statsgirl June 21, 2021 Share June 21, 2021 From Starz Quote Set in the world of independent professional wrestling, "Heels" stars Stephen Amell ("Arrow") as Jack Spade, with Alexander Ludwig (The Hunger Games, "Vikings") playing his younger brother, Ace. "Heels" is a story about the men and women who chase their dreams in the world of small town pro wrestling. Set in a close-knit Georgia community, it follows a family-owned wrestling promotion as two brothers and rivals war over their late father's legacy. In the ring, somebody must play the good guy and somebody must play their nemesis, the heel. But in the real world, those characters can be hard to live up to - or hard to leave behind. Premieres Sunday, August 15, 9-10 p.m. · Alison Luff as Staci Spade · Allen Maldonado as Rooster Robbins · Chris Bauer as Wild Bill Hancock · James Harrison as Apocalypse · Kelli Berglund as Crystal Tyler · Mary McCormack as Willie Day 1 Link to comment
tv echo July 15, 2021 Share July 15, 2021 (edited) Ring Talk with Stephen Amell: Kayfabe | Heels | STARZ STARZ Jul 14, 2021 Edited July 19, 2021 by tv echo 1 Link to comment
tv echo July 19, 2021 Share July 19, 2021 (edited) Heels will have a panel at Comic-Con@Home next weekend (video premiere starting July 23)... https://www.eventeny.com/events/comicconhome-1456/ Quote Heels is a story about the men and women who chase their dreams in the world of small-town pro wrestling. Set in a close-knit Georgia community, it follows a family-owned wrestling promotion as two brothers and rivals war over their late father’s legacy. In the ring, somebody must play the good guy and somebody must play their nemesis, the heel. But in the real world, those characters can be hard to live up to or hard to leave behind. Panelists include creator/EP Michael Waldron(Loki, the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness), showrunner/EP Mike O’Malley (Shameless, Survivor’s Remorse), and series stars Stephen Amell (Arrow), Alexander Ludwig (The Hunger Games, Vikings), along with Alison Luff, Mary McCormack, Kelli Berglund, Allen Maldonado, James Harrison and, Chris Bauer who round up the cast. The video stream will premiere on Jul 23, 2021 at 10:00 am (GMT-07:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) Edited July 19, 2021 by tv echo 1 Link to comment
Avabelle July 19, 2021 Share July 19, 2021 I wouldn’t be Stephen Amells biggest fan but trailer sold me. I’ll tune on for at least the first episode anyway. 1 2 Link to comment
tv echo July 24, 2021 Share July 24, 2021 (edited) From Comic-Con@Home yesterday... Heels | Comic-Con@Home 2021 Comic-Con International Jul 23, 2021 Quote ... Panelists include creator/EP Michael Waldron (Loki, the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness), showrunner/EP Mike O’Malley (Shameless, Survivor’s Remorse), and series stars Stephen Amell (Arrow), Alexander Ludwig (The Hunger Games, Vikings), along with Alison Luff, Mary McCormack, Kelli Berglund, Allen Maldonado, James Harrison and, Chris Bauer who round up the cast. Related article:‘Heels’ Comic-Con@home Panel Recap and Video By Rebecca Murray -July 23, 2021https://www.showbizjunkies.com/tv/heels-comic-con-panel-recap-video/ Edited July 24, 2021 by tv echo 2 Link to comment
The Crazed Spruce July 25, 2021 Share July 25, 2021 Those promo shots look a lot like those 8-by-10s they sell at indy house show merch tables for the wrestlers to sign. If that's what they were going for, it's a nice touch. 3 Link to comment
tv echo July 29, 2021 Share July 29, 2021 (edited) Two podcast interviews... The Stars of Starz's 'Heels' Busted Open July 28, 2021https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stars-of-starzs-heels/id1463861548?i=1000530312311 Quote Dave LaGreca & Tommy Dreamer take a look at NXT from the week, sitting in its temporary home on The SyFy Channel during the Olympics ... also, the guys talk to the lead actors from the upcoming Starz series 'Heels' -- Stephen Amell & Alexander Ludwig. The show should certainly resonate with wrestling fans, who should also most certainly recognize Stephen from his appearances in WWE, ROH, & at 'All In'. They discuss what it takes to portray wrestling in a scripted TV drama, CM Punk's involvement in the show, & more ... 63. Stephen AmellOral Sessions with Renée Paquette July 28, 2021 (posted July 29, 2021)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/63-stephen-amell/id1540850188?i=1000530384713 Quote Fellow Canadian Stephen Amell and Green Arrow star chats with Renee about his newest TV series Heel. Heels makes its debut in the ring on August 15 via Starz. Edited July 29, 2021 by tv echo 1 Link to comment
tv echo July 30, 2021 Share July 30, 2021 (edited) There was an advance, world premiere screening of Heels in NYC last night, followed by a cast talk - no audio or video posted (yet), but here's a couple fan tweets from the premiere...https://www.92y.org/event/starz-s-heels Edited July 30, 2021 by tv echo 1 Link to comment
