Owen Wilson stars in Apple TV Plus series Stick, stepping into the lead role as Pryce Cahill at a point where fans know exactly what to expect from his unique style—marked by a restless energy, optimistic attitude, and his familiar, often-mimicked exclamations. With its streaming debut, Stick becomes the latest comedy to draw parallels with Ted Lasso, mixing sports, quirky characters, and themes of self-discovery as it unfolds on the golfing green.
The Story of Pryce Cahill: From Golf Prodigy to Salesman
Pryce Cahill, portrayed by Wilson, uses his gift for gab to charm customers at a golf shop, weaving motivational words into every sale while nudging high-priced drivers across the counter. Despite his charisma, Pryce’s personal life falters, leading him back to the house he once shared with his soon-to-be-ex-wife, Amber-Linn—played by Judy Greer—as they prepare to put it up for sale. The walls are lined with reminders of his former glory: U.S. Open flags, photos, and a visible legacy in professional golf. The show raises questions about what led Cahill away from the sport in the years before the series begins, hinting at pain beneath the surface.
The Sudden Discovery of Santi and a New Ambition
While coaching at a quiet driving range, Cahill is distracted by the relentless sound of golf balls flying into the distance—each one launched with power by Santi, played by Peter Dager. Recognizing raw talent in Santi, Pryce’s instincts are immediately engaged, but the young man is reluctant to accept help. Reasons for Santi’s hesitance remain veiled, bringing a hint of mystery to their dynamic. Determined, Cahill tracks Santi to his workplace with the hope of convincing him. This pursuit also introduces Santi’s mother, Elena, portrayed by Mariana Treviño, whose involvement becomes central to the unfolding plan: for Cahill to coach Santi and enter him in the U.S. Amateur Championship.
Supporting Players and Familiar Tropes
Cahill’s comeback quest wouldn’t be complete without the company of his former caddy, Mitts (Marc Maron), who now operates an elaborate con at whichever bar Pryce frequents. Mitts pretends to be a stranger, offering taunts and setting up bets for unsuspecting patrons, but he remains an essential, if somewhat grumpy, companion on Cahill’s road to potential redemption. As the story progresses, Elena negotiates strict terms before allowing her son to partner with Cahill, insisting on certain demands with a steep cost attached. This leads the mismatched group on a journey that provides room to develop classic character dynamics and deepen the emotional complexity between parents, prodigies, and old friends.
Parental Struggles and Lost Glory
Santi’s father, an absent figure who both introduced him to golf and contributed to his current ambivalence toward the sport, serves as a source of tension. The narrative also circles around the mystery of why Cahill disappeared from the competitive golf scene, reinforcing the unsettled, conflicted tone of the series. As the various characters settle into their roles, with Greer bringing years of experience to her portrayal and the supporting cast stepping into familiar archetypes, the show leans into recognizable territory while keeping the audience questioning what lies beneath each relationship.
Echoes of Ted Lasso and Movie References
The influences are impossible to ignore—especially in scenes where Cahill barges into Amber-Linn’s office, debating strategies and seeking support for Santi’s golf journey, including financial backing for Elena’s expensive requests. These interactions echo the mentor-mentee and boss-staffer conversations of Ted Lasso, while the banter between Wilson’s Cahill and Maron’s Mitts recalls the dynamic between Lasso and his sidekick Beard. The show delights in its meta-awareness, sprinkling references to Happy Gilmore and even Eddie the Eagle throughout, and further reinforcing its lineage with each new comedic setup and every scene of Cahill hustling to raise funds for Santi’s shot at the tournament.
Wilson’s Performance and the Show’s Familiar Formula
The role of Pryce Cahill feels tailor-made for Wilson, who seamlessly carries forward the persona he honed in You, Me and Dupree and other films. Marc Maron once again inhabits a sour, sharp-witted character, bringing echoes of his brief but memorable role on GLOW. Judy Greer remains a steady presence, expertly portraying a character type she’s played many times before. “
Wow.
“Mostly unchanged since the days of Bottle Rocket,
”
—Owen Wilson, Actor. The interplay between Wilson, Dager, and Treviño provides chemistry, though the narrative risks falling into clichés of the overprotective parent and the talented yet troubled youth. Still, the banter remains lively and the performances engaging.
Self-Awareness and Nostalgia in Stick
As each episode unfolds, viewers play a mental game of spotting pop culture homages, and the writing playfully acknowledges its influences with dialogue and plot beats that will be familiar to anyone versed in sports comedies or bittersweet dramas. “
Spot The Reference,
“it’s hard to ignore the innocence present throughout as it becomes increasingly tricky to avoid everything seen in better films before and a lead performance with which Wilson seems content to borrow liberally from himself. Fortunately, Wilson remains as watchable as anyone of a similar pedigree, from McConaughey to Harrelson, and it’s thanks to this that a show supported by a foundation of all that came before becomes a genuinely easy watch. Don’t expect a hole-in-one with Stick,
”
—Owen Wilson, Actor. Even as Stick makes no secret of its inspirations and occasionally borrows its best moves from earlier hits, it remains buoyed by Wilson’s performance and a willingness to embrace its own sentimentality.
The Road Ahead for Stick and Its Characters
With Stick now available on Apple TV+, audiences are given a blend of heartfelt moments, sports drama, and comedic nostalgia that draws from both Ted Lasso and classic underdog films. The story leaves open both the question of Santi’s future in golf and the mystery of Cahill’s career downfall, promising further emotional revelations and character growth as the season develops. Stick might not redefine the genre but, with strong performances and its full-hearted embrace of familiar themes, it offers a comfortingly watchable entry into sports television’s ongoing renaissance.
