Hulu’s Chad Powers brings Glen Powell back to television in a sports comedy that mixes heart with humor. The series follows disgraced quarterback Russ Holliday, who uses prosthetics to get another shot at his football dreams.
Starring alongside Powell are Steve Zahn as Coach Jake Hudson, Perry Mattfeld as Ricky Hudson, and Frankie A. Rodriguez as Danny the mascot. Episode 3 delivers the first real on-field action after two episodes of buildup.
How Did Chad Help the Catfish Win?
The closing moments see Chad making a choice that shifts everything. With Gerry injured and Chad finally playing, he must pick between Coach Jake’s approved plays or Ricky’s strategy. The quarterback spot gives him power but puts him under a spotlight.
Chad uses Ricky’s play for the final stretch. He knows no timeout is coming and nobody will pull him. This gamble works, helping the Catfish grab their first victory in ages. The win saves not just Chad, but Jake, Ricky, and the whole program.
Why Did Chad Risk Everything for Ricky’s Play?
Throughout the episode, Chad and Ricky bond through shared humiliation. Both face disrespect from coaching staff and players. Ricky gets ordered to fetch equipment and deal with Dobbs’ attitude.
Chad literally holds a cup for a teammate during the game. Their talks show real understanding. When Ricky shares how injury ended her track career, Chad sees someone like himself. His choice to use her play isn’t just about winning.
It’s about validating someone who’s been ignored, much like he was as Russ Holliday. I found this moment moving because it shows Chad’s character beyond just wanting glory.
What Happened to Gerry During the Game?
Gerry’s injury creates Chad’s opportunity, but it’s no accident. As Gerry stumbles off the field during a key play, Danny deliberately trips him, causing serious leg injury. This calculated move shows how far Danny will go.
Danny recognized Russ from the start and agreed to help for potential future profits. Breaking Gerry’s bones seems harsh, but Danny views it as necessary to give Chad his shot.
Did Ricky and Jake Resolve Their Conflict?
The father-daughter tension explodes in this episode. Ricky tries contributing strategy when booster Tricia criticizes the coaching. Coach Byrd agrees with Ricky’s idea, but Jake refuses, claiming Gerry can’t execute it.
When Ricky argues back, Jake orders her off the sidelines completely. She’s hurt both professionally and personally as her father dismisses her knowledge publicly. Chad’s successful use of her play vindicates her, though they don’t make up on screen.
How Did the Catfish Perform Before Chad?
The game against Ole Miss goes badly from the opening play. The Catfish mess up everything, and coaches scramble for answers. In the booster suite, rich donors like Tricia grow frustrated watching failures mount.
Problems pile up when Nishan spills water on radio equipment, destroying the communication system between coaches and players. Ricky gets sent to grab replacement headsets, but they fix themselves before she returns. These mounting failures make Chad’s heroics feel even bigger.
What Does the Victory Mean for Chad’s Secret?
Chad’s game-winning performance puts him in the spotlight, creating danger for Russ. The more successful Chad becomes, the harder maintaining the disguise gets. His growing bond with Ricky makes things worse.
Any romance would require constant lies or revealing the truth. The episode ends with Chad heading to celebrate with Ricky specifically. This shows feelings developing beyond simple teamwork. If they get closer, Russ faces an impossible choice.
Will Chad Keep Playing Quarterback?
The episode shows Chad as someone who takes risks when needed. His choice to ignore Jake’s play-calling shows both confidence and defiance. With this victory, he’s proven his value beyond just being a backup player.
But keeping this role means living under pressure. Every game brings more attention, more watching eyes, and more chances for someone to see through the disguise. The prosthetics work for now, but time increases risk dramatically.
What Challenges Does Chad Face Next?
Beyond the danger of being exposed as Russ Holliday, Chad must handle complex team dynamics. Gerry’s injury means someone needs to fill the quarterback spot long-term. If Chad takes it permanently, he’ll face anger from players.
His connection with Ricky creates another huge problem. She’s developing feelings for Chad while having no clue he’s actually Russ. When the truth comes out, it could destroy both their relationship and his position on the team.
How Does This Set Up Future Problems?
Episode 3 plants several storylines that will likely blow up later. The romantic tension between Chad and Ricky can’t last without consequences. Danny knows the truth and could use it as blackmail anytime.
Jake’s authority has been challenged by Chad’s success with Ricky’s play. The boosters, especially Tricia, will demand more victories now that they’ve seen what Chad can do. One win doesn’t fix program problems.
But it creates expectations that might be impossible to meet. Chad’s shown he can handle pressure, but that pressure will only grow from here.
What Makes Episode 3 Different?
The first two episodes focused on setup, showing Russ’s backstory and his change into Chad Powers. Episode 3 pays off that setup by actually putting Chad on the field in a real way. The game action feels earned.
The emotional depth also increases considerably. We see real vulnerability from multiple characters, especially Ricky and her difficult relationship with her father. The comedy stays present, but it’s balanced with real consequences that make everyone grounded.
The episode proves Chad Powers can deliver both laughs and compelling sports drama. Glen Powell’s work captures both the physical comedy of the disguise and the emotional weight of Russ’s desperation for redemption. The show finds its groove here.
