Amazon Prime Video’s latest release, The Sticky, delivers a fascinating blend of comedy and crime, inspired by the true story of an $18 million maple syrup heist in Quebec during 2011-12. Despite its tantalizing premise and sharp pacing across six 30-minute episodes, the show doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential, struggling to emulate the dark comedic brilliance of shows like Fargo. Nevertheless, it offers moments of intrigue and entertainment that make it worth exploring.

A Sweet Start: The Premise of The Sticky

Starring the impeccable Margo Martindale (The Americans), The Sticky centers on Ruth, a fiery and resilient maple syrup farmer from Quebec. Ruth’s livelihood is threatened by manipulative local bureaucrats who control the maple syrup trade. In an effort to fight back, she unwittingly dives into a world of crime, orchestrating a heist on Canada’s maple syrup reserves.

The series takes creative liberties with the true story, introducing fictional characters and scenarios while preserving the heist’s audacious essence. This approach allows showrunners Brian Donovan and Ed Herro (American Housewife, The Neighbors) to craft a more character-driven narrative.

The Triumvirate of Chaos: Ruth, Mike, and Remy

At the heart of The Sticky are three underdog characters:

1. Ruth (Margo Martindale): The reluctant criminal who transitions from a humble syrup farmer to an unconventional heist mastermind. Ruth’s journey explores themes of desperation, resilience, and morality, making her a compelling protagonist.
2. Mike (Chris Diamantopoulos): A volatile Boston mobster who adds an edge of unpredictability. His involvement escalates the stakes and introduces comedic friction within the heist crew.
3. Remy (Guillaume Cyr): An oafish French-Canadian security guard and unwitting accomplice, Remy’s antics provide much of the show’s humor. His naivety and quirks make him an endearing presence.

Together, this trio forms the backbone of the series, navigating a chaotic mix of crime, comedy, and personal dilemmas.

Jamie Lee Curtis Joins the Cast

A highlight of “The Sticky “comes in its penultimate episode, featuring Jamie Lee Curtis in a brief but impactful role as a leader within Mike’s criminal organization. While Curtis brings her signature intensity and gravitas, her character is underutilized, leaving viewers craving more of her dynamic presence.

Aiming for Long-Term Sweetness

Rather than wrapping up neatly after one season, The Sticky leaves its story open-ended, signaling the creators’ ambitions for a multi-season arc. Donovan and Herro have outlined plans for up to five seasons, drawing inspiration from shows like Breaking Bad.

“Our goal is to explore how ordinary people evolve when thrust into extraordinary circumstances,” