Heels Review: House Show (Season 1 Episode 6)

Following Ace’s reckless in-ring behavior, Jack struggles to keep the league on track for the state fair on Heels Season 1 Episode 6, “House Show.”

As Heels Season 1 heads toward the finish line, we land on a bit of a filler episode story wise. However, a baptism gives nearly every character an emotional moment of self reflection that leads to great performances all around.

While stellar acting carries “House Show,” there’s very little movement on what to expect at the state fair. This results in a somewhat boring outing.

Jack is a good guy. He wants to take care of his family and friends, while building up his business. He’s desperate to find a way to balance everything in his life, unfortunately, he can’t seem to stop letting his family down.

Jack knows he’s a consistent disappointment for Staci and Thomas, but it feels like he’s not truly making an effort to change his ways. Stephen Amell is very good at making us root for Jack while simultaneously wanting to yell at him for constantly not listening to Staci.

We’ve discussed how amazing Alison Luff has been at slowly building Staci’s pain and unhappiness with where their lives are.

It’s here where she finally reaches her breaking point, but instead of a predictable screaming match, she heartbreakingly details all the times Jack has left her to fix things after he said he would be there.

Amell and Luff are achingly authentic as a supportive, loving couple doing everything they can to keep their family working.

Heels sets itself apart by showcasing an adult relationship featuring partners who want to navigate a way through their issues and not just break up, which is what we usually get from TV.

As Rooster continues to approach Jack about his role in the DWL, rival promoter Charlie Gully offers him a chance to become a star in his company.

It’s a short scene, but the way Allen Maldonado tells Jack that their conversations have not been the same every time, is exceptional. With one line, he highlights all of Rooster’s frustration, disappointment and resignation.

In the end, he takes Gully’s offer, which we (and he) know is a bad decision, but Jack has given him no other choice.

One of Heels’ major flaws has been that we haven’t spent nearly enough time with Maldonado and Rooster.

Perhaps if we spent less time with Ace, there would be room for other more interesting characters.

Despite Alexander Ludwig doing his best to give Ace layers, the character’s refusal to grow up and take responsibility for his actions, makes him difficult to invest in.

I understand that he’s not supposed to be likeable, but we’re on Episode 6 and it feels like there’s been no growth.

Yes, he gives a beautiful speech at the baptism and seems to be learning from his and his father’s mistakes, however, we’ve seen this happen in earlier episodes, only for him to turn around and do something hateful and stupid in the next one.

Honestly, I’m done caring about Ace Spade.

And that goes double for Wild Bill. He and Willie have an intense discussion of their past, which finally gives us a little of the Mary McCormack showcase we’ve been not so patiently waiting for.

As much as we love Willie, that’s how much we dislike Bill. Other than being an old friend of Tom’s, he doesn’t bring anything to the show.

He’s crude, disrespectful, selfish, drags the show to a halt, and is one note. If there is a Heels Season 2, we don’t need Bill involved.

Considering all the bombshells dropped in Heels Season 1 Episode 5, “Swerve,” we wanted more from “House Show.”

This episode did begin the build toward the state fair show, which has to be game changing, because otherwise we’re not sure where this outing fits in with the series.

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

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Heels airs Sundays at 9/8c on Starz.

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