Stick Season 1 Episode 3 Ending Breakdown

Nivedita Dubey
June 4, 2025

Summary:

Stick episode 3 introduces Zero, who could impact Santi and Pryce’s dynamic.
Santi distances himself from Pryce despite winning the tournament.
Mittsy’s grief and Pryce’s gambling issues begin to take shape.

Stick episode 3 sets a turning point for the Apple TV+ golf comedy as the characters begin to face deeper emotional and interpersonal challenges. Santi’s first tournament ends in triumph, but personal conflicts simmer beneath the surface. The arrival of Zero adds new tension and possibility, and viewers are left with important questions about where these relationships are headed.

Why Is Zero’s Arrival So Important in Stick Episode 3?

Zero, played by Lilli Kay, makes a memorable entrance in episode 3, immediately establishing themselves as a wildcard. Labelled as “trouble” and clearly skeptical of Pryce’s (Owen Wilson) methods, Zero appears positioned to challenge the dynamics of the team. They have no patience for mistreatment and quickly form a bond with Santi (Peter Dager), who benefits mentally after their interaction.

After speaking with Zero, Santi performs remarkably on the back nine of the tournament, going eight under par. This surge suggests Zero may have the unique ability to help Santi remain calm under pressure. As Pryce has already admitted Santi needs help with emotional control, Zero could play a role akin to a personal mental coach.

There’s also a strong implication that Zero might become a more permanent fixture. Given Pryce’s unorthodox coaching style and the visible benefits Zero provided, it’s plausible they could be invited to join the road team. However, the emerging romantic tension between Zero and Santi might complicate things, especially with Elena’s presence in the group.

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Why Did Santi Reject Pryce After His Tournament Victory?

Although Santi wins his tournament, he coldly dismisses Pryce afterward, even telling him to “f**k off.” While this may appear abrupt, several moments in the episode provide context. Elena explains that Santi’s father was verbally abusive after poor golf performances, and Pryce’s reaction to Santi’s slow front nine echoes that same critical behavior.

Santi sees Pryce not as a supportive mentor, but as another overbearing figure who lashes out under pressure. Zero’s remark that Pryce is “exploiting” Santi may have further influenced his thinking. Moreover, Santi’s teenage overconfidence and emotional volatility also contribute to his reaction. He believes he won on his own, without Pryce’s input, and wants to assert his independence.

The scene reflects the wider emotional arc of Stick, where characters carry trauma into their interactions. For Santi, rejecting Pryce is not just about one tournament, but about distancing himself from a coaching style that reminds him too much of his past.

What Do We Know About Mittsy’s Wife In Stick?

While the show doesn’t explicitly detail what happened to Mittsy’s (Marc Maron) wife, enough context is given to form a clear picture. Mittsy mentions that he bought his RV with the plan of visiting national parks with his wife, a dream cut short by her unexpected death.

Mittsy’s gruff demeanor and emotional distance are closely tied to his grief. His dialogue with Elena reveals that he never got to take the journey he planned with his wife, indicating her death was likely sudden. If her illness had been prolonged, he might have postponed buying the RV or taken the trip alone sooner.

Mittsy’s continued frustration and loneliness suggest unresolved mourning. His interactions with Elena and Pryce hint at a slow progression toward healing, but his grief remains a significant part of his character development in Stick.

Why Did Pryce Bet On Santi’s Tournament In Stick Episode 3?

Pryce’s decision to bet on Santi’s performance, despite previously downplaying the tournament’s importance, reveals deeper personal struggles. Throughout the show, Stick has hinted at Pryce’s financial issues and gambling tendencies. Early episodes showed him hustling bar patrons and struggling with unpaid parking tickets.

Betting on Santi seems to stem from a mix of desperation and addiction. While Pryce frames his outburst as tough coaching, it becomes clear that his financial stake in the game influenced his behavior. His harsh reaction after Santi’s slow start highlights how gambling is clouding his judgment and putting strain on his relationships.

As Stick progresses, Pryce’s gambling problem is likely to be a central theme. His inability to separate his coaching role from his personal issues threatens to damage his bond with Santi further, and could derail the team’s progress if left unaddressed.

Stick Episode 3 Marks A Turning Point For The Characters

Episode 3 serves as the end of the introduction phase for Stick, setting up long-term conflicts and character growth. Zero’s arrival brings a new dynamic to the road team, offering Santi emotional support while clashing with Pryce’s authority. Santi’s defiance after winning reveals that his relationship with Pryce may take longer to stabilize.

Meanwhile, Mittsy’s personal story is quietly evolving in the background, his grief providing emotional depth. Pryce, on the other hand, must confront his financial recklessness if he hopes to remain a stable mentor. As the amateur golf tour continues, Stick appears set to explore the vulnerabilities behind its quirky road trip comedy.