Kayfabe
Jack and Big Jim are set to rematch for the title, but Ace interrupts and challenges Jack to a match. The fans are up in arms, but Ace is unperturbed and says he wants the title because he’s better than Jack. This sets the tone for the rest of the show as we follow Ace as he takes on Heels’ top stars in a series of matches.
Backstage, trouble brews as Jack is unhappy that Ace has gone off script. Not only did he swear, he’s also broken four fog machines. There’s an interesting dynamic shift between the bad guy/good guy in the ring, given it’s reversed outside in the real world. ..
Jack is in charge of this wrestling federation and money is not growing on trees. He deliberates over the script, exactly who should win and juggling financial obligations. Jack’s partner Staci does her best to support him though, while son Thomas is along for the ride too.
Wrestling is more than just performing in the ring. It’s also about maintaining a persona outside of the squared circle. For Jack and Ace, this means continuing to play their roles even if it means Jack has to suffer. ..
Ace has a reputation for being a bit of a loose cannon, but the other wrestlers in the federation clearly have their own issues with him. They want what’s best for the federation, but they’re understandably concerned about Ace’s actions.
The Duffy Wrestling League is a wrestling league that is only exacerbated by a rival wrestling faction called Florida Wrestling Dystopia. They’re pretty extreme (think ECW) and their owner, Charlie Gully, even offers a promotion to try and run DWL out of business. Between that and angsty wrestlers who may well jump ship, things are left precariously on a knife-edge.
Jack gathers the gang and goes over the match-card and at the end, Ace is being pinned. Jack looks beyond the simple story of good VS evil and tries to tell a larger story but Ace is not happy. This is obviously only made worse by Ace’s earlier outburst, making Helen cry in the shop after his retort about their past.
Ace is offered a developmental contract with the DWL if he agrees to work with Bill.
Ace comes up with an alternate idea including a number of moves that eventually culminate in the pair shaking hands…and then being pinned from a sneaky move. It’s quite a clever idea in truth, and subverting expectations in the best possible way. Jack is not impressed though. In fact, he decides to try and shake up a new ending. This involves Big Jim getting involved and turning heel but there’s a problem with this – Big Jim’s expecting his first child and he’s on the verge of retiring.
Ace stews in his own anger until Bill picks him up to go for a ride. He encourages Ace to send a message to Jack – that the baby brother is in charge now. Just before starting the show, Ace ends up taking drugs outside.
The card goes ahead as planned, culminating in our main event. Wrestling fans will see shades of WCW here and that’s ironic, given the obvious nods toward that federation that have cropped up this episode. ..
The match between Ace and Jack quickly descends into anarchy as Ace breaks Jack’s arm. The crowd becomes angry and starts booing the brothers. This ultimately cost Ace the match and may have ruined the federation as a whole. ..
The Episode Review
Heels is a fascinating show that takes its inspiration from Warrior and the brotherly feud it has with the wrestling federation it covers. The story is interesting and seems to take a lot of inspiration from the wrestler.
This wrestling series is sure to please fans, but the story outside the ring is just as interesting. Given Glow’s recent cancellation, this is definitely a worthy series to pick up in its stead.
The characters are well written and interesting. The various supporting players have a lot of wiggle room across the season too. After such an incredible first episode, it’s hoped that the rest of the show can follow suit.
