The Sticky, a new Prime Video series, dives headfirst into the sticky sweetness of a real-life Canadian caper: the audacious theft of millions of dollars worth of maple syrup from Quebec’s national reserves. This isn’t a straight-laced documentary, however. Instead, the series blends the absurdity of the real-life heist with a potent cocktail of dark comedy and dramatic tension, resulting in a captivating narrative that follows a trio of unlikely accomplices as they navigate the treacherous terrain of their increasingly complicated scheme. Jamie Lee Curtis, a producer on the series and a guest star, sums it up succinctly, describing the series with an enthusiastic, “Sh*t gets whack! It is whack-a-doodle!”
At the heart of this sticky situation is Ruth Landry, a hardened maple syrup farmer portrayed by the Emmy-winning Margo Martindale. When bureaucratic forces threaten to strip Ruth of her livelihood and her beloved farm, she’s driven to desperate measures. This desperation ignites a spark of criminal intent, prompting her to mastermind the heist that forms the backbone of the series. Joining Ruth in her audacious endeavor are two contrasting figures: Mike, a volatile Boston mobster played by Chris Diamantopoulos, and Remy, a gentle, French-Canadian security guard brought to life by Guillaume Cyr. This unusual alliance, forged in the crucible of shared desperation, forms the core of the series’ comedic and dramatic energy.
The genesis of The Sticky originated from a chance conversation at a Christmas party. Creator and showrunner Brian Donovan first heard about the real-life maple syrup heist from his Canadian brother-in-law. The story immediately captivated Donovan, and within a week, he and fellow creator and showrunner Ed Herro were diligently developing the concept. They envisioned a narrative that would not only capture the outlandish nature of the crime but also delve into the human drama driving the individuals involved. They aimed to strike a delicate balance between comedy and drama, allowing the inherent absurdity of the situation to fuel the humor while maintaining a grounded portrayal of the characters’ serious predicament.
The series’ comedic approach is subtly woven into the fabric of the narrative, arising organically from the characters’ actions and reactions rather than relying on traditional joke setups and punchlines. Herro explains that this approach aims for a heightened sense of realism, emphasizing the characters’ serious commitment to their desperate plan, which ironically becomes the source of the humor. The escalating stakes and the characters’ unflappable dedication to their increasingly convoluted plot contribute to the comedic tapestry of the series. As Donovan highlights, each attempted solution only exacerbates their predicament, creating a domino effect of worsening situations that propel the narrative forward.
Jamie Lee Curtis’s involvement with The Sticky began with a strong desire to portray Ruth Landry. Drawn to the compelling script, which she found both humorous and moving, Curtis initially envisioned herself taking on the lead role. However, circumstances ultimately prevented her from embodying the character. Undeterred, Curtis personally reached out to Margo Martindale, convinced that Martindale was the perfect fit for Ruth. In a playful recounting of their conversation, Martindale reveals Curtis’s insistent encouragement, practically demanding she accept the role even before Martindale had a chance to read the script.
Martindale eventually agreed, throwing herself into the role with characteristic dedication. She devoted significant time to perfecting a Canadian accent, immersing herself in the nuances of Ruth’s world. Amusingly, Martindale also notes that her appearance in the series is perhaps her least glamorous to date, a factor she believes actually aided her in inhabiting the character of the rugged maple syrup farmer. Diamantopoulos, in discussing his character Mike, describes him as a self-styled, James Bond-esque gangster, blissfully unaware of his own inherent loser qualities. The heist, in Mike’s eyes, represents a final opportunity for redemption, a chance to prove his worth to himself and others. Cyr, playing the gentle giant Remy, brings a touch of warmth and light to the trio, portraying a lovable character whose inherent goodness makes him instantly endearing to the audience.
The Sticky arrives at a time when, according to Curtis, audiences are craving a shared sense of connection and a touch of levity amidst the challenges of the world. She believes the series offers a much-needed dose of escapism and camaraderie, a perfect antidote to the “f-ed up” state of things. The blend of humor, drama, and the sheer absurdity of the premise creates a unique viewing experience, offering audiences a chance to laugh, empathize, and perhaps even find solace in the shared human experience of navigating difficult situations. With all six episodes readily available on Prime Video globally, The Sticky promises a delightful and engaging binge-watching experience, a journey into the world of stolen maple syrup and the unlikely band of characters who dare to take on the system.
