Owen Wilson’s ‘Stick’ Could Fill the Ted Lasso Void with Humor and Heart

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For fans who’ve been yearning for more of Ted Lasso, here’s some exciting news! The Apple TV+ original series is coming back for a fourth season, contrary to earlier assumptions that Season 3 would be its last. Although filming hasn’t begun yet, there’s no set release date as of now. However, fear not, Apple TV+ has provided another sports comedy drama to keep you entertained in the interim, and it does so remarkably well. The new series, titled Stick, featuring Owen Wilson, will captivate you right from the start, and you’ll quickly spot similarities between this show and Ted Lasso.

At its core, the show “Stick” revolves around the golfing universe, sharing some similarities with the movie “Happy Gilmore.” However, it skillfully blends humor and emotion in a way reminiscent of “Ted Lasso.” It’s the fresh, entertaining change you’ve been eagerly anticipating.

How Pryce Cahill Is Like Ted Lasso

In the movie, Pryce “Stick” Cahill, portrayed by Owen Wilson, is trailed by someone. This role is considered one of his finest performances. Previously a renowned golfer, a humiliating event marked the end of his career. Struggling to make ends meet, he now works in a golf shop as a salesman and secretly trains elderly players. He seems to have veered off course in life. His former spouse is determined to sell their shared house, but Pryce plans on staying put, despite neglecting the property.

Compared to when the show starts, Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) appears more organized, with a fulfilling job as an American football coach and a strong bond with his son, even though they aren’t living together due to their separation from his son’s mother. Remarkably, this family situation somewhat resembles Pryce’s. While Ted grapples with missing his son because of his move to England to coach a soccer team, he also shares Pryce’s sorrow over the loss of love.

In a straightforward manner: Both men, evidently, still harbor feelings for their former spouses, yet something has precipitated the disintegration of their marriages. As the story unfolds in Stick, it becomes clear that there’s a deeper truth to what triggered Pryce’s career-ending outburst and the drift between him and his wife. Similarly, as the narrative unfolds, viewers discover more about Ted, such as the emotional baggage he carries from his past and upbringing.

In a more casual tone,

Both men hide their sadness with jokes; Ted, sporting a unique Midwestern drawl, is a jovial guy who loves to crack jokes, while Pryce, with Wilson’s recognizable voice, prefers sarcasm and false excitement. Yet, both men find fulfillment in assisting others. For Pryce, it’s Santi (played by Peter Dager), a young man he noticed hitting balls at the driving range. He recognizes potential in Santi and thinks this kid could be a pro. Eager to coach him, Pryce finds a renewed passion for the game as Santi’s mentor.

For Ted, there was little persuasion required for him to take on his role. He embraced the task of coaching a struggling English football team, despite having no knowledge about the sport. However, throughout the series, Ted also develops a paternal connection with an overconfident young player, Jamie (Phil Dunster), which mirrors Pryce’s growing rapport with Santi.

The Father-Son-Like Relationship Between the Main Characters

In an attempt to win Santi over and reignite his passion for golf, Pryce uncovers the reason behind Santi’s initial departure from the game – it stemmed from a strained relationship with his father. Similarly, in the series Ted Lasso, the team’s standout player Jamie struggled under the weight of his father’s expectations, feeling both shame and a lack of love when he fell short. This pressure drove him to play solely for personal glory, neglecting the importance of teamwork.

In both series, the leading figures display a strong protective urge, striving to nurture their team members’ potential beyond just their athletic abilities. Primarily, they aim to make these individuals understand that they are not merely athletes; their unique passion and skill for their sports are integral parts of who they are as people.

In both cases, the characters, Pryce and Ted, delve into their personal histories, either based on their relationships with their fathers or their roles as fathers themselves. The climax of the first episode of Stick discloses that Pryce has endured significant grief, mirroring Ted’s ongoing battle to come to terms with his father’s suicide.

Regarding the mentorship they provide to young men, Pryce and Ted understand that it’s crucial to assist them in overcoming self-doubt, identifying their strengths, and acknowledging the importance of collaboration for success. They shouldn’t strive to accomplish everything alone, as teamwork is essential and beneficial in this journey.

Why ‘Ted Lasso’ Fans Will Love ‘Stick’

One of Apple TV+’s upcoming series, titled Stick, bears a resemblance in tone and mood to Ted Lasso, effortlessly blending humor with emotional depth. The narrative delves into the complexities of emotional pain and trauma, depicting various characters as they grapple with loss, heartache, self-discovery, and purpose. Notably, sports serve as a central theme in both productions, alongside two protagonists who discover new paths for themselves, both personally and professionally. In Pryce’s case, he is attempting to regain control of his life following a devastating loss, a failed marriage, and the end of his career. Conversely, Ted was dealing with childhood trauma, a collapsed marriage, and striving to be the best father possible for his son.

In a similar vein, both men mask their sorrow with cheerfulness, often appearing jovial and smiley to others. However, behind the scenes, they each have moments of introspection. For Pryce, this leads to escapism through excessive drinking or zoning out from reality. Ted, on the other hand, experiences panic attacks where he feels overwhelmed and unrecognizable, until he can regain his composure again.

It’s unlikely that the show will receive the same level of acclaim as Ted Lasso did at its debut. Nevertheless, there’s potential for the plot to grow more complex, allowing the characters to become even richer and for the storyline to explore mental health issues, especially among males, in greater depth.

If you’re a fan of shows like Ted Lasso and Shrinking, you might find Stick to be an engaging continuation. The show skillfully combines humor with poignant, authentic moments that delve into the everyday human experiences we can all relate to.

The gifted ensemble features Marc Maron as Mitts, Pryce’s ex-caddy and close friend; Mariana Treviño portrays Elena, Santi’s mother; Lilli Kay plays Zero, a young woman who becomes friends with Santi; and Judy Greer takes on the role of Amber-Linn, Pryce’s former spouse. Each character has their own narrative, much like the supporting characters in Ted Lasso. It’s hard to find one you don’t root for.

The two series, “Stick” and an unspecified sports comedy, are like peas in a pod, each offering unique perspectives on sports stories within the small screen realm. While “Stick” might seem familiar, given its resemblance to “Happy Gilmore,” it offers deeper layers beyond its surface-level similarities. As the episodes unfold, much like “Ted Lasso,” it will unexpectedly delve into more complex and serious storylines. Similarly, Wilson, just as Sudeikis, demonstrates his versatility as an actor by taking on roles that go beyond his well-known comedic and one-dimensional characters. Catch “Stick” on Apple TV+.

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2025-06-06 02:02