Apple TV+’s Stick Episode 4: A Swing and a Miss?

Apple TV+ continues to expand its offerings with the new golf comedy series Stick, but as it progresses into its fourth episode, critics are expressing concerns. This episode, while attempting to tackle themes of personal and professional turmoil, raises questions about its execution and relevance to golf enthusiasts. The show, often compared to the beloved Ted Lasso, struggles to establish its own identity amidst a sea of familiar tropes and predictable plotlines.

A Diminishing Focus on Golf

In episode 4, titled "Trades Golf Lessons for Self-Imposed Life Lessons," the series seems to drift away from its initial premise. Described as an idealized Ted Lasso replacement, Stick fails to deliver on the depth and complexity typically associated with the sport. Critics have noted that the portrayal of golf feels like an afterthought, serving merely as a backdrop for melodramatic character interactions.

“Stick tries too hard to be a comfortable watch, making it anything but.” This sentiment underscores the episode’s overly cheerful soundtrack and its derivative narrative, leaving viewers with a sense of familiarity rather than excitement.

Character Confusion: The Case of Pryce Cahill

The central character, played by Owen Wilson, is golf pro Pryce Cahill. Critics argue that, despite Wilson’s charm, the character lacks distinctiveness compared to his previous roles. “Apart from what we are told about Wilson’s Pryce Cahill, there’s virtually nothing that distinguishes him,” one review states. Viewers see glimpses of Pryce’s tragic backstory, including the loss of his son Jett, but the exposition comes off as overly sentimental and lacking in authenticity.

The introduction of Timothy Olyphant’s Clark Ross, who embodies villainy in the series, is another missed opportunity. Instead of building tension through compelling character dynamics, the episode settles into predictable patterns that feel more like clichés than original storytelling.

Melodrama Over Humor

One of the most significant critiques of episode 4 involves its reliance on melodrama at the expense of comedy. While Stick aims for a light-hearted approach akin to its genre predecessors, episode 4 is described as “slow and underwhelming.” Scenes intended to convey emotional depth often come across as overly explanatory and preachy, particularly in the interactions between Gen Z and Boomer characters.

This conflict culminates in the character of Zero, portrayed by Lilli Kay. Critics argue that her role diminishes the chemistry established in earlier episodes, presenting instead a one-dimensional moral compass. “Zero tirelessly sounds alarms from her moral high ground… which really takes away from the solid cast chemistry established in the first three episodes,” a reviewer notes.

Audience Reception and Future Outlook

Despite the concerns regarding the fourth episode, it is essential to consider the potential for improvement. The current season consists of six remaining episodes, providing ample opportunity for the creators to recalibrate the show’s direction. While there remains an audience for Stick, critics have expressed doubt as to whether it successfully appeals to those drawn in by its initial promotional materials featuring noted PGA pros like Colin Morikawa and Max Homa.

In conclusion, while Stick has the foundational elements for a compelling sports comedy, episode 4 reveals a deviation from its promise. “I’m starting to believe it’s not the one that its trailer aimed to appeal to,” echoes a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the episode’s struggles. The series needs to harness its comedic potential while also delving deeper into the sport that is supposedly at its core. Golf enthusiasts and viewers alike will be keenly observing how the show will navigate this learning curve moving forward.

Stick is available for streaming on Apple TV+ and will presumably look to regain its footing in the weeks ahead, as it aims to enrich its narrative beyond mere surface-level engagements. With six episodes yet to air, fans remain cautiously optimistic that the show will find its voice and reintegrate the beloved spirit of golf that originally attracted its audience.