I have finished reading The Long Game and feel satisfied. However, the wait feels endless since they’ve pushed it to 2027, which feels like a thousand years away. Anyway, let’s jump into my review of The Long Game.

Synopsis | Spoiler Free Look into The Long Game

The Long Game follows Shane and Ilya’s relationship after they become official. They navigate the challenges of seeing each other less due to being in season and playing on different schedules. Ilya makes the sacrifice of joining a lower-ranked team to be closer to Shane. We watch Ilya grow closer to Shane’s parents, settle into his new team, and find happiness away from his own family. Together, Shane and Ilya begin crafting a plan for their future and preparing to come out.

What I Loved

The strength of The Long Game is amplified by watching the series and seeing the characters develop greater depth. We witness them becoming more open with each other, trusting some of those around them with their secrets. Now that they are in a relationship, I love how they engage in honest and difficult conversations. Illya’s decision to attend therapy and seek help for the challenges he faced in his childhood adds a powerful, realistic layer to the story.

I also appreciate the diverse representation of LGBTQ+ relationships that provide guidance for Shane and Illya as they navigate their first gay relationship. Additionally, it’s insightful to see how the hockey community responds to LGBTQ+ couples in sports and how Shane and Illya find their place when they come out.

The spicy scenes and the relationship development work together seamlessly, creating a compelling dynamic. The writing is excellent, and I absolutely love how Shane and Illya grow closer emotionally while becoming bolder physically.

What Didn’t Work for Me

Shane had moments where he didn’t fully acknowledge the sacrifice Illya made for him. I love how that conflict was eventually resolved, but honestly, it didn’t quite feel like something Shane would do. Every story needs tension and I understand that. It would have been nice to see more of Shane and Illya working together as teammates and exploring their married life, not quite with children yet, but starting to consider that future. I also wanted to see the support system they build with their new teammates. I definitely want more.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I loved The Long Game. I really enjoy Shane and Illya, along with the new characters introduced in the story. I appreciated how their relationship developed and how they grew together, facing the world as a team. The support from Shane’s family and the new connections Illya forms, especially since he doesn’t have his own family, added a meaningful depth to their journey.

See my Tv Series review of Heated Rivalry:

Check out Heated Rivalry on HBO