Stick Season 1, Episode 10, “Déjà Vu All Over Again,” is an emotionally and narratively satisfying season finale set against the backdrop of the ReadySafe Invitational final. This episode, written by Ryan Hooper and directed by John Hamburg, more than rocks the boat that Pryce fears – it crashes it. It’s what Stick does with the aftermath that speaks to its strengths in this debut season.
For the most part, the sports comedy excels at characterization and building believable relationships. Stick is so good at those elements that “Déjà Vu All Over Again” finally introduces a character as integral as Gary, Santi’s dad and Elena’s ex-husband, and lives up to the expectations it sets. Therefore, this episode is the kind of season finale that encourages a rewatch of the entire season. In today’s climate, where TV seasons come and go so quickly, that longevity may be yet another key to Stick’s success.
MORE: Stick Season 1, Episode 9 Review: ‘Showtime’
The Gary of It All
As of late, TV fans may recognize Mackenzie Astin as Jereme from The Pitt’s debut season. This character – Gary – could not be more different, showcasing Astin’s range. “Déjà Vu All Over Again” does an excellent job of capturing everyone’s perspective of Gary, including that of himself. For example, it’s hopeful yet heartbreaking to see Santi hanging on his father’s every word.
It’s the critical foundation Stick needs to have a place from which Santi and Gary will unravel throughout the season finale. It’s entirely believable that Santi wants to see past the reality of Gary only reappearing in his son’s life when he’s at the ReadySafe Invitational final. Those rose-colored glasses don’t fit the other characters or the viewing experience, though. It’s entirely transparent that Gary’s priorities are to be close to this level of the game – not his son. It’s through that ever-present understanding – for everyone other than Santi and, maybe, Pryce – that Stick does a great job of showing rather than only telling.
This season includes plenty, though not an overwhelming amount, of exposition about Gary and his relationships with Elena and Santi. It comes out organically as the story calls for it. “Déjà Vu All Over Again” puts that dialogue and its reflection side by side as Elena sees the warning signs unfold between Santi and Gary on the golf course. Mariana Treviño’s vulnerable performance is pivotal to ensuring those moving parts work together, and they do.
MORE: Stick Season 1, Episode 8 Review: ‘Clark the Mark’
Mariana Treviño and Marc Maron in “Stick,” now streaming on Apple TV+. Photo courtesy of Apple TV+. 
Marc Maron, Mariana Treviño and Lilli Kay in “Stick,” now streaming on Apple TV+. Photo courtesy of Apple TV+. 
Timothy Olyphant 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+.
Another Must-See Found Family on TV
Just as fast as Santi’s dynamic with his father clicks into place, the same is true of Elena and her ex-husband. It’s endearing to see everyone watch out for Santi but keep enough distance that he can make his own choices – something Gary doesn’t allow. What’s equally as great is that the ensemble looks after Elena, too, who is only concerned with her son. Because of the caliber of talent in this ensemble, all of that comes through loaded looks or gentle physical touch. Both speak to the closeness among the characters that has grown over the season, even if some dynamics would benefit from more screentime.
More specifically, those forms of communication between Elena and Mitts are often more intimate than their kiss in “Showtime.” Still, nothing is more rewarding than watching Elena draw a definitive boundary with Gary. Stick also earns the quick and potentially underrated exchange between Mitts and Pryce at the bar. It’s much more than a conversation about how a golfer needs a caddy. Filling that role is never about being there for a golfer. Stick is about people showing up for other people; it just so happens to do so through golf.
So, Santi is alone when he’s on the golf course with Gary, but this found family changes that. They all rally around him with the help of some perfectly placed sprinklers and, once again, “Cecilia” by Simon & Garfunkel. Pryce frequently tells Santi, “It’s just a golf course,” but “Déjà Vu All Over Again” proves why that’s not entirely true. It’s been more than that – the many golf courses become vehicles, much like the RV, to reignite personal sparks and bring people together.
MORE: Stick Season 1, Episode 7 Review: ‘Dreams Never Remembered’
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What did you think of Stick Season 1, Episode 10, “Déjà Vu All Over Again?” Let us know in the comments below!
New episodes of Stick stream on Wednesdays on Apple TV+.
