Pryce grapples with internal conflicts and familiar faces as the gang unites against a common antagonist in Stick Season 1, Episode 8, “Clark the Mark.” This episode, written by Jimy Shah and directed by M.J. Delaney, pulls Timothy Olyphant’s Clark Ross out of ReadySafe commercials and bad memories. As he comes out of those static iterations, “Clark the Mark” brings out the character’s arrogance and history. This character’s reintroduction finds its vehicle in an intricate hustle within a hustle, with a role for the whole team.
At times, the content of that scheme shines a spotlight on the season’s weaker spots. However, it offers unique insight into the titular character. Plus, “Clark the Mark” successfully progresses Stick’s plot as it gets closer to the season finale.
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Timothy Olyphant and Lilli Kay in “Stick,” now streaming on Apple TV+. Photo courtesy of Apple TV+. 
Timothy Olyphant and Lilli Kay in “Stick,” now streaming on Apple TV+. Photo courtesy of Apple TV+. 
Owen Wilson in “Stick,” now streaming on Apple TV+. Photo courtesy of Apple TV+. 
Marc Maron in “Stick,” now streaming on Apple TV+. Photo courtesy of Apple TV+.
(Re)Introducing Clark Ross
There’s no denying that Timothy Olyphant lives up to every expectation as he fully steps into Stick’s world. Like the actor, this character has a preceding reputation. Unlike the actor, it’s one defined by a bad attitude and a cutting comment about a teammate’s kid who passed away. Consequently, it’s revealing for “Clark the Mark” to introduce Clark Ross with the most transparency. He clings to fabrications, whether it be the spray tan or the planned speech about his disdain for planned speeches. Stick shows the audience who Clark Ross is right away, so it’s never a question, as he projects the opposite in the episode.
That effective and efficient work paints a clear picture of Clark that directly contrasts with that of Pryce, whom Stick has gotten to know over the last seven episodes. This episode brings more context to Sawgrass in 2009, being the diverting road that sends both Pryce and Clark on the paths they now forge. That dynamic is the most interesting one at play in “Clark the Mark.” The words Clark says about Jett are jaw-dropping, and Olyphant’s delivery makes them hang in the air in a way that’s hard to shake.
Even as he says these inexcusable and unforgivable things, the script gives Clark an interesting yet simple motivation – Clark wants to prove himself. There’s something sad in Clark’s desperation not to slip back into being second to Pryce. Any relatability is difficult, though; Clark is unflinchingly cruel to Pryce. It’s heartbreaking that Pryce agrees with Clark’s comments. That unique insight often comes through Mitts, Amber-Linn, or, as this episode proves, Clark. It’s also not lost that Clark is the only one to use the show’s title as Pryce’s nickname, and it feels like another cut between the past and present.
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The Believability of the Hustle
It’s also worth recognizing the episode’s structure. Without a teaser, Stick drops the viewer into “Clark the Mark” with a cold open, in which the only recognizable face is a character the show establishes is unlikable. It’s jarring yet intriguing. Stick then takes the viewer on an immersive experience with this hustle. So, “Clark the Mark” almost feels like a spy thriller every time an ensemble member appears in their new roles. Of course, Pryce plays into what Clark thinks about him (and Pryce of himself, sadly). Likewise, it tracks that Mitts plays devil’s advocate while backing Elena’s extremely pricey bets. It’s endlessly fun to watch while dynamically playing with the characters’ arcs this season.
Even the hustle within the hustle works – until it doesn’t. It makes sense for Zero to be hurt about Santi calling them “a clown” because that’s where Stick leaves Zero in “RV Shangri-La.” Because the show doesn’t show its hand about what occurs between the team reuniting and planning this hustle, “Clark the Mark” positions the audience alongside Clark in accepting that all of this is real. In that sense, the immersive quality is believable and beneficial.
Unfortunately, that’s also where it all starts to fall apart. There’s no resolution on the other side of Santi and Zero’s staged argument. The only version of one comes through an act, and that’s not all that satisfying. That’s also how Zero’s love confession plays out! So, when Santi returns the feeling, it doesn’t feel as earned as it could if “Dreams Never Remembered” featured a reconciliation between the characters. Understandably, Stick wants to keep the audience – and Clark – on their toes with this hustle, but it leaves too big a moment off-screen. Hopefully, Stick wins back its balance in the season’s final two episodes.
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What did you think of Stick Season 1, Episode 8, “Clark the Mark?” Let us know in the comments below!
New episodes of Stick stream on Wednesdays on Apple TV+.
