Heels Season 2 Ups the Ante Without Losing Momentum

Heels returns for a new season on Starz after a lengthy hiatus without missing a step as it escalates the pro wrestling drama in and out of the ring.

After nearly two years since its first season finale, the acclaimed pro-wrestling drama series Heels is back with its second season, heightening the stakes in and out of the ring. As delightfully messy with the interpersonal dynamics of its main characters as ever, Heels escalates the various rivalries and deteriorating relationships that make up the narrative's trashy heart. And for those that may not remember how the first season went down or are coming to the Starz original series brand-new, the season premiere is as readily accessible as it is entertaining.

In the aftermath of the climactic Duffy Wrestling League (DWL), main event closing out Season 1, pro wrestler Jack Spade (Stephen Amell) recalls happier times with his estranged little brother Ace Spade (Alexander Lustig). Isolated from Ace and his wife, Staci (Alison Luff), Jack has to come clean with himself and reconcile his unresolved feelings over the sudden death of his father and famous local wrestler Tom (David James Elliott). Meanwhile, incensed over the Spade brothers' business dealings and ringside antics, rival wrestling owner Charlie Gully (Mike O'Malley) makes the grudge between them even more personal.

As with the first season, Heels Season 2 is largely driven by Amell and Lustig's commanding performances. The two actors effectively build on the groundwork they laid previously. Heels picks up without skipping a beat despite the extended hiatus, and Amell's on-screen chemistry with Lustig and Luff maintains its momentum as the season moves steadily along. Amell delivers some of the most emotionally raw performances of his entire career to date in Season 2 and quickly makes the audience realize that Arrow filed to take full advantage of his acting chops, even in his character's quieter, more subtle moments.

The rest of the supporting cast gets more time to shine this season, with the newly crowned DWL Champion Crystal Tyler (Kelli Berglund) being among the more notable standouts. As the perpetually foul-mouthed and volatile Gully, O'Malley continues to steal any scene he appears in, and the more ticked off Gully gets, the more entertaining O'Malley's performance turns out to be. Amell and Lustig may be leading the charge, but the entire ensemble gets juicy material to work with as their characters are drawn deeper into Jack and Ace's increasingly ugly feud.

There's plenty of ringside action to be had as the Spade Brothers and other costumed pro-wrestling personalities let their personal feelings bleed into how they carry themselves before the adoring crowds. The real draw behind Heels is the turbulent behind-the-scenes story unfolding backstage and the messy saga of the Spade family, but, just like any good wrestling program, the show knows when to check back in with some good old-fashioned roughhousing. And these fights don't disappoint; just as the performers haven't lost a step with their conventional acting, the accompanying physicality is as good as ever.

Worth the wait, Heels Season 2 remains one of the best shows in Starz's library of original television programming. Anchored by the dueling Jack and Ace Spade as they navigate the emotional fallout from their father's death and threats to the family business, the drama and action come fast and furious. A treat for fans of the first season and welcoming to those that may have missed it the initial time around, it's good to have Heels back with new episodes doubling down on the wrestling drama.

Created by Michael Waldron, Heels Season 2 premieres July 28 on Starz at 10 pm ET/PT.