Stick

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!

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...

Stick is one of Apple TV's latest offerings and it is one of their best, albeit with one major flaw. The show is mostly good, with a wonderful performance from Owen Wilson as former golf pro, Pryce. It's cool to see him in a TV show rather than a film. He becomes a mentor for young, up and comer Santi, who is played by Peter Dager. Mariana Trevino plays his mom, while Marc Maron plays Pryce's friend. These four are all great. I love the performances all around, for different reasons. We even get Timothy Olyphant for a few episodes. The dynamics and dialogue between all the main characters are what makes it so watchable. I felt invested in their stories and what they were going through. A job well done with them.

The biggest flaw of the show is the Zero character, played by Lilli Kay. She is just annoying and cringe with some of the things she says. I don't know what they were thinking with her. She's snotty and entitled. I can't stand her. It looks like I'm not alone.

Overall, Stick is rewarding in the end, especially if you "stick" with it. There are many emotional moments throughout that really connects you with the characters and makes you feel for them. Some of the comedy is genuinely good. Even if you don't like golf, it has enough going for it to suck you in.

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.

This show is well cast, and endearing. But it's also extremely light and fluffy. The first three episodes are fun in that way shows should be, but at the same time Owen Wilson is playing a variation of every character he's ever played.

You're waiting for the shoe to drop, or the big thing to happen, and it kind of never does. It's the kind of show you put on Sunday afternoon when you need a decent nap and aren't too scared to miss an episode because the "previously on" will fill in the blanks.

If you're looking for something easy and full of surface, this is the show for you. But then again, that's only after the first three episodes. I will happily eat my hat if it turns into something deeper as it goes along.

But hey, the soundtrack to this show is pretty great.