Glen Powell returns with another intriguing project that challenges traditional narratives, this time with the Hulu comedy “Chad Powers.” After previously exploring themes of identity and transformation in “Hit Man,” Powell, alongside co-creator Michael Waldron, delves into the sitcom realm, utilizing a premise rooted in disguise and reinvention.
In “Chad Powers,” Powell portrays Russ Holliday, a former college football star whose promising future derails due to personal missteps. Eight years later, he’s a shadow of himself, clinging to dreams of redemption on the field. The story takes an unconventional turn when Russ dons a thin layer of latex and a questionable disguise to re-enter college football incognito, aiming to prove his worth once again.
Russ’s transformation into Chad Powers is anything but seamless. Sporting a haphazard disguise and sporting a questionable backstory, he is accepted as a quarterback at South Georgia University. The narrative unfolds amidst comedic exploration of identity, aided by characters like Coach Jake Hudson and his daughter Ricky. However, the series doesn’t shy away from risky humor, which sometimes nudges uncomfortably close to poor taste with its handling of Chad’s perceived simplicity.
The show’s finale raises more questions than it answers, suggesting a potential pivot to darker, satirical themes that critique the industry of college football and its surrounding ecosystem. This twist sparks curiosity, hinting that the series may have intentionally played into and subverted cliché structures to make a broader point.
Despite its uneven tone, Powell’s dedication to the character’s inconsistencies, combined with sporadic moments of humor, creates a unique yet confounding viewing experience. Supporting characters like Frankie A. Rodriguez’s Danny and Perry Mattfeld’s Ricky also provide noteworthy performances, suggesting untapped potential within the show’s framework.
Ultimately, “Chad Powers” leaves audiences in a state of intrigue. It’s a series caught between superficial humor and depth, one that may indeed be a commentary on how both narratives and the characters within them must evolve to remain relevant. Whether the show’s seemingly haphazard approach is intentional or merely a product of uncertainty remains a question for the next season to answer.