Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Stick Season 1, Episode 3
Move over,Ted Lasso, becauseStickis the new Apple TV+ show that’s making us fall in love with a sweet human being attempting to coach the next generation in a sport some may not know much about. A similar wholesome and comedic tone is an immediate winner withOwen Wilson’s protagonist, Pryce, who has the natural charisma and chemistry with his fellow cast mates that makes the show an easy and comforting watch. Aside from Pryce, in just the three episodes released so far, many colorful characters have broadened and deepened the world ofStickandcreated fascinating dynamics that I’m already excited about.
However, while it was Wilson whom I was expecting to be the core of whatever enjoyment I got fromStick, his character is not at all involved in what is undoubtedly my favorite character pairing on the show. That would be Pryce’s former caddy and bitter grouch, Mitts (Marc Maron) and Santi’s (Peter Dager) protective and no-nonsense mother, Elena (Mariana Treviño). These two clash in what is one of the more tense relationships on the show, yet seem to have the potential for an unlikely connection that both characters arguably need in their lives. Whether that be a romantic or platonic connection is yet to be seen, but as long as I keep getting to see these two bicker in a playful battle of wits, I will be very happy.
Elena and Mitts Argue When They First Meet on ‘Stick’
Stick’s central narrative focuses on Pryce taking Santi on the road to train him as aprofessional golfer, though this means they need a mode of transportation and housing due to Pryce’slimited budget. Enter Mitts' RV and the shock for both him and Elena at the other’s presence during their journey. In a boring show, their annoyance at the new stranger might only be conveyed in scenes to their respective confidants, Pryce and Santi. However, because of Mitts' blunt and Elena’s strong, take-no-disrespect attitudes, right from their introduction, the relationship is frosty.
One of the hilarious parts of this isMitts' reaction to Elena’s three small dogs that join the group, as they are the perfect excuse for the pair to dual each other with their differing opinions and witty digs. Mitts is far more to the point of laughing at Elena’s dogs somehow being descended from wolves, whereas Elena is more clever and direct, retorting that Mitts' fly is down and saying that he is descended from a monkey. I’m not doing it near enough justice for how funny it is in the show, but believe me when I say I could watch these two go back and forth for entire episodes without getting bored because of the opposite ways they seek to undermine the other.
Elena and Mitts' Conflicting Dynamic Switches Up ‘Stick’s Tone in the Best Way
If there was one criticism someone could genuinely raise aboutStickin its opening few episodes, it could be that it can feel almost too comforting at times, with little edge to give us stakes. However,Mitts and Elena’s rivalry certainly shakes things up. We get to not only laugh at Pryce’s ambition or Santi’s youthful flippant attitude, but at two strong personalities clashing. This only then makes it more powerful when positive connections are made, even in scenes without the two characters.
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‘Stick’ streams on Apple TV+.
When Santi and Zero (Lilli Kay) begin their friendship in Episode 3, “Daddy Issues,” it’s not only significant because Pryce and Santi have been arguing, but because it is such a change of pace compared to Mitts and Elena’sconflict-filled relationship. If everyone was forming positive bonds with no trouble, or only having momentary spats, this friendship would not feel as unique and special as it does, and would make Santi’s ultimate victory at the end of the episode less impactful.
There Is a Loving Connection Brewing Between Mitts and Elena in ‘Stick’
I know my main enjoyment of watching Mitts and Elena has been their arguing, but that isn’t to say it is a one-note dynamic thatStickis creating. Through their clashes, we get to explore different sides to their character we might not get otherwise. When Mitts is trapped under the bed in Episode 3 and Elena struggles to get him out, their conflict almost reaches itsboiling pointand forces these characters to find a different way of communicating to work together. Elena, for example, opens up about her previous marriage to a toxic man,and how she refuses to deal with men like that anymore. While Pryce and Elena seem to find it easy to talk about their pasts to each other, this feels far more personal because Elena has to trust Mitts not to be his regular, unfeeling, self.
This then allows Mitts to undergo the biggest change seen in a character so far, as he tells Elena about his deceased wife and how that was what made him such a rude person. It’s clear Mitts was always a little bit sarcastic, but his wife appeared to be the light that softened him. Theirshared issues in the past show us an immediate growth in Mitt’s characterand opens him for a character arc that could see him become weirdly lighthearted while still trying to maintain his bitter demeanor, almost likeRoy Kent (Brett Goldstein) inTed Lasso.
With the understanding him and Elena come to by the end of the episode, it opens up different possibilities for where their relationship might go. What feels overwhelmingly likely is that this will blossom into romance, and they will get together by the end of the show. However, there is nothing wrong with just having these two become best friends or even platonic partners who have been through similar experiences. I already love these two as a pairing, so maybeStickwill make me love them as a couple as well. Either way,if we get nothing else fromStick, I just hope these two end up happy.