tv echo July 31, 2021 Share July 31, 2021 DWL Teaser | Heels | STARZ STARZ Jul 30, 2021 1 Link to comment
tv echo July 31, 2021 Share July 31, 2021 Jack Spade | Heels | STARZ STARZ Jul 26, 2021 Ace Spade | Heels | STARZ STARZ Jul 26, 2021 Willie Day | Heels | STARZ STARZ Jul 26, 2021 Wild Bill | Heels | STARZ STARZ Jul 26, 2021 Crystal Tyler | Heels | STARZ STARZ Jul 29 2021 Staci Spade | Heels | STARZ STARZ Jul 30, 2021 1 Link to comment
tv echo August 4, 2021 Share August 4, 2021 (edited) Press day for Heels yesterday (Aug. 3)... Video interview:https://www.instagram.com/p/CSHtru5inf0/ Quote backstagecast Instagram Live Interview With Stephen Amell + Alexander Ludwig We went live with @stephenamell AND @alexanderludwig to talk about their new series @heelsstarz, their journeys in the industry, and their advice for fellow actors. Tap through to watch their conversation with our managing editor @thebenlindsay on IGTV! (Celeb Entertainment) Edited August 4, 2021 by tv echo 1 Link to comment
tv echo August 4, 2021 Share August 4, 2021 (edited) Apparently the media got an advance screening of the first 4 episodes - here's EW's review... Heels review: A wrestling family's grudge match makes for good drama By Kristen Baldwin August 04, 2021 https://ew.com/tv/tv-reviews/heels-review-starz-stephen-amell/ Quote In the world of professional wrestling, "kayfabe" — the act of buying into a story that you and everyone involved knows is fictional — is everything. In the slow-burn new drama Heels (premiering Aug. 15 on Starz), two brothers in an indie wrestling league grapple with the dangers of living the lies they perform in the ring — and the ones they tell themselves. What happens to kayfabe when you're the only one left believing? By day, Jack Spade (Stephen Amell) is a lawn mower salesman in fictional Duffy, Ga. All other moments, he's working to keep the Duffy Wrestling League — his family's promotion — afloat after the unexpected death of his father, Tom (a buff David James Elliott). Jack pulls double duty in the DWL, performing as a "heel" (wrestling parlance for villain) and cranking out story lines for his players. Jack's brother, Ace (Vikings' Alexander Ludwig), is the league's popular "face," a golden-haired pretty boy who loves being loved by the crowd. But when a key match leads to disappointment, Ace embraces his inner heel with fatalistic resignation. * * *Heels was created by Michael Waldron (Loki), and though it airs on cable, it suffers from streamer bloat; the four episodes made available for review could use a tighter edit. Pro wrestling isn't as male-dominated as it once was, but it's still awash in testosterone, and Heels' female characters feel somewhat derivative. Jack's wife, Staci (Alison Luff ), frets about finances and chides her husband for all the money he spends on the DWL. His business partner Willie (Mary McCormack) is a tough-talking broad who keeps Jack and his crew in line. Ace and Jack's mama (Alice Barrett) is a stern religious scold, and Ace's ringside "valet" (read: arm candy) is a pretty blonde named Crystal (Kelli Berglund) who has some good ideas for the league, if only the folks in charge would take her seriously. (Dear TV: May we please have a drama set in the South where at least one female character is fulfilled?) This is not a knock on the actresses; McCormack and Luff are particularly appealing in their roles and deserve more. Ace is part bully, part brokenhearted man-child, and Ludwig embodies both facets of his character beautifully. The actor never loses sight of Ace's pain, whether he's humiliating a local shop clerk out of spite or tenderly soothing his nephew (Roxton Garcia). After spending eight years playing a stoic, square-jawed hero on Arrow, here Amell finally gets to be a bit of a bastard, without the redemptive possibility of saving the world. Jack is a hardworking guy, a family man, a great heel in the ring — but his determination to turn the DWL into a top promotion drives him to acts of emotional brutality. Amell is a wrestling aficionado in real life, and Heels captures the humor and scrappy showmanship of sports entertainment. One wrestler's grand entrance involves a fierce-looking dead possum that flies into the arena strapped to a drone. It's a genuinely hilarious moment, and one of the many reasons Heels has a good shot at drawing a crowd. Grade: B+ Edited August 4, 2021 by tv echo 2 Link to comment
