Evan is placed under school investigation. Evan brings in an old friend to help save a school performance.
"Powderpuff" was written by Stephanie Koenig and directed by Brian Jordan Alvarez
Evan Marquez isn't new to teaching at a high school in the suburbs of Austin, Texas. He already has pre-established relationships with other teachers. He knows not to eat the nachos served in the cafeteria. He knows the pitfalls of discussing politics. And yet, his very existence is inherently political. He has a unique perspective. He hopes to use his ideals in order to inspire the students who need that affirmation the most. That's his mission statement. He wants to prevent these students from turning out just like their conservative parents who complain. His ideals simply cause a lot more problems than reacting in a practical way. He knows how to craft an effective argument. That isn't always the best way to make a difference. He is learning and growing as well. He's doing so all while the show itself falls into the some very conventional storytelling trappings.
Evan Marquez isn't new to teaching at a high school in the suburbs of Austin, Texas. He already has pre-established relationships with other teachers. He knows not to eat the nachos served in the cafeteria. He knows the pitfalls of discussing politics. And yet, his very existence is inherently political. He has a unique perspective. He hopes to use his ideals in order to inspire the students who need that affirmation the most. That's his mission statement. He wants to prevent these students from turning out just like their conservative parents who complain. His ideals simply cause a lot more problems than reacting in a practical way. He knows how to craft an effective argument. That isn't always the best way to make a difference. He is learning and growing as well. He's doing so all while the show itself falls into the some very conventional storytelling trappings.
It's always annoying when the first episode of a new show suggests that the protagonist could be fired from the central concept of the series. It's a tool done to introduce what the setting will be. It never actually comes with any risk that the character will actually leave. As such, that typically removes the stakes from the story before it really begins. Here, Evan is the subject of an investigation because he kissed his boyfriend in front of a class. He fears he could lose everything. He wouldn't be happy moving to the city and accepting a job in tech. That's not what he wants to do. The show navigates the annoying concept of this plot device by using it to inform Evan's values and how he is willing to fight for them. That actually does reveal a lot about the character. He believes there is a right and a wrong way to handle this situation. His way simply creates more stress and uncertainty. Meanwhile, it's Mark who actually delivers a solution.
Evan sees the horror in fighting homophobia with homophobia. He doesn't want to out a former student just to end this investigation. He wallows heavily before that result occurs. Mark helps because Evan is his friend. He doesn't always say politically correct things. However, his intentions are pure and noble. He values this friendship. He doesn't want Evan to deal with this any longer. He knows how to put an end to it. And so, he does. There's nothing more to it. Evan gets caught up in the emotional debate. That's not practical for every day life. His concerns are valid though. As such, it's difficult navigating what the best thing to do in each situation is. That's more complicated when he is trusted to care for the students navigating their own issues. These teens say smart and dumb things at the same time. That makes them hilarious characters. However, they serve as a strong backboard to reflect the concerns Evan has overall. So, the basic structure of the series and its ensemble makes sense in a way to deliver its message accurately and effectively.
Of course, it's also wrapped up in the promise that Evan won't date anyone else on staff at the school. That happens just after he keeps looking at the new physics teacher. That already feels like an inevitable dynamic the show only briefly teases in these opening episodes. It's centered on the audience seeing the possibility. Evan will eventually go back on his word because he can't help how he feels. That conflict will cause new internal stress as he has to think about how committed he wants to remain to the policies of this job. He acutely points out that his behavior wouldn't have been a problem if he was straight. His identity is political. As such, he has to use that influence appropriately and precisely. He knows the dangers of the school being perceived as cancelling a drag show. He listens to the concerns of the students and responds accordingly. That's not what Principal Moretti would do. He's busy enough. All day long he hears complaints. They annoy him. He doesn't really take a proactive stance on anything. It's up to others to make the decisions. He's in a position of power but he truly just wants to be the messenger. That's when he remembers to actually deliver the message.
Evan aims to showcase the empowering and entertaining nature of drag. Yet he makes a mistake in who he invites in as the expert. Now, it's funny to see Trixie Mattel both in and out of drag on this show. It highlights the true nature of the performer. It's a full story and not just a cameo meant to highlight the joke. It's important to have thick skin and be able to dish it back. It's also irresponsible to invite someone around teenagers without checking their background. Drag isn't a crime. Stealing is. That's the problem. It should apply equally to everyone. Evan's motives were pure. He still made a mistake. He's not perfect. Everything has more stakes to it because of what the political climate has cooked up. The football team just wants to have a good time putting on a show like generations before them have. No one is actually mad about the performance when it's happening. Evan gets in on the fun. The message is still delivered about the different ways men and women feel navigating through life. The dichotomy is a little on-the-nose when intercutting between the drag training and the self-defense class led by Gwen. However, it's still effective. The show has a charm that allows the audience to accept all of it immediately. That's a good foundation for the show to blossom into more of its own unique storytelling moving forward.
