WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Stick season 1, episode 10.
The season 1 finale of Apple’s golf dramedyStickfinally became the type of show that fans had been hoping it would be all along. After a promising start and some very rocky mid-season episodes,Stickcomes through in the clutch with its final three episodes, ending its first season on a high note.
Stickseason 1, episode 10, “Déjà Vu All Over Again,” is thetruest representation of what the original trailer for the Apple TV+ series had promised. It’s funny, tense, and well-balanced between character conflicts and the competition at hand. It really must make viewers at home wonder:what took so long?
Stickreally works when Owen Wilson remains in the driver’s seat, whether he’s caddying for Santi, reflecting on his glory days with Mitts, or overcoming tragedy with his ex-wife, Amber-Linn. Add moreTimothy Olyphant’s likable antagonist Clark Rossinto the mix, andApple TV+ actually has the fun golf comedy that it had advertised.
Stick’s Season 1 Finale Pays Off With The Right Combination Of Elements
Stick Really Did Save Its Best Stuff For Last
Stickreally saved the best for last, featuringPGA pro golfer Colin Morikawa going head-to-head with Santi Wheeler, andlegendary broadcaster Jim Nantzto narrate the tournament and add some much-needed legitimacy. Had Santi just started on the PGA Tour, or even the Korn Ferry, from episode 1, this show would have likely hooked viewers much sooner.
The suddenarrival of Santi’s dad makes for one of the most intriguing character dynamicsof the series so far. While it makes sense that Santi’s father would only show up again when the going got good for his son, seeing more of the complicated dynamic not only makes Santi’s character development sharper, but the entire series much more compelling.
Stick’sseason 1 finale is not without its more hyperbolic, even ridiculous, moments, such as Santi switching his caddie in the middle of the final round of a tournament, which is unheard of. The fact thatNantz acts as the voice of reason for the insanity that Santi brings to the tournamentis validating, enjoyable, and incredibly necessary. The only problem is, if there is aStickseason 2, Nantz likely won’t be around to maintain the show’s backbone throughout.
It’s The Most Powerful Message The Show Has To Offer
Stickfinally demonstrates its core message in its season 1 finale by portraying Santi’s relationship with his psychologically abusive father.Santi’s dad captures an authentic sense of entitlement to Santi’s winswithout wanting to claim any of his losses, revealing that he’s only interested in Santi if he’s successful.
These moments, when Santi is in the groove and Pryce is guiding him on the course, are the bread and butter ofStickand should have made up many more scenes throughout season 1.
There may have been a more effective way to get this point across earlier in the series, such as introducing the character earlier through a phone call or a blocked attempt at reuniting with Santi, rather than him just showing up at the end ofStickepisode 9. Still, it works well enough to getSanti to make the crucial decision to have Pryce on his bagover his dad.
These moments, when Santi is in the groove and Pryce is guiding him on the course, are the bread and butter ofStickand should have made up many more scenes throughout season 1. Both characters are most likable when they’re working together, soStickholding out on their dynamic for so longreally ended up working against the show.
Stick’sseason 1 finale has a few great twists that go against the more obvious plot developments, such as Santi crumbling and losing the lead at the Ready Safe Invitational. He was still able to come back and finish on a high note, much like the entire series, which seems to suggest that, for Santi,golf isn’t always about winning but is also about having fun and showing the world what you’ve got.
Stick’sfinal season 1 episode earns genuine laughs, especially whenMorikawa tells Pryce that he still has to putt to win the tournamentas Santi’s celebration takes over the green. This type of stuff is exactly what should have been all overStickfrom the start. At least it cleaned up and pulled it together when it mattered most.
The final scene of Stick season 1, with Santi and Pryce finally respecting each other as peers and having a good time, is exactly where a potential second season should tee off.
The final scene ofStickseason 1, with Santi and Pryce finally respecting each other as peers and having a good time, is exactly where a potential second season should tee off.Pryce sees he’s still got it and gets back in the gamewhile Santi continues to mature as a pro.
Stickdesperately needed more great golf moments and feel-good funall along to be the show it wanted to be. It may have arrived too late for fans to stick around, butStickcertainly has something strong to build on after its great season 1 finale.
