‘Heels’ Recap: ‘Double Turn’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season finale of ‘Heels’.

We are led to believe from a very young age, that the days that lead to the achievement of our wildest dreams, are ethereal in nature. To the point where they should include grand moments of reflection, the kind that remind us of the journey we’ve taken to reach the peak of the mountain we’ve been climbing, so that we step into our dream with perspective and appreciation and awe. Which will in turn allow for us to appreciate every day we revel in our dream and being aware of where we are will also motivate us to do whatever it takes to hang on to what we've so rightly achieved. So that we never again have to feel negative emotions or worries about life. Because we’ve made it. We did it, and only happy and wondrous and perfect days await us from now until the end.
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But while that is a magical way to look at dreams and their power, it is in fact… woefully incorrect and foolhardy. Because the world doesn’t stop when we’ve reached our personal apex, nor do our emotions magically shift to permanent happiness in the slightest. Sure, we’ll be happy, but problems and chaos never fade, and the past can still hang heavy over our heads. Which means that in reality, the lead up to our dreams and the day we will achieve them… might feel a little more normal than we expect them to be and that in turn adds new depth and gravity to our dream. Since one can use it to find joy, when needed, in a world where chaos reigns and well, the reality that accompanies achieving our dreams, is relevant to our discussion today, simply because it served as the focal theme of the season finale of Heels.

For ‘Double Turn’ saw everyone in the Duffy Wrestling League realize that their dreams were coming true. Because this was it, the South Georgia State Fair waited for all of them and well, rather than revel in the wonder of the journey, or find untold peace, a great deal of these characters ended up dealing with some everyday things. Ace for instance, had to atone for his past mistakes and Crystal had to accept a gig as Wild Bill’s infamous valet Bunny Bombshell, in order to be in the league again and of course, Jack had to face up to his actions and how they’d hurt his family. Because Staci left home with Thomas and made it clear to Jack that his scheming ways were no longer acceptable because they were in fact, tearing the family apart. Giving Jack pause and reason to finally be honest about his actions and to change his course before he lost Staci and well, all of that made for a fine reminder regarding how dreams don’t cure everything that ails us in life.

But while that makes it appear that this episode was going to thrash the notion of dreams through and through, that’s simply not the case. For this episode did make it clear that the moment we achieve our dreams is indeed special and we should bask in its wonder. Because there was something quite powerful about watching Staci finally stand in front of a crowd and share her wonderful voice in a manner she’s always hoped for and let’s be honest… watching the Duffy Wrestling League walk into that stadium and see their name in lights and hear Jack’s powerful speech about what the league means to him and everyone, made for some incredibly uplifting moments and visuals. The kind that motivated us to root for success on this night so everyone could enjoy the fruits of their labors and live their magnificent dream and for a time, it appeared as though we’d get that perfect storybook ending.

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For the night went pretty darn smooth and everyone that came out to watch the show had a hell of a time, thanks to the quality wrestling that everyone put on display and when it came time for the final match in question, it seemed as though the happy ending that Ace was waiting for was going to take place. Because the match with Wild Bill and Ace went off without a hitch. To the point where the crowd was chanting for the Ace of Spades to win and be the Face the DWL needed. But that is precisely when the story took quite the double turn in question. Since there was mention of how our past can come back to haunt us in our defining moments and that came into play right here. Because the boys almost forgot about Mister Charlie Gully and were clueless as to how angry he was for being shamed in his temple of twistedness, but they were quickly reminded of his presence and learned about his fury.
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Because sitting in the audience was Gully and his lackeys and they were eager to change the outcome of the night to ruin the DWL’s chances at success. In fact, they even went so far as to start a Jack Spade chant amongst the crowd and throw some tissues in the ring to get Ace off of his game and sadly… it all worked. Because Ace was rattled and demanded to know if Jack was behind this and that’s when the truth about the last tissue incident came out and that’s also when… the dream nearly collapsed. For Ace lost it as he is wont to do, and he beat the tar out of Jack in front of ten thousand people and while Ace was busy beating his brother within an inch of his life, Gully decided it was high time to make his move and steal the belt and mock Jack as Gully was once mocked in his own ring.

But the true power of the dream, is when it becomes infectious and ignites something special in others. For that’s when it simply cannot die and that’s when people step up to the plate to ensure its safety and that’s what happened in this moment. Since Wild Bill finally played the hero… despite his… accident... and took Gully out and amazingly enough, this chaos allowed for a shocking moment to take place. One that allowed for another dream to come to life. For Crystal used her act with Ace to enter the ring and take him and Jack out… and secure the belt. Bringing her lifelong dream of being a championship wrestler to life and wowing the crowd and saving the dreams of others for certain. Since there is no doubt that life in the DWL is going to be on easy street following this incredible match… but it might be a pyrrhic victory at best.

Because despite the cheers and the success that awaits the league, it may have lost one of its biggest stars. Since Ace Spade stormed off in a justified huff and of course, things aren’t good at home between Staci and Jack and well… the only way to learn what comes next for this family and what the league is going to look like going forward is for a second season to take place. Which, as of press time has not been announced yet and this writer hopes that STARZ makes that announcement soon. Simply because, this really is a powerful and moving series, one that really does explore life and our pursuit of the dream in an honest and raw manner. But it also deserves a second season because it really is the best show on television right now, thanks to its masterful writing and top tier acting and audiences deserve more of that and we here at Nerds That Geek will be patiently awaiting the good news so we can geek out with all of you about a series that is genuinely original. Until next time.  

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