tv echo August 4, 2021 Share August 4, 2021 Loki Head Writer and Heels Creator Michael Waldron Talks Loki, Heels, Dr. Strange and Wrestling Reality of Wrestling Premiered Aug 4,, 2021 -- Heels: Michael Waldron said that he was a "diehard wrestling fan" his whole life. He also talked about living up to the expectations of who you are in the ring and the duality of your identity in real life. He watched a lot of behind-the-scenes documentaries and listened to a lot of podcasts about pro wrestling. He said that Heels is a "great family drama" and a "great workplace drama... the surrogate family workplace drama." He said that some characters were "inspired by" different real life wrestlers. He first wrote the pilot for Heels in 2013 when he was an intern for Rick and Morty. At the time, he did not cast "in his head". However, when they got Stephen Amell for the series, and then Alexander Ludwig, that's when the show fell into place. He wanted to "capture the authenticity" of a "very specific world" in terms of including real life wrestling terminology and references. 1 Link to comment
tv echo August 5, 2021 Share August 5, 2021 (edited) More media reviews (based on advance screening of first 4 episodes)... Heels is solid drama, and a heartfelt love letter to pro wrestling By Kyle Fowle August 4, 2021https://www.avclub.com/heels-is-solid-drama-and-a-heartfelt-love-letter-to-pr-1847418533 Quote The premiere is a little shaky because, like so many pilots these days, it spends too much time trying to convey every little bit of information about these characters and this town rather than just letting the plot and action do the talking. It’s a rather plodding first hour, though not without its moments. We’re introduced to Jack, who’s desperately trying to keep DWL, which he inherited from his father, from going under. His younger brother Ace is a rising star, putting butts in seats, but he’s also egotistical and a typical “loose cannon,” which means he’s difficult to control. Plus, DWL has some competition now in FWD, a promotion whose ECW-esque blood and violence runs contrary to the family-friendly show the Spades pride themselves on. * * * Even though the pilot doesn’t fully pull you in, together, the first four episodes do a great job of filling in everyone’s stories while complicating and challenging the rather stereotypical characters introduced in the first episode. Heels finds its legs by engaging fruitfully with backstory and motivation and the way the past influences the present. We quickly learn that Jack and Ace’s father died by suicide less than a year ago, but the full impact of his death on the family, the business, and the town is still being understood four episodes in. Similar attention is paid to the rest of the characters, no matter how small—from Bobby, a new wrestler who’s traveled from Texas in the hopes of getting his shot in DWL, to Crystal, Ace’s valet who’s itching to show that she can wrestle and not just be a piece of arm candy. We might have certain assumptions about them, or the show might be presenting them in a way that’s rather one-dimensional, but over time Heels peels back layer after layer to give us something more substantial. These character revelations and its emotional beats aren’t always subtle, but for the most part, they do feel honest and come from a place that’s organic. But while there’s plenty of drama, Heels might work best as a workplace comedy. DWL’s cast of wrestlers, and the people portraying them, have a wonderful chemistry that brings every scene in the shady Dome to life, and there’s even a wonderfully hilarious cameo from a former superstar of the industry (and potential new AEW signing?) that’ll leave you wanting to spend a lot more time in this particular locker room. Heels doesn’t always expertly portray the world of professional wrestling, but it does a wonderful job of capturing what makes it so special. In its own way, the series operates a lot like professional wrestling. From a distance you can see the stereotypical characters, the good vs. evil dichotomy, and larger-than-life drama. But give it time, and dig a little deeper, and soon you’ll find yourself emotionally invested in a bunch of misfit weirdos throwing fake punches while dressed in spandex. 'Heels' Review: Big Men Have Bigger Feelings In This Addictive Wrestling Soap Opera BY VINNIE MANCUSO AUGUST 4, 2021https://collider.com/heels-review-starz-stephen-amell/ Quote Created by Michael Waldron, Heels, like 99% of actual pro wrestling, is unabashedly a soap opera, dropping wrestling-like backstabbings and betrayals into a domestic setting, always with its drama dial turned to 11. It's a show about big men with bigger feelings, able to press another man over their heads but still struggling under the weight of their own ambitions, the reluctant pride they feel while performing in half-empty halls, and the responsibilities left behind by absent father figures. It is also, as you might expect, occasionally incredibly cheesy. Just a heaping dose of cheese, all over Heels, a show wherein a dramatic moment is emphasized with a shot of a popcorn bag hitting the ground in slow-motion. But the cast mostly takes a grounded approach that helps guide you through the most melodramatic moments. Amell, especially, seems to be having a blast playing an dickhead of the decidedly non-CW variety; Jack Spade is a relatable, human asshole, not a bad person but a man with an unhealthy