WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Stick season 1, episodes 1-3.
The first three episodes of Owen Wilson’s new golf dramedy seriesStickmake for a charming, easy viewing experience that may be a bit thin to sustain a 10-episode season. Wilson stars as Pryce Cahill, an avid golf lover who takes a shot at coaching a young phenom, Santi Wheeler (played by Peter Dager), to greatness. Pryce’s best friend is his former caddie, Mitts, played by comedian and podcaster Marc Maron. Santi’s mom, Elena (Mariana Trevińo), and Lilli Kay’s Zero, a friend Santi makes at a golf tournament, round out themain cast ofStick, with Timothy Olyphant set to appear in future episodes.
Pryce had a great PGA career until he had a public meltdown on live television, making it difficult for him to return to professional golf. He had a great marriage with Amber-Linn, played by an infectious Judy Greer, before that fell apart. Home videos at the end of the pilot episode revealed they had a kid together,Jett, who is tragically out of the picture in the present-day timeline.
Viewers don’t have to understand a lick of golf culture or strategy to dive intoStick, as it’s merely the background for a family and friendship-oriented formulaic show.InStick, good people face tragedy, show resiliency, and bank on hopeto see them through against a radio-friendly soundtrack. Characters make mistakes and live with regret, but often end up facing their flaws and learning for the greater good.
Stick Plays In The Same League As Apple’s Feel-Good Shows Like Ted Lasso & Shrinking
Stick Is Much More Focused On Themes Of Hope & Morality Than It Is About Golf
Stickis fueled by hope, optimism, and the power of a great attitude. It’s tonally bright and endearing, whichsometimes veers into being overly cute and cheesy.Stickis almost annoyingly watchable, because it’s so safe, so derivative, yet so easy and plainly enjoyable to consume. Watching the first three episodes ofStickis akin to ordering a classic cheeseburger at a restaurant. You may have had it 100 times before, but it’s always been good, making it simple, familiar, and reliable. It’s hard to hate, but it’s easy to get bored with after a while.
Stickis almost annoyingly watchable, because it’s so safe, so derivative, yet so easy and plainly enjoyable to consume.
It’s impossible not to think ofTed LassoandShrinking,Apple’s other popular feel-good shows,while sinking your teeth intoStick. They’re essentially three different songs with the same chord progressions. TheHappy Gilmorenods inStickare also glaring, as Pryce’s business card reads “The Pryce Is Right”, referring to Adam Sandler’s classic fight scene with Bob Barker during a Pro-Am. Additionally, Pryce tells Santi to go to his “happy place” in episode 3. It feels like no coincidence thatStick’sseason finale airs just days before the release ofHappy Gilmore 2 in late July.
Every aspect ofStickis essentially spelled out: laugh here, cry there. This approach certainly has the potential to lose viewers who are looking for more conflict and plot. Still,it’s tough to be crafty and innovative when you’re selling wholesome, which is exactly whatStickis doing. The show clearly establishes in its first three episodes that it’s not trying to be anything groundbreaking. If the train’s moving too slowly, it’s best to get off. If you’re looking for a more carefree ride,Stickhas what you’re looking for.
Like Jason Sudeikis, Owen Wilson Is Perfect For This Brand Of Family-Friendly Comedy
Wilson’s Charm Brings A Lot To A Show That Heavily Relies On Personality & Spirit
Owen Wilson, known best for his roles in classic comedies likeWedding Crashersand Wes Anderson films likeThe Royal Tenenbaums, is a pitch-perfect casting choice for a show likeStick. He completely exists in the same vein as Jason Sudeikis inTed Lassoand Jason Segel inShrinking, and even has a little bit of an edge akin to Vince Vaughn in Apple’s other popular comedy series,Bad Monkey. The minds behindStickalso did a great job of puttinga great ensemble around Wilson, each distinct but lacking complexity.
Stickis a show that has things to say, more about life, adversity, and communication skills than golf itself.
Stickis a show that has things to say, more about life, adversity, and communication skills than golf itself.It may be a tough sell to a golf fan or regular player, as it hardly scratches the surface of topics that golfers may actually care about.
Santi has a bit of a Disney Channel original sports movie character feel, where he swings the club, and the ball magically ends up a few feet from the pin. You have to buy that he’s good for the sake of the story, even when it’s obvious that the show uses stand-ins for the actual golf elements.Golfers may be turned off by these small yet frequent athletic contrivances, knowing just how hard the sport actually is.
While there’s not a lot of “inside baseball” talk going on here, there are rather thoughtful portrayals of healthy conflict resolution tactics. Characters overcome past traumas like abusive parenting and confront societal issues like toxic masculinity.Stickwisely avoids feeling preachy, but it does often rest on a moral high ground, where character development equals life lessons learned. Episode 3, for example, ends with two separate apologies for words that were regretfully said.
Ultimately, the first three episodes ofStickprove it’s a solid comfort show. It has enough charisma from its engaging ensemble cast to invite viewers back who are looking for a weekly slice of wholesomeness and inspiration.
Stickreleased its first three episodes on June 4, and will air weekly episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV+.
Stick Season 1, Episodes 1-3
Cast
A disgraced golf pro seeks redemption by mentoring a troubled teen prodigy, igniting a journey of healing and second chances.
