Heels Review: Cheap Heat (Season 1 Episode 3)

On Heels Season 1 Episode 3, “Cheap Heat,” Ace wants to get back in the main event, while Jack tries to put the DWL back on track.

Now that we’ve reached Episode 3 of 8, we expect to see story and character development. We want glimpses of where things are going, so we can get excited about the journey.

“Cheap Heat” moves a few stories along, but it also keeps the show laser focused on Jack and Ace’s issues. Yes, it’s the central plot of the series, but the other characters are proving far more interesting, and we want to spend more time with them.

Once again, the episode is somewhat of a mixed bag, only this time it’s the wrestling that keeps us watching, not the already repetitive Spade family drama.

In wrestling, cheap heat is when a heel finds an easy way to get booed. For example, insulting LeBron in Los Angeles, or beating up a popular legend.

To boost ticket sales Jack brings in local legend Ricky Rabies, who is played by wrestling superstar CM Punk. Rabies is an older guy, who can’t go as hard as he used to, but his popularity helps pack the dome, which Jack sorely needs right now.

Ace is instantly threatened of course, but Jack talks him into a promo rallying the fans behind him. It fails miserably, with Ace being booed out of the ring.

We’ve been waiting to see if there’s more to Ace than an immature, self-centered diva. “Cheap Heat” shows that there isn’t.

Even when he finally turns heel, he just uses it as a way to be a full-time jerk. It’s obvious we were never meant to root for him, but at this point, he plays as a one note villain who we don’t need to invest in.

The best moments of the episode come from Allen Maldonado’s Rooster as he laments his life as a talented prodigy full of personality. Unfortunately, he knows the hard truth that “the title stands out better with a white background.”

Any wrestling fan can tell you about the long racist history of southern promotions, so the fact that Heels is using this real life situation for Rooster’s background is fascinating.

In previous episodes, Rooster has yelled and ranted about his lack of opportunity. Following a disappointing conversation with Jack, Maldonado gives us Rooster’s dejected resignation, which is heartbreaking.

As Rooster tells Ace the story of his travels through the south, he’s the only one who gives it to him straight. Simply put, Ace can’t come back from crying in the ring.

Sometimes the company pushes a wrestler they want fans to get behind, but the fans loudly let their love for another person become undeniable. That’s what happens here. It’s abundantly clear in this scene that Heels needs more Rooster, and a little less Jack.

Meanwhile, Jack and Staci’s marital cracks grow wider, as she lets him know she’s exhausted with the DWL taking over her life, while Jack puts her last behind everything else in their lives.

Alison Luff continues to be the MVP of the series. She’s the John Cena or Charlotte Flair of Heels. It doesn’t matter who her scene partners are, she’s going to deliver five star bangers.

As we approach the halfway point of Heels Season 1, the series has settled into its tone and style, drawing us into its world. However, like all promotions, the Duffy Wrestling League has some holes to fill, and needs to take another look at how it books characters.

What did you think of this episode of Heels? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

Heels airs Sundays at 9/8c on STARZ.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

15 of TV’s Most Memorable First Kisses