level of investment in a sinking ship. On the other side of the spectrum, there's one of TV's all-time great "that guy" actors Chris Bauer as "Wild" Bill Hancock, a flamboyant former superstar turned talent scout, who manages to combine the best of Heels' grounded grittiness and heightened melodrama into one performance. Wild Bill is a walking example of what a life devoted body and soul to wrestling often gets you; he still wears the flashy snakeskin outfits and talks mostly in catchphrase-laden promos, all of which fails to hide a vice-fueled detachment from reality and a back that took too many bumps to bend right. Bauer's performance is funny and heartbreaking, all at once. * * * It's the tonal shifts, I think, that may turn someone sour on Heels, at least in the four episodes I've seen. The show will delve into addiction, suicide, and self-hatred, all set to a deeply self-serious soft guitar score, before a character suddenly delivers a devastating hurricanrana during a bar fight, an objectively silly visual. It's a whiplash effect that sometimes leaves the audience, especially an audience not entirely invested in the ins and outs of pro wrestling, unsure how to actually feel when the show asks you to take something like, say, a character switching allegiances in the ring very, very seriously. But Heels is all about not only rolling with these big punches, but enjoying how dramatically wild the swings are. Funny, dramatic, occasionally very stupid, and equally as often incredibly moving, Heels touches every corner, and if you can keep popping up after the bumps, you'll understand how addicting those bright lights can be. ‘Heels’ on Starz Review: Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig’s Small-Town Wrestling Drama Is Worthy of the Main Event By Josh Sorokach Aug 4, 2021https://decider.com/2021/08/04/heels-on-starz-review-stephen-amell-alexander-ludwig/ Quote Heels succeeds thanks to the steely resolve of Stephen Amell, who plays the angsty Jack Spade with a thinly-veiled intensity Arrow fans will surely recognize. A perfect marriage between actor and character, Amell has the requisite pro wrestling bona fides (the actor memorably competed in the WWE, Ring of Honor, and AEW) to bring the complex character to life. An artist trapped in the body of a man who looks like he’s been fighting villains on The CW for the better part of a decade, Jack’s wrestling persona (a heel, or a “bad guy”) is in direct opposition to his brother Ace, who portrays a babyface (a “good guy”). Arrow's Stephen Amell hits the mark with new wrestling show Heels BY DAVID OPIE August 4, 2021https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a37220563/heels-review-stephen-amell-starz/ Quote Detractors like to make out that wrestling is shallow, and on the face of it, an entire show that revolves around this sport could have easily turned out to be insubstantial too. But at its heart, this isn't really a wrestling show at all. Like P-Valley isn't just about the stripping, Heels is actually a southern-based drama that unpacks how desperation and failed ambition can impact these performers when the lights go out and the dust settles once more in the ring. * * * Following eight stoic years as Oliver Queen, Amell is clearly relishing the chance to cut loose a bit in this role. And although there are some parallels to be had between the Green Arrow and Jack — both struggle with what it means to be a hero and both feel the weight of the world on their shoulders — Stephen brings far more nuance to this part than superhero detractors might expect, thanks in part to a meatier script and his own unbridled passion for wrestling. Still, it's funny where Jack's trajectory goes because if we were to crown any one performer as the heavyweight champion, that would have to be Amell's co-star, Alexander Ludwig. Yes, Ace is the kind of broken yet entitled man-child we've seen countless times before on screen, but Ludwig does the impossible and somehow makes him likeable to us as well as the crowds, even when he's behaving at his most cruel. * * * But for a show that's determined to look beyond the ring, it's disappointing to see the female characters sidelined so much in favour of the men, as is so often the case in real-life wrestling. Amidst all the testosterone, strong performances can thankfully be found still from the likes of Mary McCormack and Kelli Berglund, even if they're not giving their own much-deserved time in the spotlight. Starz's Wrestling Family Drama Heels Successfully Blurs the Lines Between Battles In and Out of the Ring By LaToya Ferguson | August 4, 2021 https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/starz/heels-review/ Quote As a family drama with professional wrestling as the backdrop and often the framing device, Heels is a success. In fact, it has far more wrestling than O’Malley’s previous Starz series, the terrific family comedy Survivor’s Remorse, ever had basketball. The professional wrestling aspects of the show—as old-school as they are—are actually quite top notch. (It also doesn’t hurt that the set for the DWL venue—known as “The Dome”—is honestly an impressive locale for the action, akin both in size and visual scope to The Temple from El Rey’s series Lucha Underground.) The family (and wrestling) drama is a tale as old as time, as the show acknowledges: a conflict between two brothers. Ultimately, Heels is very much a compelling watch, which is something Starz itself has become synonymous with. Edited August 8, 2021 by tv echo 1 Link to comment
