Heels Season 2 Episode 2 Review: The Journey is the Obstacle

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.

Ace works through his frustrations in an attempt to find a sense of inner peace on Heels Season 2 Episode 2, “The Journey is the Obstacle.”

Picking back up in the present timeline, Heels‘ second outing of the season does an impeccable job of addressing fans’ many questions, such as the DWL’s fate and what’s to come for Jack.

Ace’s Self-Reflection

While we don’t get to spend much time with Ace throughout this episode, it’s appreciated that we’re allowed to see the character out of his element.

We’ve spent practically zero time with Ace outside of wrestling, and while it’s been an essential factor in his life since his father died, watching him self-reflect is a nice change of pace.

Needing to take a breather, take a step back, and look at the bigger picture from a fresh point of view is a position that many of us have been in.

Creating distance between Jack and him is the most brilliant move he could make to preserve his sanity. Unfortunately, it does lead to a new set of trouble as he accidentally falls off a cliff, hurting himself and becoming stuck on a ledge with no phone.

If Heels were more of an action series revolving around death, Ace’s predicament would be more alarming. However, based on promotions for the season, it’s clear he’s in no sense of real danger. All that’s left now is to see how he overcomes the setback.

I hope we don’t see him return to Jack and the DWL immediately after. Not only does Ace deserve a sliver of serenity, but Jack also deserves to stew a bit longer and debate his actions.

Bunny No More

Crystal Tyler is one of the more interesting characters of the entire series, and having her as a spotlight in any capacity is a great time.

Throughout the episode, we see her fight for what’s rightfully hers, strip herself of the Bunny Bombshell title, and put her foot down on how she deserves to be treated.

Jack’s know-it-all attitude and overall frustration toward anyone who tries to help him is beyond irritating. While Crystal may not have been wrestling throughout Season 1, she proved herself time and time again that her devotion to the league is pure.

Crystal: My name is Crystal Tyler, and I am the baddest bitch the DWL has ever seen.

While it is irritating for Jack’s first thought to be to invalidate Crystal’s career-saving decision by stripping her of the belt, I can appreciate that the episode highlights every angle of results stemming from her actions.

Ultimately, Crystal’s reign as champ continues, as it should, thanks to Jack taking some much-needed input from Wild Bill. If the series is bright, it will continue to include Crystal as a critical player in the DWL’s process of trying to stay afloat.

Change or Bust

“The Journey is the Obstacle” is an eye-opener, in a sense, for Jack as he’s forced to look back on his actions, not only in the wrestling world but also in his marriage.

The macho, lowkey toxic masculinity personality he likes to encapsulate on a daily basis has finally trickled down to his child, and it’s time for him to course correct. But that requires admitting he has an issue, and as viewers have already witnessed, Jack has a tough time admitting to his own faults.

His behavior with Thomas’ principal is downright atrocious, only further digging himself into a hole he may not be able to find himself out of.

Principal Barry: Fighting words escalate into a school shooting, and you don’t want that do you?

Both Staci and Principal Barry objecting to Jack’s outrageous behavior and viewpoint is another clear highlight of the episode. Instead of apologizing and owning up to his faults, he instead resorts to gaslighting and trying to guilt trip Staci into returning home by using his father’s suicide as an excuse for his actions.

Besides Staci and, on occasion, Willie and Ace, nobody else has really put Jack in his place, and it’s satisfying to watch. 

Other Thoughts:

• It’s clear Willie sees Crystal as a younger version of herself and is helping her in any way she can to chase the dream she wasn’t given a chance to, and I love it.

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

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Heels airs Fridays at 10/9c on Starz.

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