In Prime Video's new crime comedy series "The Sticky," veteran character actress Margo Martindale steps into a well-deserved spotlight as the lead character Ruth Landy, delivering a nuanced performance that anchors this quirky heist story set in Quebec's maple syrup industry.
The six-episode series follows Ruth, a struggling maple syrup farmer who refuses to part with her property after her husband falls into a coma. She gets entangled with Remy Bouchard (Guillaume Cyr), a reserved security guard, and Mike Byrne (Chris Diamantopoulos), a Boston mobster, in an elaborate scheme to rob Quebec's Maple Syrup Reserve.
Drawing inspiration from real events while taking creative liberties, "The Sticky" masterfully balances dark humor with crime drama elements reminiscent of "Fargo." The unlikely trio's heist plans go awry when a dead body complicates matters, leading to pursuit by local law enforcement.
Martindale brings emotional depth and authenticity to Ruth's journey through grief and determination. Her performance is complemented by Cyr's unpredictable portrayal of Remy and Diamantopoulos's layered take on Mike. Jamie Lee Curtis adds star power with a memorable guest appearance that blends menace with humor.
While the compact 30-minute episodes make for an engaging viewing experience, the series ends somewhat abruptly, leaving several plot threads unresolved - possibly setting up a second season. Despite this, "The Sticky" stands out for its unique premise and skillful tonal balance, creating an entertaining crime caper that never loses sight of its characters' humanity.
The show's directors Michael Dowse and Joyce Wong, along with creators Brian Donovan and Ed Herro, have crafted a distinctive series that proves even maple syrup can be the foundation for compelling drama when paired with the right talent - particularly Martindale, who proves she's more than capable of carrying a series on her shoulders.
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