tv echo August 5, 2021 Share August 5, 2021 STARZ released this sneak peek scene... 'Spade Brothers Feud' Ep.1 Clip | Heels | STARZ STARZ Aug 4, 2021 1 Link to comment
tv echo August 6, 2021 Share August 6, 2021 (edited) Edited August 6, 2021 by tv echo Link to comment
tv echo August 7, 2021 Share August 7, 2021 Stephen Amell, Alexander Ludwig & More Talks Starz's New Show 'Heels' The Knockturnal Aug 6, 2021 Stephen Amell On Being Hesitant To Join 'Heels' After 'Arrow' Ended & If Wrestling Is Fake Us Weekly Aug 5, 2021 1 Link to comment
tv echo August 7, 2021 Share August 7, 2021 (edited) Another sneak peek scene - this time with Stephen Amell and Mary McCormack - from the premiere episode (to watch video, go to article link and scroll down page)... Watch: STARZ Releases A Sneak Peek For The Season Premiere Of ‘Heels’ MATT BLACK Friday, August 06, 2021https://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/news/1247834-starz-release-a-sneak-peak-for-the-season-premiere-of-heels Quote The following is part of the press release from STARZ regarding the sneak peek clip for the season premiere of Heels which is embedded below: Episode Description: “Kayfabe” While the owner of the Duffy Wrestling League (Stephen Amell) has full control of whatever happens to transpire inside the ring, he struggles to enjoy the same levels of freedom and power as he tries to balance his professional and personal lives. Edited August 7, 2021 by tv echo 1 Link to comment
tv echo August 8, 2021 Share August 8, 2021 (edited) Heels’ Stephen Amell, Michael Waldron, & Mike O’Malley Tease CM Punk & Mick Foley Guest Appearances IGN Aug 6, 2021 Why Vikings star Alexander Ludwig isn't "fazed" by sex and nudity in Heels BY SUSANNAH ALEXANDER AND DAVID OPIE August 8, 2021https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a37251804/heels-alexander-ludwig-sex-scenes-nudity/ Quote Ace wears a rather revealing costume while in the ring, but actor Ludwig has told Digital Spy in an exclusive interview that he never felt awkward while filming the show, whether he was performing in his costume or shooting a sex scene. * * * "I've just learned to say, 'F**k it – for lack of a better word," he said, laughing. "You get to a point where it's like, all that matters to me is that it serves the story. "At this point in my life, I don't think anything could really faze me anymore. It's what I do. If it's going to serve the story, then let's do it." Edited August 8, 2021 by tv echo 1 Link to comment
tv echo August 9, 2021 Share August 9, 2021 (edited) Stephen Amell & Alexander Ludwig talk about new series 'Heels' CBS 8 San Diegom Aug 9, 2021 Also, 18 promo pics for the first episode have been released, including the ones below... Heels - Episode 1.01 - Kayfabe - Sneak Peek, Promotional Photos + Press Release Posted by SpoilerTV at August 05, 2021https://www.spoilertv.com/2021/08/heels-episode-101-kayfabe-sneak-peek.html Edited August 9, 2021 by tv echo 1 Link to comment
tv echo August 11, 2021 Share August 11, 2021 Why Fans Should Be Excited For The Show | Heels | STARZ STARZ Aug 10, 2021 Link to comment
tv echo August 11, 2021 Share August 11, 2021 (edited) More positive reviews... Heels Review: Stephen Amell's Starz Drama Is Friday Night Lights With Wrestling — and So, So Good By Keisha Hatchett / August 9 2021https://tvline.com/2021/08/09/heels-review-stephen-amell-wrestling-drama-starz/ Quote On the other hand, Starz’s upcoming drama Heels (premiering Sunday, Aug. 15 at 9/8c; I’ve seen the first seven episodes) — created by fellow wrestling fan Michael Waldron (Loki, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) and executive-produced by Mike O’Malley (Survivor’s Remorse) — is very good. Much like NBC’s beloved Friday Night Lights, which captivated football fans and non-fans alike, wrestling knowledge isn’t a prerequisite to understand or even enjoy Heels. The show is a compelling family drama about two brothers just trying to keep the family business — the Duffy Wrestling League — afloat while navigating a strained relationship in the wake of their father’s death. Because of its wrestling setting, industry terms are sprinkled throughout but quickly explained, and the audience is never left in the dark about what any of those strange phrases (i.e., kayfabe) mean. * * * With that said, Heels is an entertaining and