‘Heels’ Rewatch: What Dreams May Damage

9/24/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

How ‘Dusty Finish’ Explores the Damage Following Our Dreams Can Cause

‘I fucking hate you. You act like you’re some kind of genius. But you’re not. You’re just a lawn mower salesman. You ruined my fucking life.’

- Ace Spade

Alexander Ludwig as Ace Spade in Episode 102 of ‘Heels’ – ‘Dusty Finish’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ/Netflix.)

We are taught from a very early age, that when we discover our calling, our dream, that we need to chase it with every fiber of our being. Because we’ve discovered what so few do in life and we should stop at nothing to obtain it, and that is indeed a lesson that each and every one of us follow to a tee. Because it drives us toward something special, something big, and it gives us hope like never before and our push to have it, can in fact, inspire others in life. So, we truly see the pursuit of the dream as nothing short of a noble quest. One that truly is magical, powerful and worthwhile since you are chasing after what you love and what sets your soul aflame.

But alas, it doesn’t take long for us to come to understand… that this push comes with a lot of drawbacks and some complications. Because in order to really chase one’s dream, it requires stunning sacrifice. The kind where so much must be put to the wayside in order to make progress. Not to mention, our laser focused quest to be the best and have everything we want, can cause great harm. Because there is a structure to our dreams in our mind, one that must conform at all costs, and we will push and reach to make sure that happens when others are involved. Yet, we don’t talk about this truth all that often, and we should… so that perhaps a more measured and healthy push toward our dream can take place and that is why, the next episode of Heels is of note.

Simply because ‘Dusty Finish’ digs deep into the harm that a hard pursuit for our dreams can cause, and it accomplished that feat by showing us a different side of Jack Spade. Specifically, the man he was outside of the ring, away from the dream. Where part time job responsibilities were in his daily agenda and where he was holding out so much hope that the dream as he saw it would continue, that he lost sight of simple things. Such as maintaining the house and being the point man for pest control when squirrels got in, and he even pushed time with the family to the wayside, to work on a script that wouldn’t come to life. All of which showcased some of that harm that dreams can cause since his family was emotionally wounded over this, and that was powerful and poignant and further enhanced by the centerpiece portion of this examination.

Alice Barrett Mitchell, Alexander Ludwig and Stephen Amell as Carol Spade, Ace Spade, and Jack Spade in Episode 102 of ‘Heels’ – ‘Dusty Finish’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ/Netflix.)

Because as Jack was working to lose himself in the pursuit of the dream, his brother was also suffering. Because Ace was lost, and constantly calling Wild Bill to see what lie ahead. Because his confidence was badly bruised by Jack’s decision to do things his way, and well… things went from bad to worse when Wild Bill called him and told him… there would be no ascension to the big leagues. Because that broke Ace mentally in that moment, and prompted him to get drunk, get stupid and get into fights, and it was rightfully up to Jack to save him, with an assist from Crystal, no less. But it was critical that Jack be the one to help Ace, to hear from his brother’s lips how much the push to have the dream his way… hurt Ace so deeply.

For that is exactly what Jack did. He imparted his dream, and his vision upon his brother, and in doing so… betrayed him, hurt him, left him feeling a fool and feeling lost in life. Not to mention, he often left his wife sitting at home, wondering what could be if there was a measure of care for her and her needs over musings regarding selling the Duffy Dome to Charlie Gully or fretting over a script. All of which taught us, that yes, our dreams can hurt people and lead them astray in the name of our vision. Not to mention, it can force us to lose sight of responsibilities we have to make a priority as well and that made for one powerful episode. One that was brave enough to show the dark side of dreaming and how hard it can be to find what needs to be found to prevent this… balance.

Because without that, dreams can become an obsession and the devastating harm that can come from chasing them too hard, might be why some people leave them behind. To try and salvage what they are beginning to lose in life. All of which made, for a stunning rewatch of this episode. Because round two offered up new depth to the story and really spoke to how hard this series goes when it comes to exploring every aspect of our dreams and every aspect of the human condition. Because this episode covered so much, and truly gave us shocking perspective on the pursuit of our dreams, and that definitely motivates one to continue this second journey through the ring. So that we can enjoy more powerful lessons from this revolutionary and thoughtful show that is about so much more than wrestling. Until next time.

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