by Charles Kirkland, Jr.
In the third episode of Chad Powers, entitled “Third Quarter,” the evolution and rise of Chad, and maybe the death of Russ Holliday, is documented as Chad gets his opportunity, and everything is different.
It’s the third quarter of the first game of the season at home, and South Georgia is down 13-3 to Ole Miss. Chad is firmly entrenched in his role as a backup, so much so that he ends up holding a cup for Gerry to pee in while the team huddles around them on the sideline. It’s clear that Russ is frustrated, but as Chad, he can only continue in his backwater hick humility.
After the urine conference ends, Chad commiserates with Ricky, far behind the lines. As a part of their discussion, Ricky decides to warm up Chad. Ricky tells Chad how she would coach a certain set of plays. In his own way, Chad tells her the plays are impossible with their current QB, but not with him.
Later, after another play ends in disaster, taking out the team’s radio, Ricky runs into Tricia, the booster, who both go onto the field. Tricia threatens Coach Hudson to do something different as the crowd chants “Fire Hudson.” Ricky and Chad make their suggestions about the plays and Chad’s entering the game. Appropriately incensed, Hudson fires back at all of them and bans Ricky and Tricia from the field.
Shortly after the Coach’s blow-up, the fourth quarter starts. Gerry gets injured, and Chad is thrust into the spotlight. Chad becomes the starter. Miraculously leads the team down the field and scores a much-needed and redeeming touchdown. Revitalized by the score, the team and the crowd realize that they are back in the game. Unfortunately, time is short, and the Catfish don’t have the ball.
After a fortunate fumble occurs thanks to play from the energized defense, the Catfish get the ball. Chad finds himself leading the team down the field with no timeouts and little time on the clock. In a bold move, as they are progressing down the field, Chad recognizes a situation he discussed with Ricky, who is watching the game from the offices in the back. Seeing an opportunity for his success and credibility for Ricky, Chad overrules the OC and calls Ricky’s play as an audible. Good call.
Episode three is an effective combination of drama, humor, and sports. The soundtrack, along with a couple of cameo appearances, reinforces the ESPN college football experience and atmosphere excellently. The story develops the characters (and chemistry) of Chad and Ricky and fans the flames of their conspicuous impending romance.
In the end, two questions linger like an unresolved echo. Is Russ using Ricky, much like Chad, as a means to rebuild his own success, or will his ambition ultimately betray him? And with triumph seemingly within reach, how much longer can he evade exposure before the truth catches up?
New episodes premiere every Tuesday.