‘Heels’ S1, Ep4 – ‘Cutting Promos’ Review: “Telling The Story”
Following the shocking events of Ace Spade’s heel turn at the end of episode three, episode four of Heels begins with Chris Bauer’s Wild Bill Hancock causing a scene on an airplane. After seeing the commercialization of professional wrestling with a championship belt being used as a way to sell toys, Hancock finds himself at the mercy of the DWL. Moreover, one of the biggest sleeper characters of the series so far, Trey Tucker’s Bobby Pin, struggles to reestablish his in-ring persona after his promotion to the main event scene opposite Ace.
READ: ‘Heels’ S1, Ep3 – ‘Cheap Heat’ Review: “The Summer Of CM Punk Continues”
Episode four – titled “Cutting Promos” – highlights one of the true artforms of wrestling. Cutting a promo is when a performer delivers a dialogue or monologue to advance a storyline. Fans do not always immortalize some of the greatest wrestlers of all time for what they do in the ring from bell to bell. The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and CM Punk endeared themselves to audiences around the world by their ability to connect with their words.
The latest edition of Heels really shines a light on connecting with people on a personal level. The episode shows Ace connecting with his nephew following an argument at the dinner table. Bobby Pin also stands out thanks to his connections with young fans on the street as well as Crystal. At the end of the day, wrestling is popular all around the world because fans connect with the performers. They feel like they know them.
Additionally, episode four really shines a light on the internal conflict happening within Jack. Stephen Amell really flexes his dramatic muscles and displays some solid intensity throughout the events of the film. Moreover, Alexander Ludwig continues to be the MVP of the series. Ace Spade is at a crossroads with his persona. Additionally, he really is unable to really get away from it all.
However, he does not waste his love for pro wrestling on his brother Jack. In fact, for the first time, Jack allows him to help write the script for the next big show. And that script makes for a promo shot on-location at a gas station and car wash that lets Ace’s heel work come to life as he attacks Bobby and continues the rivalry. It also seems to give Ace a new lease on life with a new wave of creativity.
One surprising addition to the show’s ongoing narrative is the relationship between Crystal and Bobby. After suffering the wrath of Ace last week, Bobby’s encouragement of Crystal is something she is not quite accustomed to. The budding friendship begins to reveal hints of romantic feelings. Heels fleshes out two great, understated characters and it is delightful.
Separating the man or woman from the character is probably what wrestlers are taught on day one of their training. Heels does an amazing job at displaying the struggle between the performers and the performance. Wrestling is live theatre plus next-level stunt work and pro wrestlers work together to tell a story. With just two episodes left this season, the story behind the storytelling continues to create a riveting drama.
Rating: 10/10
Heels airs every Sunday on Starz!
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