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.
When did Bitty and Jack’s relationship shift?
From a tense captain/rookie start, to amicable teammates, to full-blown lovers, Bitty and Jack’s relationship is an emotional roller coaster, but when did that first big drop happen? “Post III - Last Game” takes place during Jack’s senior spring semester, and it depicts the devastating defeat of the Samwell men’s hockey team, making it their last game of the season, and Jack’s last game of his college career. While the other members and coaches pile into the locker room, Bitty’s face of worry differs greatly from his team’s stoic looks of quiet shame and self pity. Bitty is the only one who notices that Jack isn’t there.
Credit: Ngozi Ukazu
First panel: As he follows his teammates back into their locker room, Bitty is looking over his shoulder, visibly concerned. Bitty’s face is the focus of the panel, as his teammates are only seen from behind.
Second panel: Bitty is sitting at his cubicle, packing his gear, still concerned and looking for Jack.
At this point, Bitty has realized his feelings for Jack. While Bitty deeply cares for his teammates, he isn’t consoling or particularly concerned for any of them. He isn’t really sad himself. His thoughts gravitate towards Jack: where he is and how he’s coping with this loss. Bitty knows full well how much winning meant to Jack and, unlike his teammates, he puts his own disappointment aside to focus on someone else, someone who this game meant the world to. This empathy cements the fact that it isn’t just a crush; Bitty harbors deeper feelings for Jack, which urge him to look for him.
Credit: Ngozi Ukazu
In a dark, empty loading dock, Bitty spots Jack sitting on a stack of wooden pallets. He is hunched over, with his hands in his face, fully geared except for his jersey.
Bitty soon finds Jack crying alone, away from prying eyes. For Jack, whose overall goal in life is to create a legacy, not winning his senior year championship is devastating. He sees it as proof of what others have said about him: he’s a has-been, a shadow of his father, and failure overall. Of all of his teammates, it’s Bitty who understands this and offers support. Despite generally keeping Bitty at arms-length, he lets himself be comforted by his hug. It’s the closest Jack has let anyone in emotionally. This shared, silent moment is a transformative and defining experience for both of them moving forward.