What is the plot?

The episode "Showtime" of Stick season 1 opens with the Ready Safe Invitational tournament beginning in Oklahoma. Santi Wheeler arrives at the event, visibly nervous but excited to compete alongside professional golfers he admires, including Keegan Bradley and Wyndham Clark. Santi registers for the tournament, feeling the weight of the moment as he prepares to prove himself on a big stage.

Santi's first round does not go well. He starts off with a lackluster performance, struggling under the pressure of playing against his idols and in front of a large crowd. His initial poor showing puts him at risk of elimination, forcing him to realize he must significantly improve his game in the following rounds to stay in the tournament. This humbling experience marks a turning point for Santi, who has been arrogant throughout the season.

Meanwhile, Pryce Cahill, the washed-up former pro golfer, is present at the tournament and is reminded of his own past successes by seeing current pros like Wyndham Clark. Pryce's presence at the event underscores his ongoing quest for redemption and relevance in the golf world. His interactions with Santi and others highlight the contrast between his faded glory and Santi's rising potential.

Clark Ross, who had previously been antagonistic, makes a surprising move by attempting to recruit Santi to join his golf academy. Despite this, Clark's demeanor has softened somewhat, and he remains a complex figure in the story. Santi and his team, including Pryce, Mitts, Elena, and Zero, continue to navigate the challenges of the tournament and their personal dynamics.

Santi's relationship with Zero intensifies during the episode. After a day of practice and reflection, Santi and Zero share a passionate kiss on top of the RV, rekindling their emotional connection. This moment adds depth to Santi's character, showing his vulnerability and the importance of his support system as he faces the pressures of professional golf.

As the tournament progresses, Santi works hard to improve his game, determined to overcome his shaky start. The episode features more golf action than previous ones, with Santi pushing himself to perform better and stay in contention. The presence of real PGA golfers adds authenticity to the competition scenes.

The episode concludes with a significant reveal: the introduction of Gary Wheeler, Santi's father and Elena's ex-husband. Gary approaches Pryce first, presenting himself as a fan, but Elena quickly recognizes him. Gary explains that he has reconnected with Santi and Elena because he wants to be involved in his son's life now that Santi's golf career is taking off. This unexpected appearance sets up new family drama and emotional stakes for the season finale.

The final scene shows Pryce being approached by a fan who claims Pryce's prime golf swing was better than Tiger Woods', a compliment that momentarily lifts Pryce's spirits and hints at his potential comeback. This moment closes the episode on a hopeful note for Pryce's redemption arc.

What is the ending?

The ending of Stick season 1, episode 9, "Showtime," concludes with Santi Wheeler making his debut at the Ready Safe Invitational PGA tournament, feeling both excited and nervous. The episode ends on a significant emotional note as Santi's father, Gary Wheeler, unexpectedly appears and reconnects with him, setting up important drama for the season finale.

Expanded narrative of the ending scene by scene:

The episode opens with the Ready Safe Invitational tournament underway, bringing together professional golfers from across the country. Santi Wheeler, the teenage golf prodigy, is thrilled to be competing in his first PGA event but is visibly nervous about the high stakes and the pressure to perform well.

As the tournament progresses, Santi focuses on his game, supported by Pryce Cahill, the former pro who discovered him, and the rest of their close-knit group. Pryce has worked hard behind the scenes to secure Santi a sponsorship exemption, allowing him to participate despite being a newcomer.

Meanwhile, Clark Ross, a rival figure who had previously been antagonistic, shows a surprising shift in attitude. He attempts to persuade Santi to join his golf academy, recognizing the young player's potential. This adds tension to the episode, as Santi must weigh his loyalty and future options.

The climax of the episode is not just about the tournament but the personal stakes for Santi. At the very end, after a day of intense competition, Santi spots a man in the crowd--his father, Gary Wheeler, who had been absent from his life. Santi runs up to Gary and embraces him warmly, sharing a tender and emotional moment that had been long awaited. Gary explains that he reconnected with Santi and Elena, Santi's mother, because he wanted to be part of his son's life now that Santi is making a name for himself in professional golf.

