riverrunning

Thousand & One Nights Inspired Evening Gown

c. 1910

Ivory Silk Evening Dress with Loopy Ribbons

c. 1903

GAMBLING IS NEVER PROFITABLE

“The notion that people panic and run screaming for the exits is a Hollywood fiction,” said Prof Stephen Reicher, an expert in group behaviour at the University of St Andrews.

“Characteristically, people stay and help each other,” he said. “We found this during the 7/7 attacks on the underground and the 1999 attack on the Admiral Duncan pub in London, where people looked after each other even though they feared other bombs.

“In our own research on the Leytonstone tube attack in 2015, there was an amazing level of spontaneous coordination by bystanders: some directed others away from danger. Some distracted the attacker. Some confronted the attacker. Each was able to act because of the others. Heroism was a feature of the group, not just the individual,” he added.

to my perception, shane's confusion isn't based in biphobia, but rather it's based on an underdevelopment of queer imagination. for most of the show, he can't allow himself to imagine a queer life with ilya. so to shane, I imagine it could feel like "why would you give up a cishet future for a life spent in hiding?"

it isn't until shane offers the cottage getaway that he begins to plan for the mid-distant future with ilya. it is the first time that he allows himself to imagine the joy and pleasure of a long-time, devoted queer relationship. season 1 of heated rivalry therefore shows shane's transformation from queer nihilism to queer futurism.

Shane: In some sort of Austen-esque existence where hjs ill-advised flirtation with a notorious rake goes too far. Scandalised by the intimate use of first names he flees, concerned what society and his goodly parents will think, his reputation at stake. He tries to find a proper marriage prospect but alas his heart is lost to the rake! But he finally follows his heart and invites Ilya into his home too (and accepts first name usage!)

Ball Gown 

1880s

by Lewis and Allenby

supporting the shane as snoopy agenda

Ilya: that didn’t quite work. Maybe I should just give him the eye? While I tell him I hope he likes his new city?

Ilya: okay. But surely if I make him drink from my water bottle and brush his fingers when passing it over…?

Ilya: call him pretty. To his face. No way he can miss that

Ilya: desperate measures, I’ll have to tell him I orchestrated this whole ad campaign just so I could see him again