All the rage over this new gay romance series, Heated Rivalry. It takes place in modern-day Canada, where smoking rates are incredibly low, and it’s about athletes, but they are GAY, so guess what? In the first SECONDS of the series, the first guy you see is smoking a cigarette like his life depends on it. And just in case you think this is “crazy Joe” making shit up, here’s what a cursory search shows about this idiocy that went into this directorial decision:

“In Heated Rivalry smoking is a key motif representing Ilya’s emotional walls, stress, and toxic coping mechanism regarding his complex relationship with Shane Hollander. Ilya often smokes when stressed by his father’s illness or Shane’s actions. Cigarette smoke symbolizes Ilya’s emotional barriers. Smoking is linked to Ilya’s feelings of insecurity regarding Shane. He has tried to quit because of Shane’s preferences, but returns to it, particularly when he feels neglected or that Shane has moved on.” STOP NORMALIZING THIS.