Chad Powers on Hulu season 1, episode 3 review

SPOILER ALERT: The following contains spoilers for Chad Powers Season 1, Episode 3.

When Chad Powers set up its redemption story, the Hulu show had to deliver the big moment that all sports movies have. The writers don’t waste any time, as “3rd Quarter” takes place almost entirely during one football game, in which Chad finally gets onto the field. It’s satisfying, with a few small tweaks that could have made it even better.

Fans know that Chad can’t be the backup quarterback forever, or there wouldn’t be a show. The audience is there to see that moment where Russ Holliday, through his alter ego, has the chance to play again. What happens in the episode is pretty by the numbers in that respect: an injury befalls the South Georgia starting quarterback, so in desperation, Coach Jake Hudson asks the new guy to save the day. Chad Powers gets this almost exactly right, down to the uplifting music that plays when Chad has his moment in the sun. The only aspect that rings hollow is that Gerry’s injury happens because Danny the mascot intentionally trips him. That’s mildly funny, but it would have been funnier if Gerry had an actual accident — especially with his naivete, the writers could have come up with something hilariously absurd.

The bulk of the episode is drawing parallels between the journeys of Russ and Coach Hudson’s daughter Ricky Hudson, and Russ realizing them as the audience does. Even the most outlandish comedies have to have some kind of investment in the characters, and “3rd Quarter” showcases the emotional arc. Russ isn’t alone in trying to be taken seriously, and his interactions with Ricky also force him to think of someone other than himself. It’s a step forward from the self-involved character in the first two episodes. Chad Powers has heart in between the jokes.

One issue that’s become apparent three episodes in is that the show is relying too much on profanity to punch up its humor. A well-placed expletive can sell a line — such as on The Simpsons when Marge Simpson got bleeped. But when the cursing happens constantly, it loses any effect. Hearing a frustrated Eli Manning ask, “Who the fuck is this guy?” would have been even funnier and more impactful if the F-word hadn’t been dropped a dozen times earlier in the episode. Chad Powers can be entertaining in plenty of different ways. The sight gag of Ricky accidentally breaking a TV in her moment of celebration is quick, funny and completely relatable to anyone who’s ever watched a sporting event.

The resources of ESPN continue to be a great help to the show, as the ESPN announcers and on-screen graphics are what make viewers feel like they’re watching an actual college football game. There are some overhead shots in “3rd Quarter” that would fit perfectly into a regular CFB telecast. Eli Manning’s cameo is perfectly placed and a great way to acknowledge that this is his idea. (It would be absolutely hilarious if South Georgia plays Ole Miss again later in the season, and Eli gets to go full villain.) The decision to immerse viewers in the first game of the season means there’s not a wealth of plot, but that’s okay because the audience gets exactly what they came for. Russ Holliday takes the first steps on his proverbial hero’s journey in a way that definitely puts viewers in his corner.

Chad Powers streams Tuesdays on Hulu. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hulu.

Article content is ©2020–2025 Brittany Frederick and may not be excerpted or reproduced without express written permission by the author. Follow me on Twitter at @BFTVTwtr and on Instagram at @BFTVGram. For story pitches, contact me at [email protected].