Stick season 1, episode 9, titled “Showtime,” takes a significant step forward, sharpening its focus, picking up the pace, and setting up the series for a much-anticipated finale.
While the episode still struggles with certain areas, including the authenticity of the sport and some character dynamics, it marks a notable improvement from the previous episodes, especially after the series’ midseason slump. With guest appearances from PGA pros and a major character twist, the episode shows real signs of growth, making the show’s return to form feel genuine.
A Shift in Focus: The Show Finally Gets Back on Track
After a rocky start, Stick has slowly begun to find its rhythm, and episode 9 is where things start to come together. While the show has struggled to establish a convincing sense of authenticity when it comes to golf, it begins to find its stride as it focuses more on the characters’ relationships and the golf course itself.
Owen Wilson’s Pryce Cahill, a former PGA Tour pro, continues to serve as the heart of the show, and his dynamic with Santi, his talented but immature protégé, takes center stage.
The episode is a solid continuation of the story’s overall arc, especially after Clark the Mark, which was hailed as the best episode of the season. Here, the story starts to tighten up, giving a sense of hope for the series’ finale, and offering viewers a glimpse of what could have been if the earlier episodes had maintained this level of quality.
Guest Appearances Add Legitimacy to the Show
One of the highlights of episode 9 is the cameo appearances of real-life PGA pros Keegan Bradley, Max Homa, and Wyndham Clark. These appearances help add some legitimacy to the golf setting, something fans of the sport have been hoping for throughout the series.
Their involvement elevates the episode and adds authenticity, even if it’s still a far cry from the star-studded guest list expected in future projects like Happy Gilmore 2.
The appearance of CBS golf broadcasters Trevor Immelman and Jim Nantz is another nice touch. Their commentary adds a layer of realism, especially during Santi’s risky shot into a neighboring fairway to avoid a bunker.
The mix of real-life golf expertise and Stick’s fictionalized events provides the right balance, even if the show still doesn’t fully deliver on its promise of a genuine golf experience.
Santi’s Struggles: The Show’s Fundamental Problem
While Stick seems to be improving, it’s hard to ignore its most glaring issue: Santi. The character, played by a talented young actor, is at the core of the show, but his development continues to frustrate viewers.
Despite being given a golden opportunity to play in a PGA tournament, Santi consistently demonstrates a lack of resilience or focus. His reactions are often childish, and his failure to take the game seriously undermines his potential as a character.
The show seems unsure of how to portray Santi. Is he a gifted athlete who just needs guidance, or is he a fragile teenager who can’t handle the pressure? The inconsistency in his character makes it difficult to invest in his journey. Even though he manages to land in second place on the leaderboard, the idea that someone so immature and unprepared could perform so well feels unrealistic and somewhat ridiculous.
The Show Needs a Real Comeback
It’s clear that Stick has had its ups and downs this season, and its fate rests on the upcoming finale. While the series has shown improvement in recent episodes, it still has a lot of work to do.
If the show continues to rely on unrealistic plotlines, like Santi’s sudden success in the tournament, it could risk alienating its audience. However, if it delivers a satisfying conclusion that addresses Santi’s character flaws and shows real growth, there’s hope for a better season 2.
A more grounded and less cheesy ending could give the series the push it needs. It would be refreshing to see Santi confront disappointment and face the reality of his situation, rather than relying on a storybook ending.
As for his potential decision to join Clark’s golf academy, it feels like a necessary step for his character’s growth, and ignoring it would be a massive mistake for the show’s narrative.
