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The long awaited debut of Starz's professional wrestling drama Heels will take place Sunday at 9 PM EST.
The official synopsis for episode one - "Jack Spade, the owner of the Duffy Wrestling League, controls everything inside of his wrestling ring; outside the ropes, he fights to balance his family and professional life."
The series is based in the fictional town of Duffy, Georgia and is a deep exploration of professional wrestling on an independent level and what drives those at that level to pursue and maintain their dreams.
The Spade family are the nucleus of the series as they, led by Duffy Wrestling League owner, booker and lead heel Jack Space (Stehen Amell of "Arrow") as he attempts to keep the DWL going in the wake of the recent death of the family patriarch, legendary pro wrestler Tom Spade. Jack's rivalry in front of the fans with his brother Ace (Alexander Ludwig of "Vikings") is nothing compared to the battles they have behind the scenes about what's best for the promotion.
At the same time, Jack's unrelenting obsession and drive to keep the DWL going financially in the face of another promotion encroaching on their territory sends ripple effects home to his family, especially his wife Staci Spade, brilliantly played by Broadway star Alison Luff, in her first major starring TV role. Meanwhile, Ace's valet and love interest Crystal deals with the disrespect of "only" being a valet even though it's obvious her keen insight into the business is outpaced only by her love for Ace.
The series also does an excellent job of bringing the full pro wrestling locker room vibe, from camaraderie to the ribs, to the frustrations of veterans who feel they are looked over to the sheer ecstasy of performers finding themselves as they get better at their craft. There is a well crafted universe that expands with each episode featuring the talents inside the ring and their world beyond it that make the show so much more than just about the Spade family soap opera.
The primary cast members of the series:
*Stephen Amell (“Arrow”), who stars as Jack Spade, the owner, booker and lead heel of The Duffy Wrestling League.
*Alexander Ludwig ("Vikings"), who stars as Ace Spade, the most popular wrestler in the DWL, who's personality behind the scenes may not exactly gel with what fans see in the ring.
*Broadway star Alison Luff, who stars as Staci Spade, Jack’s wife, who deals with the emotional turmoil of being in a pro wrestling family.
*Chris Bauer ("True Blood"), who portrays Wild Bill Hancock, a world-weary, hard-living former pro wrestler turned scout.
*Mary McCormack ("The West Wing", "The Kids are Alright'), who plays Willie Day, Jack’s business partner and the logistical brains behind the DWF.
*Kelli Berglund ("Now Apocalypse"), who plays Crystal Tyler, the valet of DWF's lead babyface Ace Space.
*Allen Maldonado ("The Last O.G.", "Blackish") as Rooster Robbins, one of the best wrestlers in the DWF.
*James Harrison, two-time Super Bowl winner with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who portrays Apocalypse, a veteran wrestler fiercely loyal to the DWL in his first series regular role.
The official promotional material for the series notes, "Set in a tightly-knit Georgia community and telling the story of two brothers (played by Amell and Ludwig) chasing their dreams of becoming professional wrestlers and the people in their orbit, Heels is a gripping drama that tells the story of small town America like nothing else. Hear them discuss the making of the show — their intensive training, blurring the line between heroes and villains (or “heels,” as they’re called in the wrestling world), stories from behind the scenes, and more."
CM Punk will be appearing in several episodes as Ricky Rabies, a long-time Southern 'rassling legend. Longtime wrestler and stunt actor Luke Hawx (Logan, The Fate of the Furious) is lead wrestling coordinator for the series. A number of other wrestlers including Doc Gallows, Nick Mondo, Steve Richards, Perry Hawx and J Spade will also appear across the series' eight episode first season.
Heels was created, written and executive produced by Michael Waldron (“Loki,” the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) with Mike O’Malley (“Shameless,” “Survivor’s Remorse”) serving as showrunner and Executive Producer as well.
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