With the summer season upon us, the television landscape often faces a lull in fresh programming, but there’s a delightful new comedy that has entered the scene. Apple TV+ debuted ‘Stick’ in June, a series that captures both humor and heart.
The story follows Pryce “Stick” Cahill, portrayed by Owen Wilson, who once stood at the pinnacle of golf but suffered a devastating personal trauma leading to a breakdown that derailed his promising career. Now, nearly two decades later, Pryce is struggling with the remnants of his past—his marriage to Amber-Linn, played by Judy Greer, is on the rocks, and he finds himself working in a golf shop, dishing out pricey equipment instead of playing the sport he loves.
His fortunes begin to shift when he meets a teenager named Santi, played by Peter Dager, who possesses immense talent. Resigned to a life of unfulfilling routines and fueled by his past regrets, Pryce sees a glimmer of hope in Santi and decides to invest his divorce settlement into forging a new path for the young golfer.
This journey is not without its challenges; Santi grapples with his own disconnection from the sport and resists the guidance Pryce offers for reasons that unfold as the series progresses. Joined by Santi’s supportive mother, Elena, and bartender Zero, who captures Santi’s interest, the unlikely group sets out on a cross-country amateur tournament tour, with Pryce’s old friend Mitts, played by Marc Maron, reluctantly stepping in as their driver.
The series shines with strong performances, particularly from Wilson, whose portrayal of Pryce’s struggles is both poignant and relatable. Maron’s character adds a layer of depth with his own personal battles, while the bond between the characters is skillfully depicted.
Showrunner James Keller and his team deliver a story that, while familiar in structure, is engaging and emotionally resonant. Although ‘Stick’ has yet to be renewed for a second season, its charm suggests that a follow-up may be likely.
For those in search of comedy that balances laughter with sincerity, ‘Stick’ is worth a watch. The show can be streamed on Apple TV+.
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