worthwhile watch for wrestling fans and non-wrestling fans alike. While the show’s in-ring segments are pretty cool, the show’s biggest sell is the prickly but tight-knit relationship between the Spade brothers, who have very different dreams but remain entwined because of the family business. Fair warning to wrestling fans: Waldron does take some artistic liberties with his in-ring segments, especially with a big twist you’ll see later in the season, which makes for great drama even if it isn’t completely accurate, and those who are used to seeing their favorites defy gravity with mind-blowing aerial assaults may be disappointed with the more simplistic moves offered in the series. Still, the show gets to the heart of wrestling in all of its backbreaking glory while delivering a classic sibling rivalry that serves as the show’s beating heart. Stephen Amell's Heels Reviews Are In, Here's What CinemaBlend And Other Critics Are Saying About Starz's Wrestling Drama HEIDI VENABLE AUG. 11. 2021https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2571809/stephen-amell-heels-reviews-what-critics-say-starz-wrestling-drama Quote ... With Heels premiering very soon, let’s see what the critics are saying, starting with our own mini-review from CinemaBlend's Nick Venable, who thinks the new drama is a winner for all audiences, no matter how one feels about wrestling itself. "With all the TV shows and movies about actors, dancers, athletes, musicians and more, it's mind-boggling that pro wrestling is so consistently ignored, especially now that Starz's Heels is already oozing Friday Night Lights vibes. Stars Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig successfully shed their former Arrow and Vikings roles to play brothers driven by egos, libidos and other things that end in "o." The character drama is palpable and plentiful, and the best part - at least for others beyond myself - is that you don't need to actually give a shit about wrestling in order to be swayed by the universal struggles at Heels' core. And all hail True Blood and The Deuce vet Chris Bauer, who deserves an Emmy, an ESPY and an honorary WWE Hall of Fame entry for his role as Wild Bill Hancock." Edited August 12, 2021 by tv echo 1 Link to comment
tv echo August 13, 2021 Share August 13, 2021 Ring Talk with Alexander Ludwig: Superkick | Heels | STARZ STARZ Aug 12, 2021 Link to comment
tv echo August 14, 2021 Share August 14, 2021 Stephen Amell and 'Heels' Cast Play Would You Rather: Wrestling vs. Arrowverse! | TVLine TVLine Aug 13, 2021 Heels' Stephen Amell told CM Punk to return to AEW ring: "He can still go!" Esquire Middle East Aug 14, 2021 Link to comment
tv echo August 15, 2021 Share August 15, 2021 (edited) Jeffrey Hirsch, STARZ CEO, tweeted links to some impressive media reviews of Heels... Edited August 15, 2021 by tv echo 1 Link to comment
tv echo August 15, 2021 Share August 15, 2021 (edited) Heels star Stephen Amell is ready to play a very different kind of hero BY DAVID OPIE August 13, 2021https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a37045118/heels-stephen-amell-episode-1-arrow/ Quote If fans react in the way that Stephen hopes, then Heels will definitely keep on fighting way beyond this first season. "Frankly, I think this really plays like chapter one of something. We certainly leave this season in a position where you want to know more." By the end of our chat, we're left wanting to know more too, and not just because of the occasional wi-fi outage. Amell admits that he "didn't sign a contract for just one season," which means that with any luck, Heels could one day reach the dizzying heights of Arrow, spandex and all. Edited August 15, 2021 by tv echo Link to comment
Avabelle August 15, 2021 Share August 15, 2021 Do the twitter and instagram posts make the thread take ages to load for anyone else? What did everyone think of the show? I enjoyed although the end of the episode makes me wonder how they'll stop the business from going under - are they both Heels now? 4 Link to comment
benteen August 16, 2021 Share August 16, 2021 (edited) I really enjoyed the episode. I haven't watched wrestling in many years but I was a big fan growing up and after that. I always look forward to a show about the wrestling business (GLOW is definitely missed) and I have been looking forward to this one. Heels did not disappoint. This is a good follow-up for Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig (who looks about ten years younger without his Vikings make-up and tattoos). I was a fan of their work on both Arrow and Vikings respectively and thought they were both terrific here. I can see what they're saying about this having a Friday Night Lights vibe. I do like the look of the town, the world they've built and how they utilize stuff from the wrestling business. Love that they have a rival promotion to deal with. Ace Spade's girlfriend Crystal looks like she has potential too. It's a great