Stick Season 1 Review: The Safe, Feel-Good Golf Dramedy You Can’t Miss

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WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Stick season 1, episodes 1-3.

The opening three instalments of the new golf comedy-drama series titled “Stick,” starring Owen Wilson, offer a delightful viewing experience that some might find a bit light for a full 10-episode season. Wilson portrays Pryce Cahill, a passionate golfer who attempts to guide a prodigious young player, Santi Wheeler (played by Peter Dager), towards success. Mitts, a former caddie and best friend of Pryce, is brought to life by comedian and podcast host Marc Maron. The principal cast also includes Elena, Santi’s mother, played by Mariana Trevińo, and Zero, a new acquaintance Santi meets at a golf tournament, portrayed by Lilli Kay. Timothy Olyphant is scheduled to appear in upcoming episodes of “Stick.

Pryce enjoyed a successful career in professional golf until an emotional breakdown on live broadcast caused complications for his return to the sport. He shared a happy marriage with Amber-Linn, portrayed by Judy Greer, but that relationship eventually ended. In the current timeframe, it was shown at the end of the pilot episode that they had a child named Jett, who unfortunately is no longer part of their lives in the present day.

In the series Stick, one doesn’t need any knowledge of golf culture or strategies to enjoy it, as it serves merely as a backdrop for a heartwarming family and friendship-focused narrative. The story revolves around characters who confront adversity, display resilience, and rely on hope for survival, all set to a catchy soundtrack. Characters in this show make mistakes, carry the weight of regret, but eventually confront their shortcomings and learn valuable lessons 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

As a fan, I find that Stick is driven by optimism, positivity, and an infectious spirit. Its upbeat tone can sometimes border on being excessively adorable and corny. Yet, despite its predictable nature, it’s almost irritatingly captivating because of its comforting familiarity. Watching the initial three episodes of Stick feels like ordering a classic cheeseburger at a favorite diner. It may not offer anything new, but its consistent quality makes it reliable and enjoyable, even if it becomes routine after a while.

When delving into “Stick”, it’s hard not to recall Apple’s other heartwarming series, such as Ted Lasso and Shrinking. These shows share a similar emotional resonance with Stick, much like three different songs that use the same chord progressions. The references to Happy Gilmore in Stick are quite evident, from Pryce’s business card reading “The Pryce Is Right“, reminiscent of Adam Sandler’s iconic fight scene with Bob Barker during a Pro-Am, to Pryce suggesting Santi to find his “happy place” in episode 3. It seems almost intentional that the season finale of Stick is set to air just days before the release of Happy Gilmore 2, which is scheduled for late July.

one moment brings laughter, another prompts tears. However, due to its wholesome nature, it might not appeal to viewers seeking complexity or conflict. Creating something original can be challenging when you’re peddling simplicity, which is precisely what “Stick” offers. From the outset, it’s clear that the show isn’t aiming for anything revolutionary. If a slower pace isn’t your cup of tea or you prefer a more light-hearted experience, then “Stick” is just the ticket for you.

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

In simple terms, Owen Wilson, famous for his comedic roles in films like “Wedding Crashers” and “The Royal Tenenbaums,” is an ideal fit for the show “Stick.” He shares a similar comedic style with Jason Sudeikis in “Ted Lasso” and Jason Segel in “Shrinking,” and even has a hint of the rough edge that Vince Vaughn brings to Apple’s popular comedy series, “Bad Monkey.” The creators of “Stick” also assembled an excellent cast around Wilson, each with unique but relatively simple characters.

The series titled “Stick” delves into aspects of life, challenges, and communication skills rather than focusing solely on golf. This might not appeal to an avid golfer or frequent player since it fails to touch upon subjects that are typically important to them in the game.>

The character Santi exudes a Disney Channel original sports movie charm, with his swings causing the ball to miraculously land mere feet from the hole. Despite the occasional suspicion that the golf scenes may be manipulated for storytelling purposes, one has to believe in his skill for the narrative’s sake. However, these minor athletic conveniences might deter serious golf enthusiasts who are aware of the genuine difficulty involved in the sport.

In this show, there isn’t much technical jargon or baseball-related discussions, but instead, you’ll find well-considered depictions of effective conflict resolution methods. The characters grapple with and move past past hardships such as abusive upbringing and tackle societal problems like harmful masculinity.

The show, Stick wisely, manages to steer clear of coming off as didactic, but it does tend to take a moral stand. Character growth in the series serves as a means for teaching valuable life lessons. For instance, episode 3 concludes with two characters apologizing for hurtful words they had spoken earlier.

In essence, the initial three installments of “Stick” clearly demonstrate that it’s a reliable choice for a comfortable viewing experience. Its captivating acting troupe offers an allure that entices viewers seeking a dose of weekly warmth and motivation.

On June 4th, the initial three episodes of “Stick” were made available, with new episodes airing each Wednesday on Apple TV+.

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2025-06-04 18:50