Stick Season 1, Episode 4, “Zero Sum Game,” pumps the brakes on the road trip to mostly positive results for many of the characters. After its faster pacing in the previous episode, the sports comedy takes its time unpacking the lack of communication between Pryce and Santi. It’s clear from the “Zero Sum Game” script that Stick is playing the long game. Written by Esti Griordani and directed by David Dobkin, this episode peels back layers for some of the cast.
However, it leaves other characters, namely Zero, as mysteries. If it weren’t for Stick’s promising outlook, this choice would be more disappointing, given that the characters take big leaps in this episode. Nevertheless, the pacing’s adjustments and developments in world-building instill confidence that the sports comedy will only improve from “Zero Sum Game.”
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Pryce’s History in Mitts’ Voice
If Stick’s first episodes hope to draw people in with Owen Wilson, this episode has a(nother) star working in the show’s favor – Timothy Olyphant. The show’s promotional material doesn’t shy away from Olyphant’s presence. “Zero Sum Game” reveals that Olyphant’s character is connected to everything that brings Pryce to this point, which is a major pull. It’s in the show’s favor that this episode reveals just enough about Clark Ross. Stick has something to unravel or build upon with this character, who has ties to the most integral parts of its lead.
“Zero Sum Day” introduces Clark through a transparent commercial and Mitts’ perspective. Mitts has yet to disclose a lot about himself through exposition, but he reveals plenty through how he tells Elena about Pryce’s son, Jett. Marc Maron’s performance lets the character’s heart rise to the surface, extending well beyond Mitts’ sleeve. The delicacy of the dialogue and its delivery speak volumes about Mitts as a person and his friendship with Pryce. In the same episode, Stick shows that Mitts knows how and when to poke at and defend Pryce without being heavy-handed or stilted. The sequence is an efficient use of time, too; it does work for Elena, Mitts, Pryce, and all the ways they intersect.
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Pryce & Santi & Communication
That development unfolds so naturally that it juxtaposes with that between Pryce and Santi. It’s refreshing that “Zero Sum Day” takes a step back to address at least one of the reasons why – Santi is a teenager – without coming to any quick resolutions. After all, the wounds from their respective pasts are so deep that even a deep dive off a cliff can’t clean them. One of the best things this episode does is let Santi and Pryce talk to each other. The conversation doesn’t entirely breach those aspects of their lives, but starts to patch up their dynamic.
The stalling in their mentor/mentee relationship comes during a pause in the road trip, suggesting that they can’t move forward until this conflict is partially resolved. In a complementary structure, Stick builds upon its premise with constructive feedback for its characters. Pryce should apologize for how he treated Santi, but how he does so is reflective of his flaws that he must address. Likewise, it’s beneficial to understand why Santi won’t accept help to get him, presumably, to a place where he will. Stick’s vision is starting to come together.
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Pryce Bets It All on Zero
While it’s unclear how Santi and Pryce will impact each other, this episode defines that context with Santi and Zero. Unfortunately, despite the nuances in how “Daddy Issues” introduces Zero, “Zero Sum Game” doesn’t extend much farther. They mostly make socially aware comments to the older, white, male characters. There’s no denying that inclusive language is important. It’s only that there’s an interest in knowing more about Zero beyond their clearly defined beliefs. At least “Zero Sum Game” suggests that character work is imminent.
After two episodes with little movement, Pryce takes inspiration from his big leap to bet on Zero by inviting them to be a part of the RV crew. That development comes with such interesting baggage, which Stick ensures Mitts recognizes and voices. It’s endlessly fascinating that Pryce’s complex aversion to quitting manifests in adding a financial value to the first genuine friendship Santi experiences on this journey. That choice feels particularly significant in an episode that subtly outlines how valuable the relationship between a golfer and their caddie can be. Hopefully, Stick takes its time to build to the inevitable fallout, like it appears to be doing with Pryce and Clark.
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What did you think of Stick Season 1, Episode 4, “Zero Sum All?” Let us know in the comments below!
New episodes of Stick stream on Wednesdays on Apple TV+.