look at the business and I'm looking forward to watching more. Appreciate the episode titles being old wrestling terms. If I had one wish for this show, I wish it was set in the 70s when the territory system was at its height. Setting it in the 80s probably would have made more sense. Kayfabe was a very real thing prior to the 90s as well. You still had the territories but this was the decade that Vince McMahon (who was noticeably name dropped and the WWE is clearly the organization "Up North" that is referred to) went public with the WWF and started raiding the territories, either buying them out or forcing them out of business. This led to the independents, which the Duffy Wrestling League clearly is. This League is like an old territory although it's hard to imagine an independent that small lasting for decades. Quite frankly, it wouldn't have happened (BTW, nice touch with Jack talking about his father and their friends watching old WCW PPV's, since they had such a huge presence in Georgia). I like the drama with Jack and Ace although Jack although the scenario he chose to deliver to his fanbase was the absolute WORST one possible. That was Fingerpoke of Doom-level stuff and that marked the rapid decline of WCW. Whatever drama he's having with his brother, there were a dozen better scenarios he could have played out to the fans who paid to see that match and he chose the worst and quite frankly most selfish one. In real life, that is potentially a company-killing action he just took. Edited August 16, 2021 by benteen 1 Link to comment
tv echo August 16, 2021 Share August 16, 2021 (edited) Attended the PRESCREENING for HEELS Saturday night. Here's a snippit sukkmedri6 Aug 16, 2021 Edited August 16, 2021 by tv echo Link to comment
tv echo August 16, 2021 Share August 16, 2021 This Season on Heels | STARZ STARZ Aug 16, 2021 Link to comment
tv echo August 19, 2021 Share August 19, 2021 Full panel video from MegaCon Orlando on Aug. 14... Heels (Stephen Amell, and Alexander Ludwig) Full Panel MEGACON 2021 FAN EXPO HQ Aug 18, 2021 Link to comment
tv echo August 22, 2021 Share August 22, 2021 (edited) SA got an Honorable Mention for his performance in episode 1 of Heels... The TVLine Performers of the Week: Jake Lacy and Alexandra Daddario By Team TVLine / August 21 2021https://tvline.com/2021/08/21/jake-lacy-alexandra-daddario-the-white-lotus-season-1-finale-episode-6-performance/ Quote HONORABLE MENTION | The first thing we see in Heels is Stephen Amell’s herculean leap across the ring from the top rope, a beautifully executed coast-to-coast jump and a fitting introduction to the Starz family drama about wrestling. The actor is wholly believable as Jack Spade, a loving father, wrestler and owner of the Duffy Wrestling League. Amell delivered a lovely, nuanced performance as a headstrong man who firmly believes he knows what’s best for his little brother Ace (played by Alexander Ludwig). That really came across at the end of the first episode, when Jack made a difficult decision that would ultimately hurt his sibling. You could feel the heartbreak in the ring as it happened, and in the seconds afterward when the realization set in. It felt impossible to imagine Amell as anything other than Arrow’s Oliver Queen, but his commitment and natural ease in this role makes you forget all about the green hood he once wore. Edited August 22, 2021 by tv echo 3 Link to comment
statsgirl August 22, 2021 Author Share August 22, 2021 Episode 1.2 Quote Dusty Finish: As the wrestlers at the DWL worry about the fallout from the previous show, Jack struggles with what direction to take the narrative and the league, especially after an enticing offer from the FWD's Charlie Gully. 1 Link to comment
marcee August 23, 2021 Share August 23, 2021 I do like the show and the characters so far, but I feel it's moving veerrrry slowly. As soon as it looks like something might happen, the show is over. If it continues at this pace, I might not be able to make it through. Maybe I'll wait for the entire season to be released so I can binge it all at once. Link to comment
statsgirl August 23, 2021 Author Share August 23, 2021 I have no interest in wrestling so I wasn't expecting much from this show. It turns out I'm really enjoying it as a Greek tragedy. Most of the responsibility for that goes to Michael Waldron's writing which is subtle and gripping. All of the characters except Gully and wild Bill seemed like people I could know and the stories more Everyman than different. Stephen Amell also does a good job of a man trying to live his dream while repeatedly getting beaten down and Alexander Ludwig playing a man with a man's hormones and the emotional maturity of a boy, Kelli Berglund as Crystal and Alison Luff as Staci. They all seem like good, real people trying. I know that guy who owns the lawnmower company, I've worked for him I liked that parallel of the boy wanting to make sure the squirrel in the attack survives and Jack not wanting to kill the possum. Jack's life would be much easier if he were harder. 3 Link to comment
