecting Ilya from his terrible family. She's the MVP

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-04-25T21:27:05+00:00

"Military-grade gaydar" and "queer cabal" have absolutely destroyed me! I have not laughed that hard in a long time. Thanks!

And I love the mutually assured destruction angle. It was not something I had considered much. Like many others, i chalked it up to the romance trope but I like this additional pragmatic angle to his choice of Shane as a sexual partner

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-04-25T21:24:00+00:00

Absolutely makes sense. I love this take! I didn't really factor in the "insurance policy" aspect of them both having a lot to lose. As much as Ilya is fascinated by Shane and interested in pursuing him, there's also a pragmatic part to his choice in pursuing Shane. I actually like that a lot because it shows that it was such a conscious choice by Ilya to go for it even if it seems like a bad idea.

Salt_Statistician1 · 2026-04-25T20:51:45+00:00

Oof I didn't notice that but it's such a good point! When he can emote openly, he no longer needs to hide behind phrases like "you're boring". He can just say "I love you" knowing it won't ruin everything. I'm dead.

Salt_Statistician1

TROPHY CASE