The 2006 classic Disney Channel Original, High School Musical, can seem very different when you re-watch it. The wisdom of reflection and old age filters the movie through fresh eyes, and the narrative warps to reveal new perspectives.
For example, there is the widely-discussed argument that Sharpay is not in fact the antagonist of Troy and Gabriella’s story, but the victim of a high school popularity contest that flippantly dismisses her hard work and talent.
But I would like to propose a new theory that became abundantly clear upon a recent re-watch of HSM: We were sleepin’ on Zeke.
The real MVP right here.
High School Musical ignited a Zac Efron-loving fire inside of thirsty teens everywhere, including myself. But in retrospect, Troy Bolton is a supremely inferior choice to his team mate Zeke Baylor (played by Chris Warren Jr.)
Just like us, Gabriella did not know what was good for her, and was in fact chasing the wrong d**k. Even Sharpay, who was being actively pursued by Zeke, did not know a good thing when she saw it.
Let’s look at the facts.
#1. Zeke can bake!!!!!
When the call-back sheet goes up and Troy’s theatrical involvement is revealed, Zeke doesn’t see it as an opportunity for outrage or mockery like his peers. He sees it as an opportunity to open the conversation and kick start a movement of fighting against the stereotypes.
Zeke initiates the musical number ‘Stick to the Status Quo’. Zeke is a visionary.
While Chad (Corbin Bleu) is busy enforcing isolating rules of the toxic masculinity and stereotyping, and Troy is still struggling with the idea of challenging that stereotype, Zeke is out here perfecting his damn crème brûlée.
Zeke sees your digressive perception of masculinity and raises you the passionate pursuit of a traditionally feminine hobby.
#2. Zeke is a better athlete
OK, technically there’s nothing that explicitly says that Zeke is a better player than Troy, however, we can deduce the validity of the claim. Troy’s position as team captain and ‘star player’ seems awfully suspicious considering his own DAD is the COACH. A textbook case of nepotism.
Zeke is taller and stronger and presumably could smash puny little Troy on the court if he wasn’t the coaches ‘golden boy’. Justice for Zeke.
#3. Zeke knows how to treat women
Across the entire High School Musical franchise, we see Zeke demonstrate a romantic and respectful way to court women in his pursuit of Sharpay Evans.
Zeke is open about his feelings, he’s kind, he expresses genuine admiration for her talent, and he bakes her cookies!!! Why isn’t everyone trying to date Zeke???
In conclusion, Troy Bolton does not hold a candle to the adonis that is Zeke Baylor. Troy lives in a world that revolves around himself while Zeke brings not only love and support to the table, but also freshly baked goods. The choice is simple.