Stick’s Fourth Episode: A Swing and a Miss in Golf Comedy
WARNING: Spoilers for Stick Season 1, Episode 4 ahead!
Apple TV+’s latest comedy, Stick, seems to have taken a detour on the fairway. With Episode 4 landing with a thud, it appears the show may be struggling to maintain its shot of charm amidst a cloud of melodrama. Marketed as “the next Ted Lasso” and echoing the same relentless positivity as Shrinking, Stick is fast becoming unfocused—a predictable patchwork of familiar tropes.
Predictable Plot Lines
Episode 4 meanders through overly familiar territory, featuring a soundtrack so cheerful it could lift anyone’s spirits—if it weren’t so jarringly disconnected from the emotional weight of the stories being told. You could almost mistake it for a clip from House Hunters. It’s clear by now that golf takes a backseat in this supposedly golf-centric series, often reduced to mere backdrop for interpersonal drama that feels both forced and flat.
In a scathing comparison, the show is akin to a fast-food chain trying to rebrand its fries. Despite attempts at a new packaging, the flavor remains boring and predictable. The plot points introduced in this episode could easily be plucked and inserted into any sport-themed series—be it bowling or basketball.
Missed Opportunities
Don’t get us wrong—players like Owen Wilson bring star power as the series protagonist, Pryce Cahill, but his charm is muddled by a lack of depth. A few decent golf swings could have added authenticity; instead, we’re left wondering how this character could ever have landed those PGA trophies showcased in the premiere.
Excuse us while we cringe at the dialogue that aims to enlighten, yet lands flat, particularly through the eye-rolling exchanges between Gen Z and Boomer characters. Conversations feel preachy, as if the writers are preaching from a moral high ground instead of spinning a relatable narrative.
A Dragging Drama
Pryce’s backstory, especially the tragic death of his son Jett, demands sensitivity and depth—but instead, it’s delivered with the same precision as a rusty golf swing: shaky and uninspired. The inclusion of villain Clark Ross only adds to the story’s complexity, yet the melodrama overshadows any genuine laughs or stakes, leaving viewers scratching their heads.
The lack of humor in a comedy is a red flag that can’t be ignored. Characters like Zero, portrayed by Lilli Kay, come off as overly didactic rather than endearing, impacting the chemistry that initially made the first three episodes engaging.
The Road Ahead
Sure, there’s still time for Stick to find its footing. With six episodes remaining, diehard fans may hold out hope for a return to the golf-centric vibe initially promised. But if Episode 4 is any indication, the show may just have missed the cut this time around—offering a reminder that even in comedy, timing and heartfelt authenticity are everything.
At the end of the day, whether or not Stick can recover from this rough outing remains to be seen. For now, we’re left hoping the show finds a way back onto the green before its audience looks for another place to tee off.
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