Written by John Edward Betancourt
How ‘Kayfabe’ Explores the Raw Power of Storytelling and Dreams
‘It means, if you beat me tonight, then what do we do then? But if they see their hero, lose to the villain, and they get to watch their hero fight his way back up to the top, then that’s something. That’s an angle.’  Stephen Amell as Jack Spade in Episode 101 of ‘Heels’ – ‘Kayfabe’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ/Netflix.)
One particular truth that we don’t like to discuss when it comes to the stories we love and the dreams we chase… is that we in fact, have quite the complicated relationship with them. In large part, because of how we are raised. For we are taught from a very early age that stories are a great way to escape the woes of the world, and we should in fact use them to do so, and of course… we are taught to chase our dreams with a sense of desire that is unrivaled. Only for us to be told as we get older, to quit losing ourselves in stories because they’re not real and mean nothing and to perhaps wonder if our dreams are worth it because progress isn’t being made in the manner that we or others, want.
Which creates a fascinating conflict for us in adulthood… where we sometimes defiantly step into stories to escape responsibilities, and rebel, and where we chase those dreams harder than before because life gets tough, and it is the only thing that brings us joy. In fact, there are some so desperate to find solace in either element that they do what they can to get others to share in them, in that desperate attempt to boost that serotonin and find focus. Which makes both elements truly powerful in nature, since they can so easily impact a life in such a wild manner. Which in turn begs some questions. Such as, how then do we harness those elements in a purely positive manner, so they aren’t designed to just boost us? So, they can provide us with the genuine peace and fulfillment we were told they could provide us with? Well, it just so happens, that the brilliant series, Heels, which started on STARZ and has found its way to Netflix, ponders deeply upon such matters. Which should come as no surprise in this era of elevated entertainment, but it is how the show’s series premiere sets the stage for a season long examination on such matters, that truly makes it special and revisiting. In that ‘Kayfabe’ uses the world of independent wrestling to dive into the power of dreams and of storytelling… and that seems surprising. Since wrestling is oft viewed as a joke, or something that only kids will enjoy because of the fake nature of it. But this premiere informs us… it is more, and it is the perfect vehicle to explore every aspect of the power of one’s dreams and of storytelling. For it encompasses both elements and to properly explore how to answer those questions… the premiere made sure to simply showcase the power of such elements courtesy of some beautiful world-building. Since Duffy, Georgia is the epitome of duality for storytelling and dreams. Since it is a town with a sordid past, one that has held onto the power of storytelling from a generational standpoint. For two generations of Spades have offered a weekly escape from the ups and downs of life in this town. One we quickly learn isn’t terrible… but could be better.  Alexander Ludwig and Chris Bauer as Ace Space and Wild Bill Hancock in Episode 101 of ‘Heels’ – ‘Kayfabe’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ/Netflix.)
Which allows for the premiere to dive deep into the power of storytelling, and how it matters deeply to Jack and his cadre of wrestlers to put on an amazing show and immerse themselves in the world they’ve created. So that when folks walk through the cathedral that Tom Spade built, they’re lost in a different world, a place where only Faces and Heels matter, and great stories leave people in awe. Which speaks to the positive nature of storytelling, and how it can provide a real service for the soul that lasts when the illusion doesn’t stay at the door. Courtesy of Jack’s edict for everyone to stay in character and show the town the majesty of what the DWL is working to do, and this aspect of the premiere is indeed lovely and joyous since it does remind us of how stories energize us and give us so much more to look forward to.
Not to mention, what Jack accomplishes in this premiere, also showcases the positive power of one’s dream. Since Duffy loves their wrestlers and treats them akin to royalty at times. Simply because, there is an admiration factor that accompanies those who chase their dreams, and everyone is indeed doing that. They’re putting themselves out there, they’re wrestling and they’re packing the house, and people are indeed in awe of that. To the point where Crystal wants in on that and where throes of fans are there to greet them. All of which speaks to how chasing our dreams puts us in a unique light to others who haven’t just yet and can inspire people and this purity is what we seek when we’re young and what we expect to find when we begin the chase, and that’s why the flip side exploration of such matters, makes this episode so painfully bittersweet. Simply because… we see how people getting lost in the story can cause harm. Since Ace really does slip into the role of the Face too easily and believes that it somehow makes him better, when it is his actions that would help with that. Giving rise to a flawed character who doesn’t quite understand the world he’s part of or what it truly means to others and of course, the arrival of ol’ Wild Bill brings forth our understanding of how dreams can be toxic. Since it pushes Ace to basically toss a middle finger to his town and his family in the name of glory and being seen, and it prompts his brother… to impart harm upon Ace to keep a narrative going and to make sure that his iteration of the dream is the only one that stands tall. Informing us of how losing ourselves in a story and expecting our dream to be the only one possible, can cause real harm and real trouble. All of which gives rise, to a stunningly complex series premiere, which isn’t common in the world of television. But this is no common show, this is something special, and it clearly taps into elements that no other show out there is willing to and watching it a second time… only makes it sweeter. Because now, it’s less about an introduction and more about an understanding that we are about to go on a complex journey that will explore the wonder and the horror of elements we cherish and fear, depending on where we are at in our lives. Which gives rise to a genuinely brilliant premiere as well, one that is ambitious and also informs us… it will take its time in getting us the answers we seek to the questions posed above. So that we truly come to learn how best to handle the power of dreams and the power of stories, to avoid the mistakes that we see present, here, and it will be amazing to explore those in great detail as we continue our grand re-watch of one of the most inventive shows to hit the airwaves in years. Until next time. Watch ‘Heels’
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