As Santi looks to the future, Pryce revisits his past to revamp his game in Stick Season 2, Episode 3, “Chip Off the Old Butch.” This episode, written by Christopher Moynihan and directed by Jaffar Mahmood, also introduces Rhea Seehorn as a key character in Pryce’s life. Her arrival also suggests that Stick will continue with this split of its ensemble.
When a show has a cast of characters that works as well together as the one on Stick, it’s always a risk to separate them for a significant period of time. It certainly pushes and stretches the characters, opening them up to new stories that may not have manifested otherwise. Shows can run into problems if they keep their ensemble apart for too long. Then, a reunion and resolution can feel rushed and unearned. The good news is that Stick Season 2 is still in the early days of this venture, and “Chip Off the Old Butch” is already forecasting why it’ll be worth it in the end.
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Taking on Life as a Pro in LA
Did anyone audibly gasp when Billy Zane’s character was at the end of the spirit tunnel for Santi? What another great addition to this show in its sophomore season! Peter (Zane) immediately describes himself as a bad influence, which could be the truth…or a misdirect by the end of the season.
The former feels more appropriate given how people around Peter, like that agent in the scene with him and Elena, react to him. To that point, it’s a real joy that “Chip Off the Old Butch” remembers that Elena is not only a business woman but also Santi’s manager. With that in mind, Stick creates an interesting storyline where Elena is on the outside of this world. It’s tough but painfully realistic to see her ignored and pushed out of this male-dominated field.
It’s also entertaining to watch Elena try to find a way into this space while Zero is more resistant to it all – and understandably so. Refreshingly, the episode works to unravel Zero’s judgement of the WAGs, especially if it means Zero gets a storyline of their own. The relationship between Santi and Zero is important. But there’s plenty to learn about Zero’s life beyond it, including their ambitious and creative plans as a designer.
MORE: Stick Season 1, Episode 10 Review: ‘Déjà Vu All Over Again’
Introducing Rea Seehorn as Amanda
Meanwhile, Pryce is in a time machine. The “Chip Off the Old Butch” opener is a reminder that this show rarely uses flashbacks. As the first season proves, Stick only plucks that tool from its toolbox when it’s effective and necessary. It’s relevant to meet Butch in the past and to hear the words that have stuck with Pryce since. The episode succinctly defines the dynamic’s closeness all so there can be such a drastic shift when Pryce meets Butch again in the present.
Now, he has Alzheimer’s and paradoxical lucidity. He’s also no longer played by Tyler Labine but Rex Linn. I’ve never realized they look like each other until Stick put this casting in front of me. Regardless, Butch is the only father figure Pryce had and he lost him (to some degree) without knowing it and vice versa. Mitts comforting Pryce is such a quick beat, but it’s impactful.
As is everything that Stick gives Timothy Olyphant in “Chip Off the Old Butch.” He provides some necessary comedic relief. There are also moments when you can practically see the wheels turning in Clark’s mind. There’s also a sense that Clark doesn’t have the same relationship with Butch that Pryce has but he wants it. Clark is also someone who clearly sees what’s happening between Pryce and Amanda. As for this new character, Rhea Seehorn gets the iconic entrance that she deserves. Amanda is instantly cool and compelling.
One of my favorite beats is when Amanda reacts to Pryce not knowing how to talk to Butch now. It gives me so much about this character, who Pryce has known practically his whole life but Stick is meeting now. Amanda has known Pryce since he was 16 years old; she’s known his game for equally as long. Seehorn also already has great chemistry with this cast. She and her character – alongside Billy Zane’s Peter in Los Angeles – give this show the new energy that usually comes with a second season. So, with “Chip Off the Old Butch,” it really feels like Stick is on to great things this season.
MORE: Stick Season 1, Episode 9 Review: ‘Showtime’
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