tv echo August 28, 2021 Share August 28, 2021 (edited) Two video recordings of the same event - Q&A panel from the Heels episode 3 screening in Chicago (the first video has better video picture, the second video has better audio sound)... Heels Q&A with CM Punk, Stephen Amell, Mike O'Malley And David James Elliot I Wrestling Inc. WrestlingINC Aug 27, 2021 Hells Starz Screening in Chicago - CM Punk & Stephen Amell Panel Question/Answers AEW Prowrestling Shining Polaris Aug 27, 2021 Edited August 28, 2021 by tv echo Link to comment
statsgirl August 28, 2021 Author Share August 28, 2021 Episode 1.03: Quote Cheap Heat: In an attempt to drum up more heat, Jack enlists the help of wrestling veteran, Ricky Rabies, setting Ace up with a full house for his comeback match against Bobby Pin. Link to comment
The Crazed Spruce August 30, 2021 Share August 30, 2021 Haven't seen the episode yet, but I gotta say, they couldn't have picked a better time to bring C.M. Punk into the show. (For those of you who don't follow wrestling, Punk joined AEW last week, his first time in a wrestling ring after quitting 7 years ago, and it basically broke wrestling Twitter.) Link to comment
benteen August 30, 2021 Share August 30, 2021 Caught up with the last two episodes. As much as I liked the first episode, these last two episodes have really gotten me even more hooked on the show. I'm glad Jack has been called out for his absolute terrible decision making. Giving a bullshit match like that with Ace would have been a business-killer and that's not shied away from. Bar fight was fun. Very fun guest spot for CM Punk here. Both Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig are doing good work here. Ludwig impresses me with his range. He can play a Viking and then turn around and play a Southern wrestler. Link to comment
tv echo August 30, 2021 Share August 30, 2021 (edited) Stephen Amell posted an Instagram video yesterday, with guest CM Punk...https://www.instagram.com/p/CTLa8LXpIx8/ Quote stephenamell Heels Tonight — My friend @cmpunk joins me to chat about his debut episode on @heelsstarz — check it out! (SH Celebs) Edited August 30, 2021 by tv echo Link to comment
ybrik August 30, 2021 Share August 30, 2021 Enjoying the show so far. Do agree this would have been better served as a show in the past not the present day. Totally expected the father to have a heart attack. I was thinking a hand gun to kill a deer seemed ineffective and then he kills himself. Really surprised me. Really messed up if he did know Ace was there. Though it has been hinted at that he wasn’t that good of a man. Speaking of good guy, I definitely see Ace as the young Shawn Michael type of good guy. Where he can be a good guy but his real life attitude and behavior is much more suited as a heel. Seems like Jack and Crystal both see it. As a CM Punk fan it was a treat seeing him here. I am wondering what the plans they show has with Crystal. Clearly the character wants more than to just be a valet. However it almost seems like the show hasn’t seemed to acknowledge women wrestlers. Hopefully that gets addressed. Link to comment
benteen August 30, 2021 Share August 30, 2021 (edited) I agree it was silly for someone on the show to say that wrestling isn't for women. If this was the old territory days, that would work. I haven't watched wrestling in years but I know that women's wrestling is bigger than ever. Women wrestlers have recently headlined Wrestlemania. Edited August 30, 2021 by benteen Link to comment
greekmom September 5, 2021 Share September 5, 2021 Not bad for the first 3 episodes. Super shocked that the dad committed suicide - I thought the gun was going to be for the deer. Even more messed up is the fact Ace was at the house when he did it and found his dad. Wrestlers go from face to heel and back and forth like they change tights. I am sure that Ace can do the heel bit for a few months and turn back to face and win the belt. The only thing that bothers me is that Jack sucks as a kayfab writer. They need someone better. The other wrestlers, like Rooster need a shot at the belt. Jack just can't hog it because he's the boss. But Rooster sure did choose the WRONG time to talk to Jack. Damn, call Jack the next day and set up a meeting asshole. I love Jack's wife best. She's a tough woman basically living as a single mom. I would love to know what is Willie's backstory and how she is part of the whole Spade family business. Link to comment
statsgirl September 6, 2021 Author Share September 6, 2021 Episode 1.4 Cutting Promos Quote After a house fire forces Jack and his family to move in with Carol and Ace, the two brothers put their differences aside and their heads together to generate a DWL promo to further grow the league's fan base. Link to comment
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