Created by Ngozi Ukazu, Check, Please! is the story of Eric “Bitty” Bittle, former figure skater and baking enthusiast, as he navigates through his college years on a varsity male hockey team full of big, supportive, and emotional jocks.
How have the members of the hockey team adapted to Bitty as captain?
The chain of command of the Samwell men’s hockey team has certainly changed in attitude during Bitty’s time there. While Jack was captain during his first two years, they might as well have been two different people. Year 1 Jack was stoic and pragmatic; it was the year of 5 a.m. checking practice and constant reminders to eat more protein. Year 2 Jack was just as driven but considerably more mellow. He had fun at kegsters, enjoyed playing shinny, and opened up emotionally to others. Year 3 was the fated co-captaincy of Ransom and Holster. While not much detail is given, it’s safe to assume it was a much laxer year compared to the previous two. Finally, Bitty is in the captain’s chair his senior year, marking a stark difference from the previous three years, yet one that the team adapts to quite easily.
Credit: Ngozi Ukazu
A close-up of Bitty wearing aviator glasses. A single light shining above him reflects a group of shadowy figures on his glasses. Ollie and Wicks (left and right respectively in the panel) flank Bitty from behind. They are also wearing aviators. All three men have a serious and intimidating look on their faces.
Bitty: Listen up, eggs. I explain the Samwell rookie blanket once.
For the senior members of the hockey team, rallying around Bitty as an authority figure comes naturally. The fact that Bitty had been selected unanimously as captain notwithstanding, Bitty’s nurturing and welcoming approach to his teammates definitely cemented a strong sense of loyalty and respect. This is expertly depicted in panel 2, after jumping from a light-hearted conversation between Bitty and Ford to an intimidating Bitty flanked by Ollie and Wicks. These two, classic-looking hockey players supporting Bitty works particularly well since, as fellow seniors, Ollie and Wicks have witnessed and supported Bitty’s rise to power since the beginning. But also, Ollie and Wicks are the hockey team’s other resident gay couple. The panel is a great snapshot of how unapologetically queer the team has become.
Credit: Ngozi Ukazu
A four-part panel.
First panel: Ford is talking to Bitty, visibly enjoying the humiliation the waffles are enduring.
Ford: Nice work, Bitty! Heh. They had no idea what was coming!!
Bitty: (side-eyeing Ford) …
Second panel: Ford is in full hockey year, shaking and yelling
Ford: Ah!! Agh!! I can’t skate with this shit on!! Bitty!! How do you stop—op????
Third panel: In the background, Ford has just fallen flat on the ice. In the foreground, Hops, Bully, and Louis are wearing black leotards recreating Beyoncé’s Single Ladies choreography. While Hops and Louis struggle, Bully seems to have no problem with it.
Hops: Bully, what are you so good at this?
Bully: He said the sooner we get it right, the sooner we stop.
Louis: I can’t believe… American mainstream music nollning.
Fourth panel: Chowder and Dex are talking a few steps away from Bitty.
Chowder: Well! Bitty has officially gone mad with power.
Dex: Yeah. I kinda like it.
The freshmen, aka the waffles/eggs, are only acquainted with the warm and welcoming Bitty, the one that handed out goodie bags and mini-pies on their first day. They were all thrown off by Bitty’s disarming attitude and forced out of their comfort zone. However, despite just getting to know Bitty, they all concede to his demands. While their commitment to the hockey team aside, it’s safe to say they all fell in line primarily because Bitty is a natural leader who has easily earned their respect by now, with his charm and strength. Even hot-headed Dex found himself enjoying the power trip, marking another milestone in Dex’s own journey regarding Bitty.