‘Heels’ Rewatch: Twists and Turns

10/8/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

How ‘Swerve’ Reminds Us That the Road to Our Dreams Is Filled with Twists and Turns

‘Willie. We got the fair.’

‘Okay.’

- Jack Spade and Willie Day

Stephen Amell and Kelli Berglund as Jack Spade and Crystal Tyler in Episode 105 of ‘Heels’ – ‘Swerve’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ/Netflix.)

When we set out to capture our dream and do the work that such an act will entail, we expect smooth sailing. Because the prevailing belief in our world is that chasing one’s dream is a protected act. One that some kind of higher power blesses. Because we are now on a noble quest, one that truly inspires others and well, it doesn’t take long for us to learn… that’s just not how it goes. Because sometimes… our quest takes years to reach any measure of progress, and that can be quite frustrating. Plus, we fail more times than we would ever expect to on our way toward our dream and the surprises, don’t end there. Because sometimes… we enjoy big victories that don’t feel big. Because other factors in our quest create strife, and seemingly are designed to sabotage us.

Because in reality, chasing one’s dream is pure chaos, and there is no simple path to the finish line. Just twist and turns and surprises and frustrations and never was that more evident than during the next episode of Heels. Because ‘Swerve’ explored such matters in great detail and showcased every twist and turn imaginable that exists when it comes to our dreams. Such as how sometimes… out of the blue, we get our shot and we aren’t sure how we earned it. Which Jack dealt with here. Because on a simple day, one like any other, it was made known that the State Fair had interest in booking the Duffy Wrestling League as its main event. A reality that would and should put the DWL on the map and this stunned Jack and made it seem as though, everything was about to fall into place.

In fact, all he had to do was nail the meeting with the State Fair Board, and put on one hell of a show, and with Thomas at his side, he made that first part happen. Because the Board Members were deeply intrigued by Jack’s take on the sport and what it did for audiences and that allowed for him to just let loose and ready an epic script and relish in the wonder of getting his shot and hold to belief that it would be smooth sailing from here. Except. It was not. Mainly because, when people are involved in our chase, as they often are… they can enact their own agendas. Ones that cause trouble and ones that don’t align with what we want and that brought forth, one wild day at the Duffy Dome. In part, because Ace, who was buried in the story and his character, felt he needed to punish Crystal for hanging out with Bobby Pin. So, he dumped her for a new valet and hurt her deeply.

Allen Maldonaldo as Rooster Robbins in Episode 105 of ‘Heels’ – ‘Swerve’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ/Netflix.)

Not to mention, a freshly fired Wild Bill was lurking about the dome, hoping to find relevance or a way in. Because he came to learn about the Fair and knew it was his way back into the show. So, he latched onto the dream as well with his own agenda. Plus, we even saw Rooster work to grab some agency in this tale, in the hopes of finally being seen as more than a supporting act. Because he wanted the spotlight in this dream, he wanted the belt and that pushed Jack to work to balance everything and try to keep the dream on track. Because everyone was pulling it in different directions, and they didn’t need to. All everyone needed to do tonight was abide by the rules, follow the script and put on an amazing show, and they would be in a new light, a spotlight for that matter, and for a time… that seemed about as bad as things were going to get in this tale, and that this would be a topical exploration.

But that’s not this show’s style, and it was quick to inform us that sadly, when people do buy in, and have their own wants from the dream, bad things can and will happen. All of which came forth in the final match, wherein Crystal decided to change the script, up the volume regarding her spat with Ace and take shots she knew would go beyond theatrics. Ones that would hurt him, anger him, wound him, as he did her, and that led… to pure chaos in the ring. Since Ace crossed a line and snapped Bobby’s leg in a fit of fury and Bill saw this as his window. Which in turn prompted Jack to play along to keep the crowd happy. All of which spoke to how dreams are chaos, and our pursuit of them rarely goes to plan. Because good news can come our way on a moment’s notice and people have their own idea of what they want out of our dream if they’re involved and that made for one intense tale.

One that also spoke to how hard it is sometimes to separate story from reality. Since both Crystal and Ace lost themselves in the moment and let it get the better of them both. But what mattered most is that once again this story stayed true to its central theme in season one. Which is, what it really is like to chase one’s dream and just exploring that, brought forth some powerful moments we can all relate to, while of course, providing us with an entertaining story that we got lost within, and this episode does leave us eager to continue our second journey through the show post haste. To learn more about the ups and downs that accompany the pursuit of our dreams and see how that chase impacts the needs and wants of others. Until next time.

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