Stick Series: When golf becomes redemption and Family
Stick presents itself in the opening scenes as a promise of light-hearted comedy with soul — within the first few minutes, we already sense the tone: Owen Wilson appears as Pryce Cahill, a former golf player in a downward spiral, selling clubs in a sporting goods store. His stagnant life, buried under stacks of paper and memories, immediately conveys a mix of low ceilings and melancholic humor. These initial scenes not only set the stage for the series but also create instant empathy: Pryce lives as if time stopped twenty years ago, when his career collapsed. The camera follows him closely as he watches his ex-wife visit the house he refuses to let go of; the feeling is of watching someone who carries the past under their skin. And as the first five minutes go by, Santi (Peter Dager) soon appears, hitting balls precisely at a driving range, and the tension shifts. The energy moves from stagnation to possibility. This moment sets the tone for the episodes: Stick is not just about sports; it’s about the redemption that comes with new connections — an intimate rebirth, even if in slow motion. A Captivating narrative that will surprise you The narrative of Stick unfolds gradually and delicately. We’re watching a series with a sensitive pace: each episode creates space for dialogue about loss, frustration, and hope, while the sports plot moves forward. The journey begins with Pryce rescuing Santi, a raw talent in need of direction — and at the same time, both begin to experience liberation. The central arc is the transformation of Pryce and Santi: instead of a linear progression of tournaments and victories, the series focuses on the duo’s everyday lives and the team that forms around them — including Mitts, Elena, and Zero. This makes the story less predictable and more heartfelt, an emotional journey with touches of genuine comedy. The blend of sports comedy and road‑movie gives the sense that we’re tagging along on a real trip — they travel across the country in a Winnebago, facing tournaments, personal dramas, and learning from each other. The pacing may seem slow at times, but it’s precisely this breathing room that gives the narrative its strength. There’s emotional suspense surrounding Pryce’s past, which is gradually revealed — the death of his son Jett, a humiliating dismissal, the collapse of his marriage — and there’s no rush to explain everything at once. This helps the series maintain an authentic and almost therapeutic tone, balancing irony, humor, and pain with sensitivity. At the same time, prizes and tournaments structure the narrative: Santi competes in rounds on the way to the U.S. Amateur and faces his rival Clark Ross, and each match brings tension and emotional meaning — not as mere sports events, but as metaphors for inner struggles and personal triumph. Unforgettable Characters that leave a mark The cast of Stick delivers memorable performances that make the characters leap off the screen. Owen Wilson plays Pryce Cahill, a charming, funny, and deeply wounded antihero. His portrayal blends dry wit with restrained emotion, revealing a man stuck in the past. Wilson also serves as executive producer, working closely with Jason Keller to deepen the character. Peter Dager, as Santi Wheeler, brings a magnetic presence: a Gen Z teen, quietly intense, drawn to golf yet resistant to traditional expectations. His growth, guided by an improvised mentor, forms the emotional core of the series. Lilli Kay plays Zero (she/they), a recently fired bartender who becomes the team’s emotional guide and caddie. Initially skeptical, Zero ends up being the glue that helps Santi trust and Pryce feel capable of love again. Kay brings authenticity and lightness, adding rich layers to the narrative. Supporting roles also shine. Mariana Treviño plays a strong mother dealing with a painful divorce and high hopes for her son. Marc Maron, as Mitts, delivers sarcasm, grace, and melancholy — he drives the van and supports the group while carrying his own emotional baggage. Judy Greer plays Amber‑Linn, Pryce’s ex-wife, with tenderness and realistic forgiveness. Timothy Olyphant appears as Clark Ross, the rival — not exactly a villain, but a symbol of who Pryce once was and who Santi could become. The characters don’t dominate scenes with dramatic arcs alone — it’s their chemistry that captivates. The core group — Pryce, Santi, Zero, Elena, and Mitts — feels like a dysfunctional yet affectionate family, growing together. Their collective charisma, combined with Keller’s thoughtful writing, makes every interaction memorable. Fun facts and style that stands out The aesthetics of Stick evoke rural America — sometimes filmed in locations that resemble highways, campsites, and sun-drenched golf courses with pastel tones. The cinematography uses natural light on the greens, creating a vivid, open atmosphere — almost zen-like for such a frustrating sport. The soundtrack mixes iconic songs with folk themes, bridging generations and deepening the emotional tone. Though some might critique the nostalgic music choices, they help reinforce the melancholy and redemptive spirit of the show. Set design — equipment shops, the Winnebago, golf clubs — supports a sense of humility and authenticity: seemingly mundane, but full of meaning. The countryside setting immerses the audience in a journey that is, above all, human — with a visually gentle touch. Reminiscent of other Great Shows Anyone familiar with sports comedies or feel-good series will instantly recall Ted Lasso. The vibe is similar: warm humor, lovable characters, and sports as a backdrop for deeper themes like grief, second chances, empathy, and forgiveness. Stick also echoes Happy Gilmore, though in a much more mature tone. Here, the sport serves more as metaphor than spectacle. The victories are emotional; the real battles are internal. Pryce is the opposite of the confident hero: he stumbles, stays silent, retreats — but slowly finds his way again. The emotional road-trip structure and the blend of pain and affection are reminiscent of Little Miss Sunshine. Like that indie classic, Stick places a dysfunctional group in a vehicle heading toward something greater … Read more
