WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Stick season 1, episode 4.

When I first started watching Apple TV+’s golf comedy series Stick, I never anticipated that the show would delve into the intricate mechanisms and strategies of golf. However, the superficial portrayal of the sport in episode 4 significantly undermines the show’s overall objectives. This series has been touted as a perfect successor to Ted Lasso, brimming with a similar wave of forced optimism reminiscent of Shrinking. Yet, Stick feels overly familiar with its predictable narratives and stylistic choices, a reality that becomes glaringly obvious in its fourth episode.

The excessively upbeat soundtrack, which seems to borrow from shows like House Hunters or Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, only amplifies the feeling that Stick is striving too hard to be a cozy watch, ultimately making it feel anything but. After just four episodes, Stick is shaping up to be yet another derivative, safe “insert sport here” filler series that fans are resorting to while awaiting Ted Lasso‘s fourth season. In episode 4, golf becomes a mere afterthought, serving only as a backdrop for the often melodramatic conflicts between the characters.

The plot elements and character developments presented in episode 4 could easily be adapted to a bowling-themed show titled Strike or a basketball-focused series named Score. Stick feels akin to the television equivalent of a fast-food chain attempting to revamp its classic French fries. Despite the rebranding efforts, the flavor remains unchanged: classic, dependable, yet ultimately dull.

Episode 4 of Stick Uses Life Lessons Instead of Genuine Golf Insights

Episode 4 Confirms This Is Not a Series for Dedicated Golf Enthusiasts

No viewer tuning into Stick anticipates Owen Wilson portraying a professional golfer, but it would significantly enhance the series’ authenticity to witness him at least take a swing. Such scenes would make his collection of PGA trophies and the front-page headlines depicting his victories in major championships, as showcased in Stick episode 1, feel far more credible. Even Adam Sandler managed to deliver a memorable swing in Happy Gilmore.

Aside from the background information provided about Wilson’s character Pryce Cahill, there is little that sets him apart from some of his more iconic portrayals, like Josh Beckwith in Wedding Crashers. In Stick, he comes across as merely older, concealing Pryce’s desperation beneath a facade of passion.

Aside from the glaring absence of authentic golf elements, the drama unfolding in Stick episode 4 feels sluggish and lackluster. We are introduced to the heart-wrenching story of how Pryce’s son Jett tragically succumbed to cancer at just four years old, a loss that precipitated Pryce’s dramatic fallout from professional golf. The episode introduces Timothy Olyphant’s antagonistic character, Clark Ross, while additional background about his rivalry with Pryce is provided through Marc Maron’s cantankerous persona. However, episode 4 suffers from excessive dialogue that feels overly explanatory and crosses into preachiness, especially during the discussions aimed at reconciling the differing perspectives of Gen Z and Boomer characters.

Concerns Are Rising That Stick Might Be a Missed Opportunity

Episode 4 Falls Short With Its Melodramatic Storyline and Uninspired Character Arcs

Stick began with great promise, yet it is already showing signs of veering off course. The narrative takes on a personal and chaotic tone, which aligns with the type of show it aspires to be, but unfortunately, there is a severe lack of humor or intriguing plot developments to engage the audience. Stick attempts to follow the aesthetic formula of a feel-good show, but I find myself increasingly frustrated by how bland Stick episode 4 has turned out to be. This disappointment largely stems from the shallow character portrayals and the absence of genuine stakes among them at this juncture.

Zero, portrayed by Lilli Kay, appears to exist solely to challenge the older characters and relentlessly push their outdated views of the world. Pete Sager’s character, Santi, who is portrayed as a rising golf star, humorously expresses his disinterest in playing the sport, yet he inexplicably bends to adopt all of Zero’s beliefs after knowing her for just a few days. Zero frequently critiques and delivers exhausting opinions on various topics. She goes as far as to criticize the practice of grilling steaks, citing the environmental impact of livestock production, and claims that Pryce crosses a boundary when attempting to extend an apology to Santi.

Zero relentlessly sounds alarms from her moral high ground, and her abrupt, almost maternal protective instincts toward Santi are puzzling. As if acting as a ventriloquist to Santi’s puppet, she exudes an air of superiority regarding Santi’s best interests while distorting Pryce’s attempts to inspire him with misplaced anti-capitalist rhetoric. This undermines the solid ensemble chemistry that had been established in the initial three episodes of Stick. Zero would be far better served providing constructive advice on how Santi can improve his golf swing, a role she seems poised to take on as his caddie in episode 5.

While there is certainly a demographic for Stick, I am beginning to suspect that it does not correspond with the audience that the trailer, featuring PGA stars Colin Morikawa and Max Homa, intended to reach. Although I am hopeful that <em>Stick</em> will return to its golf roots soon, episode 4 was a challenging outing that may have ultimately missed the mark for many viewers.