'CHAD POWERS' continues to catfish us with Season Two touchdown

The Running Man

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

6 Episodes. Starring: Glen Powell, Perry Mattfeld, Quentin Plair, Wynn Everett, Frankie Rodriguez, Toby Huss & Steve Zahn. Created By: Glen Powell & Michael Waldron. On: Hulu & Disney +.

Being 'Chad Powers', like its John Malkovich poster homage, has leading man of the moment Glen Powell running like 'Forrest Gump' through college football. Chasing down the likes of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt that the 'Top Gun: Maverick' and 'Twisters' star is Redford and Newman, next in line, gunning for. After the half-dozen first season of, 'Dumb and Dumber Too' coined quarters, the showstopper (from Powell and Michael Waldron), based on an ESPN 'Eli's Places' Omaha Productions skit by NFL legend Eli Manning, took the ball for Hulu away from all the Star Wars and Marvels on Disney Plus. Now, a calendar and season later, we have another six quarters to instantly put in the game. And in the golden goose age of television, with so many shows to stream, you'll be left in tears, this go down easy one is a lay-up. Even if that is the wrong sport. But would Chad be able to tell the difference?

The hick that looks like he's from French Lick, Powers, is back! Which means master of disguise Glen Powell ('Hit Man', 'The Running Man') is getting his 'Mrs. Doubtfire' prosthetic back on. A disappointment for all the 'Anyone But You' fans of the Hollywood heartthrob, giving us his second cult character of the year. His Fox McCloud vocal cameo (his disguises aren't that good, but still, 'How To Make A Killing' could have made a greater one if they employed his talents) in 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' is now followed by a new game for the Nintendo Switch 2. Powell is perfect as Powers. Glen is just as much brains as brawn, no bro or boy. He knows what he's doing in this industry, like the Hangman watching his Maverick wingman, Tom Cruise's infamous six-hour instructional video. He brings helpings of humour and heart to this role running for redemption. His on-screen NFL wash-out may be a tarnished and faded star, but the real man, on his ascent, is anything but.

Yet, it's not just him in this disgrace to new face story time. On the aptly named Catfish side, Perry Mattfeld should clear the field, and trophy cabinet, for some Emmy consideration. The blind side of the 'In The Dark' star lights up this second season of a real refreshing show, which is one of the best on the tube, or smartphone. In the year of 'The Odyssey', Frankie Rodriguez (also brilliant, the best friend role everybody needs, even in this season's darker turn) says she has the pout to "launch a thousand ships." And he's not wrong. He knows something about faces, too. Making more than people who pout on selfies for the I.G. (that's how cool college kids say it, right). 'Roswell's' Quentin Plair and 'Agent Carter' star Wynn Everett complete the coaching and chair of this club. But following 'Chad Powers'' rookie of the year debut, this series is a franchise of its own.

The kid from Austin, Texas could even lasso 'Ted Lasso' this season. Especially with the great Steve Zahn as the coach everybody wants. His last call will move more than just the offensive line. Also, another legend in Toby Huss, who still has the best 'Candle In The Wind' scene in 'The Four Seasons' on Netflix, has a monumental moment here. Not to mention one hell of an accented get up that looks like we're home for the holidays with the McConaughey's. Alright, alright (you really want one more?), that's enough of the long horns. If you watch season two this weekend you won't be able to feel your face. Then you'll face the scariest mask you'll see right before Halloween. Some stirring sport scenes, literally running for over all the yards that an airport's runway has to offer (take that, 'Furious 6') and more throws than 'The Longest Yard'. This 90s nostalgic gem will have you talking about glory days as the show's score sounds like it's going to turn into a Springsteen song. But just you wait until this human touch takes off its brilliant disguise for the final frame cliff-hanger. We'll be back after the break because...that's football!

Further Afield: 'The Running Man', 'Hit Man', 'Ted Lasso'.