All the hot boys in Paris (ft. Connie Storrie)

Paris Fashion Week kicks off tomorrow, and all the hot boys are in Paris for the occasion. “All” being, mainly, Connor Storrie, one of the hottest of the hot boys right now. Connor is, of course, weeks away from beginning production for season two of Heated Rivalry. If you’ve read the books, you’re probably excited, like me, because while Heated Rivalry, the book, is mostly Shane’s story—it covers his sexual awakening, self-acceptance, and coming out—The Long Game, which is forming the backbone for season two, is mostly Ilya’s story, largely revolving around Ilya’s mental health journey.

Connor was so convincing as a stoic Russian lover that the world was collectively floored when we learned he is a literal clown (affectionate) from Texas. His acting ability left no room for doubt, given his utterly convincing portrayal of Ilya in season one. For that reason, I am excited to see him dig into all of Ilya’s soft spots, which we only just began to see at the end of season one, in the second season.

That said, I am a little bit worried about the fanbase, which has shown itself to be young, inexperienced in the ways of fandom, more than a little toxic, and, perhaps most worryingly of all, somewhat challenged on the media literacy front. Because if Ilya haunts Shane’s story as a remote, at times icy presence, Shane haunts Ilya’s story as an inflexible wall. I’m a little bit worried about what this means for Hudson Williams, who is already prone to taking more abuse from this fandom than Connor does. Hopefully, everyone will chill the f-ck out before next spring when season two airs.

In the meantime, let’s prepare for Connor Storrie to own Paris this week. Even dressed down and in a camo hat (repping Dodgers pride, like a true LA transplant), he is a cutie. He’s also being joined in Paris by Lewis Pullman, who was seen pulling up at the airport. Even with the supernova explosion of Connor and Hudson, yes, you still need to get on the Lewis Pullman train. Every generation has their heartthrobs, but they have their quiet ones, too. Do not take your foot off the Lewis Pullman pedal just because Connor Storrie showed up.

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What else happened today…

The many delightful hats of Royal Ascot! (Go Fug Yourself)

Robert Downey, Jr. thinks Marvel has been in a “let down phase”, but is determined to get things back on track with Avengers: Doomsday. Really, Marvel has learned the same lesson comic book publishers have been learning for decades: no one likes multi-verse sagas. I’m pretty sure I said that years ago. (Note from Emily: you did, at least once!) Whatever, hopefully Doomsday will wrap the whole thing up and we can move onto something else. (Pajiba) 

Prince William turned 44 yesterday. Consider this your regular reminder to reject the passage of time. Also, it’s crazy how when he was young, he looked so much like Diana, but the older he gets, the more he looks like Charles. The Windsor genes really jump out. (Celebitchy) 

The real battle at the World Cup isn’t on the pitch, it’s in the broadcasting booth, between American Alexi Lalas and Frenchman Thierry Henry. You simply must read Aaron Timms’ scathing summary of the situation on Fox Sports’ coverage of the World Cup. It is more entertaining than most of the games that have been played so far. (The Guardian)