Heels Season 2 Episode 6 Review: Appearances
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.
While still centering around the livelihood of the DWL, Heels Season 2 Episode 6, “Appearances,” diverts from the everyday exuberant action and takes a deep, emotional tour of the DWL’s future, events leading up to Tom Spade’s death and the falling out between Willie and Bill.
Heels makes an intelligent decision, taking a moment before the season finale to slow it down and reflect on how Tom’s past issues directly correlate with Jack’s in the present.
Not only does it give the audience more to look forward to other than the action, but it’s what makes the series more than just some wrestling show. There’s depth and real emotion behind these storylines, and it’s always a pleasure when the series highlights those factors.
It’s no secret that Tom Spade was not the best father or husband, but that doesn’t change how heartbreaking the deep dive into his depression is. With an ego the size of an elephant, young Tom Spade was too afraid of not making it big to stay loyal to those around him, leading to the fallout between him and Bill.
Older Tom Spade’s ego wouldn’t let his image be tarnished at any cost, which is why he was too proud to let his family know he had been taking loans from Bill throughout the years.
Wild Bill: You’re a fucking genius, Tom. I mean it. You are. I thought you’d protect me from being a clown. Thought I’d spend my whole life playing your shit. Instead, I’m doing “Heaven Forbidden.” Godspeed, brother.
We spend the majority of the episode jumping between timelines of Tom, Willie, and Bill’s past and present, depicting how drastically their lives all change thanks to Tom’s decisions. It’s truly one of the series most emotional episodes of the season, possibly to date.
Ending with the revelation that Tom killed himself after asking Bill for help one final time, “Appearances” is not an easy episode to stomach for those who know someone or might be dealing with depression themselves.
In the present timeline, Bill and Willie are experiencing déjà vu and reflecting on how past decisions were made. Willie is hesitant and unsure if she should stay in the DWL’s corner. Meanwhile, Bill is choosing to remain optimistic that Jack will do the right thing.
These increased interactions between the two lead to an emotional conversation where Bill lays it all the line for her, explaining how hard it was for him to get past her betrayal with Tom.
This time, Bill’s loyalties will undoubtedly lean in his favor as Jack makes it a point to thank those who have helped the DWL get to where it is towards the end of the episode.
Meanwhile, Willie is dealing with propositions from Gully to make Crystal’s defection real and hire her as Crystal’s front house manager. Fighting to decide what her next move should be, she pulls Crystal in on the situation and gives her the option to choose.
It’s implausible that Crystal will make the jump to FWD a real endeavor due to her loyalty to those at the DWL, but Willie finding a way out of the business could be real. Based on her actions throughout the season, it seems that her drive to clean up the messes Tom left behind could be ending.
Stray Thoughts:
- Chris Bauer shines radiantly throughout the episode and is a defining reason why it should be marked as one of the season’s best episodes.
- With every episode, I loathe Carol more and more.
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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Cade Taylor
Cade Taylor is a television and film critic living in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV. His love for television developed at a young age, with a concentration on queer stories, sitcoms, teen dramas, and science fiction thrillers. In addition, he works full-time as a news producer, telling the stories of Missourians and helming "Produced in the Bi-State," a segment spotlighting actors, musicians, and entertainers from the St. Louis area. He can be reached by email at cade@telltaletv.com.