What is it about sports dramas that makes them so compelling? It’s not just their depiction of the physicality of sports. The best sports dramas tap into universal themes and emotions: the struggle against adversity, the pursuit of dreams, and the triumph of the human spirit.
The critically acclaimed wrestling drama Heels is no exception. Its second season just dropped on Lionsgate Play — how did it compare to the debut season (which got a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes)? Here are our spoiler-free thoughts.
For the uninitiated: What is Heels?
The show follows two brothers, Jack and Ace Spade, who inherit their father’s wrestling promotion business, Duffy Wrestling League (DWL), after his untimely death. One brother, Jack, plays the villain or “heel” in the ring, while the other brother, Ace, plays the hero or “face”. Their rivalry in the ring spills over into their personal lives, creating a compelling story of family dynamics and the lengths people will go to for success.
Because Heels hinges on these compelling stories about brotherhood, the struggle to keep a family business afloat, and the complex dynamics of small-town life, it’s got something for everyone — not just die-hard wrestling fans. Wrestling fans will appreciate how the show lifts the veil on what goes on behind the scenes of professional wrestling, while non-wrestling fans will appreciate the rich character development and gripping plotlines.
Strong performances and complex characters
One of the standout elements of Heels is its strong ensemble cast. Stephen Amell (Arrow) delivers a nuanced performance as Jack Spade, balancing the character’s larger-than-life persona in the ring with his vulnerabilities and struggles outside of it. Alexander Ludwig (The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising), who plays Ace Spade, also shines as he navigates his character’s journey from a struggling underdog to a rising star.
But it’s not just the two leads that make this show so compelling. The supporting cast, including Alison Luff as Jack’s wife and Mary McCormack as their ambitious sister, all bring depth and complexity to their characters, making them more than just one-dimensional tropes.
How does Season 2 compare?
While the first season of Heels set out to introduce us to the world of DWL and its characters, the second season takes things to a whole new level. The stakes are higher as Jack and Ace’s rivalry intensifies, and we see characters facing difficult choices and grappling with their own moral codes, making for some intense and emotionally charged moments. This season has got a more focused storyline, with all the characters’ arcs intertwining in a natural and satisfying way.
In conclusion
If you’re looking for a captivating drama filled with complex characters, gripping storylines, and intense action sequences, Heels is definitely worth checking out. Its second season has proven to be just as strong as its debut, if not better, and we can’t wait to see where the show takes us next. So whether you’re a wrestling fan or not, give Heels a shot and get ready to be swept up in its powerful storytelling.
You can now stream Heels exclusively on Lionsgate Play.