Stick: el swing perfecto

This show works surprisingly well for what it is. Owen Wilson is always the same character, so you know what you're getting with him. The supporting cast, with one exception, is excellent. The storyline works to connect us to the characters and make us feel something.

BUT, we all know which character has to go. The one who is insufferable. The one who perfectly embodies the group she/they represent. The one who tries to make you feel like you're some horrible person while you're simply trying to enjoy your steak. The one who doesn't feel safe the moment anything uncomfortable happens. The one who can't deal with life and the way other people are.

Because of how annoying that character is, it's hard to get through some episodes.

Owen Wilson carries off this light weight comedy well, he's funny with good timing, plus his character is well written and interesting.

The young golfer is an awfully unlikeable character and his girlfriend (I think) Zero is even worse, they are both grumpy, spoilt people and I'll throw in badly acted.

And that just drags down this show to just being okay, firstly is Zero a boy pretending to be a girl or vice versa, I'm not sure, but more importantly I don't care, she's just a boring sad character, I can't quit workout why they dropped her into the story.

More amusing than funny, with all the best lines going to Wilson, again the golf prodigy and his girlfriend are unlikeable characters without any funny lines, just dull attempts at comments on society.

I love Owen Wilson, and enjoyed the first few episodes which focused on him mainly and his pursuit to get back into the golfing world. But I soon realize that I couldn't stand the other lead character, the petulant, insufferable kid, and it made watching the show impossible. I'm sure others are fine with it. That's OK, but I hated this kid with such a passion. Every moment he was on screen I was getting agitated by his antics and why nobody just popped him in the mouth.... yes, I know it's fiction. I'm not insane but when you hate a character that's the lead of the show it makes it difficult to continue watching it.... so good luck Owen...I hope you find another series or movie to entertain us, but I can't stick this one out...

The show started off promising. Owen Wilson is playing his stock likable lead character well enough, but the supporting characters are going to tank this show fast if something doesn't change.

At first, the stereotypical smart alec teen and the sassy Latina mom are okay, but their shticks quickly wear thin. Both are spoiled and unlikable, and by the fourth episode, I found myself fast-forwarding through most of their scenes since they mostly consisted of Pryce (Wilson's character) begging them for one thing or another. You'll find yourself getting angry on his behalf that he has to beg people he's paid $100k for basic respect and to hold up their end of the contract.

I haven't even mentioned yet the caddy-"Zero" is (her?) name-who is some compilation of every radical woke stereotype wrapped up in one. The identity wouldn't matter if the person was even semi-likable. But she too is insufferable and mean and bratty. (Why does one show need to stack up with so many unlikable characters? Every single character must be mean and snarky and pile on to bully the lowly main character? Why did the writers themselves not get how lopsided and hard to watch that would be for the viewer?)

I will give it a little more time, but I have one foot out of the proverbial door at this point. When I'm having to fast forward scenes of a new show because they're predictable and redundant and frustrating, that's not a good sign. I hope the writers course-correct before it's too late.

My hopes weren't particularly high with this one as the marketing seemed very lightweight and the first episode in particular included every single washed up star cliche in the book. But as the show goes on and the core premise started to take shape, I soon find myself looking forward to each episode.

Stick has been dubbed 'the golf Ted Lasso' but doesn't quite swing for the same dramatic depths (other than a few standout scenes) and the writing is not quite as tight (whether intentional or not, almost every character has moments where they come across as unlikeable or rude).

However what we do have is a light, breezy watch that doesn't outstay its welcome, and a few moments of euphoria when everything clicks and the show is firing on all cylinders. If you're going throgh a tough time in your life, this might just be the show you need right now.

Bonus points if you're a golf fan - there's plenty of references and the actual golfing itself is shot rather well!