This reunion is a pivotal moment, highlighting themes of family, reconciliation, and the personal challenges behind the public success. The episode closes with this emotional reunion, leaving viewers anticipating how Gary's return will affect Santi's journey in the season finale.

Fate of main characters at the end of episode 9:

  • Santi Wheeler: Successfully debuts at the PGA tournament, emotionally reconnected with his father, setting up new personal and professional challenges.
  • Pryce Cahill: Continues to mentor and support Santi, having secured his entry into the tournament.
  • Gary Wheeler: Reintroduced as Santi's father, now actively seeking to be involved in his son's life.
  • Clark Ross: Attempts to recruit Santi to his academy, indicating potential rivalry or alliance shifts ahead.

This ending sets the stage for the final episode by deepening character relationships and raising the stakes both on and off the golf course.

Is there a post-credit scene?

The TV show "Stick," season 1, episode 9 titled "Showtime" (2025), does not have any mention of a post-credit scene in the available detailed recaps and reviews. The episode ends with a significant emotional reunion between Santi and his father Gary, setting up drama for the finale, but no additional scenes after the credits are reported in the sources reviewed.

The episode concludes with Gary, Santi's father and Elena's ex-husband, appearing and revealing his admiration for Pryce, followed by Santi running up to hug his father with tears in his eyes. This moment is described as a powerful setup for the season finale, but no post-credit or after-credits scene is indicated in the summaries or analyses.

Therefore, based on the current information, there is no post-credit scene in "Stick" season 1, episode 9 "Showtime."

What happens to Santi in the Ready Safe Invitational tournament in episode 9?

In episode 9, titled 'Showtime,' Santi Wheeler participates in the Ready Safe Invitational, his first professional golf tournament. He starts off with a lackluster game that puts him at a disadvantage, forcing him to overperform the next day to stay in the tournament. The episode features real PGA golfers and highlights Santi's struggle with pressure and arrogance as he competes alongside his idols like Keegan Bradley and Wyndham Clark.

How is Pryce Cahill portrayed in episode 9 and what is his role?

Pryce Cahill, played by Owen Wilson, is shown as a beat-up ex-PGA pro who remains a significant presence in the pro golf scene despite his current circumstances. Episode 9 focuses on his interactions with Santi and other characters, and he is approached by a fan who claims Pryce's prime swing was better than Tiger Woods'. Pryce's character helps ground the story in the sport and adds depth to the interpersonal drama.

What new character is introduced in episode 9 and what is their significance?

Episode 9 introduces Gary Wheeler, Santi's father, played by Mackenzie Astin. This is the first time the series shows Santi's father, who wants to reconnect with Santi after hearing about his son's pro golf career. Gary's introduction adds a new layer of family drama and sets up further developments for the season finale.

How does the episode depict the relationship between Santi and his father Gary?

In episode 9, Santi embraces his father Gary instead of rejecting him, which is significant for the character development and the overall story arc. This moment suggests a potential reconciliation and adds emotional depth to Santi's personal journey within the series.

What role do professional golfers play in episode 9?

Episode 9 features several real professional golfers, including Keegan Bradley and Wyndham Clark, who participate in the Ready Safe Invitational tournament. Their presence adds authenticity to the golf scenes and helps emphasize the stakes for Santi and Pryce. The episode uses these pros to highlight the competitive environment and to remind viewers of Pryce's past prominence in the sport.

Is this family friendly?

The TV show Stick, season 1 episode 9 titled "Showtime" (2025), is rated TV-MA, indicating it is intended for mature audiences and may not be family friendly for children or sensitive viewers.

Potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects include:

  • Mature themes related to pressure and competition in professional sports, which might be intense for younger viewers.
  • Romantic elements and "romantic sparks" that may involve situations or dialogue unsuitable for children.
  • Some divisive character behavior, such as complaints or generational conflicts, which could be perceived as negative or annoying by sensitive viewers.
  • The show's tone is described as a sports comedy with some dramatic tension, but it is not specifically designed as a light or purely family-friendly series.

No explicit mention of violence, strong language, or graphic content was found in the available information, but the TV-MA rating suggests some mature content is present. Overall, Stick episode 9 is likely better suited for older teens and adults rather than young children or highly sensitive audiences.