The finale of ‘Chad Powers‘ brings the first season to a tense and messy close. After Coach Hudson played by Steve Zahn suffers a heart attack in Episode 5, Chad Powers’ true identity, Russ Holliday (Glen Powell), becomes a central issue. Ricky scrambles to save her dad, and Chad makes a risky move by driving Coach to the hospital in Russ’ Cybertruck. The effort exposes his secret to Ricky, who immediately realizes that Chad is Russ.
By the next morning at practice, Ricky confronts Russ, removing his blue wristband and revealing his tattoo. Russ runs from the confrontation and debates skipping the big game because he fears that revealing his identity will ruin everything for the team. Danny (Frankie A. Rodriguez) convinces him to at least make amends with his father. Chad/Russ then returns to the Catfish, ready to play in the final game, but Ricky remains furious.
A Clash of Truth and Loyalty That Leaves the Game and Their Relationship Hanging in Uncertainty
The confrontation between Russ and Ricky is intense. She threatens to expose him, condemning both his past actions and the chaos he has caused. Russ replies that if she reveals the truth, it would nullify the team’s wins and jeopardize her father’s career. Ricky reluctantly allows Russ to play. The finale ends with him taking the field, leaving the outcome of the game unresolved.
Beyond the plot, the finale explores character growth and moral complexity. Russ’s journey as Chad Powers allows him to experience success and camaraderie, but he struggles to reconcile his past mistakes with the new identity he has created. Ricky’s anger is portrayed realistically, and she refuses to forgive him immediately, showing the consequences of his deception. Danny’s loyalty to Russ evolves from a self-interested alliance to genuine care, highlighting how unlikely friendships can form under pressure.
From a production perspective, the football sequences were shot live at a college stadium. Showrunner Michael Waldron meticulously coordinated the timing, extras, and camera work to capture the energy of a real game while keeping the actors safe. The Georgia crowd provided authentic reactions, booing and cheering as instructed.
A Contrast of Levity and Gravity That Captures the Essence of Chad Powers
The finale also balances comedy and drama in unusual ways. A scene with Russ’ father, played by Toby Huss in a fat suit, undercuts the emotional tension with absurd humor. This tonal mix is a hallmark of the series and keeps the show unpredictable and visually distinct.
Season 1 ends on multiple unresolved threads. Holliday’s true identity is now partially revealed by Hudson’s daughter, the team’s dynamic is threatened, and the Georgia game’s outcome is unknown as the show concludes with fans booing on the Catfish. Both cast and crew have hinted that Season 2 could explore the fallout of these events, including potential SEC matchups and appearances by real-life football figures. Waldron notes that future episodes would likely follow the story in real time, showing how the consequences of Russ’s deception affect the team, the coaches, and his personal relationships.
Russ’ journey as Chad Powers brings temporary redemption and camaraderie, but the consequences of his actions remain unresolved, leaving viewers eager for Season 2.
