WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Stick season 1, episode 10.
The season 1 finale of Apple’s golf dramedy Stick finally 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, Stick comes through in the clutch with its final three episodes, ending its first season on a high note.
Stick season 1, episode 10, “Déjà Vu All Over Again,” is the truest 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?
Stick really 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 more Timothy Olyphant’s likable antagonist Clark Ross into the mix, and Apple 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
Stick really saved the best for last, featuring PGA pro golfer Colin Morikawa going head-to-head with Santi Wheeler, and legendary broadcaster Jim Nantz to 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 sudden arrival of Santi’s dad makes for one of the most intriguing character dynamics of 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’s season 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 that Nantz acts as the voice of reason for the insanity that Santi brings to the tournament is validating, enjoyable, and incredibly necessary. The only problem is, if there is a Stick season 2, Nantz likely won’t be around to maintain the show’s backbone throughout.
Stick Hits the Nail On The Head About Toxic Parents & Kid Athletes
It’s The Most Powerful Message The Show Has To Offer
Stick finally 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 wins without 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 of Stick and 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 of Stick episode 9. Still, it works well enough to get Santi to make the crucial decision to have Pryce on his bag over his dad.
These moments, when Santi is in the groove and Pryce is guiding him on the course, are the bread and butter of Stick and should have made up many more scenes throughout season 1. Both characters are most likable when they’re working together, so Stick holding out on their dynamic for so long really ended up working against the show.
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The penultimate episode of Stick finally starts to sharpen the show’s focus, pick up its pace, and set Apple’s golf dramedy up for a comeback finish.
Stick’s season 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’s final season 1 episode earns genuine laughs, especially when Morikawa tells Pryce that he still has to putt to win the tournament as Santi’s celebration takes over the green. This type of stuff is exactly what should have been all over Stick from 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 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. Pryce sees he’s still got it and gets back in the game while Santi continues to mature as a pro.
Stick desperately needed more great golf moments and feel-good fun all along to be the show it wanted to be. It may have arrived too late for fans to stick around, but Stick certainly has something strong to build on after its great season 1 finale.
- Stick finally becomes the fun golf comedy fans had hoped for
- Scenes with Pryce & Santi are the bread and butter of this show
- PGA pro Colin Morikawa & broadcaster Jim Nantz add some much needed legitimacy
- Stick’s strong finish may have arrived too late for the show to carry on
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