Before rejoining the Fockers franchise later this month, Owen Wilson brings his endearing character, Pryce Cahill, back to Apple TV+ for season two of “Stick.” I enjoyed the first season’s mix of second chances, sharp humor, and makeshift family dynamics. This return highlights its strongest moments through the adults around Pryce, especially with Rhea Seehorn joining the group.
Created by Jason Keller, the comedy follows Pryce’s efforts to qualify for and win the U.S. Open. Wilson balances his crooked-smile charm with the vulnerability that makes Pryce more than just another laid-back Wilson character. His comeback gives the season direction without erasing his past struggles.
The biggest joy comes from watching Timothy Olyphant and Marc Maron interact. Olyphant’s character, Clark Ross, shifts from smug opposition to enthusiastic support, though his desire to help Pryce also suggests a personal agenda. Olyphant skillfully mixes humor with Clark’s cluelessness.
In contrast, Maron’s character, Mitts, provides a necessary balance. His dry observations puncture others’ enthusiasm, but his underlying concern keeps him from becoming just a source of insults. Together, these three men create the affectionate friction that makes a found-family comedy worth watching.
Seehorn enhances that chemistry as Amanda, Pryce’s former swing coach’s daughter. Her addition gives Wilson another capable scene partner and injects fresh energy into the comeback storyline. This quartet of characters makes the adult interactions the highlight of the season.
However, Pryce’s childhood flashbacks are less consistently effective. The series aims to explain how early wounds shape adult behavior, but sometimes it over-explains what the performances already convey. It would be more beneficial to let the actors suggest deeper emotions without providing a detailed emotional guide.
Meanwhile, Santi faces the challenges of professional golf, including potential earnings and tempting promises from agents, all while considering college. Peter Dager’s young golfer now tests the boundaries of the mentorship that has been central to the series. While Pryce can offer valuable experience, helping Santi to appreciate it poses another challenge.
I appreciated Lilli Kay’s Zero and Mariana Treviño’s Elena in season one, so their limited opportunities in this season are disappointing. Their connection to Santi matters, but both characters deserve storylines and conflicts that go beyond reacting to his choices. Additionally, Santi’s impulsiveness needs to have lasting consequences.
Despite these frustrations, the show’s warmth remains. It continues to charm viewers by depicting support as honesty, irritation, and simply showing up, rather than delivering another speech about belonging.
Season two doesn’t consistently match the balance I enjoyed in the first season, but Wilson’s sincerity and the adult ensemble keep it engaging. Seehorn fits seamlessly into the group, and Olyphant showcases his comedic talents. “Stick” remains an enjoyable watch, even if its storytelling could benefit from a firmer hand. The ensemble deserves another round.
Final Grade: B
“Stick“ Season 2 premiered November 4 on Apple TV with two episodes, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through December 30.”
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I want to revisit 2004 and highlight Romeo’s debut solo album, formerly of Immature. Titled “Food for Thought” and released on June 22nd, this project marked the singer’s change of name to Young Rome in an effort to distance himself from the youthful sound of his group, much like his bandmate Marques Houston had done a year earlier.
In the nineties, Hip-Hop reigned supreme, and every label CEO wanted a share of the lucrative R&B market. One strategy was to keep singers on their roster who could deliver catchy hooks, keeping everything in-house and saving money. Bad Boy had Carl Thomas, Death Row had Danny Boy, and Roc-A-Fella had Rell, our featured artist for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday
Growing up in the eighties, I was surrounded by incredibly talented male R&B singers who could deliver unforgettable love songs. Artists like Luther Vandross, Jeffrey Osborne, and Peabo Bryson dominated the airwaves, but Freddie Jackson was another voice that truly deserved recognition.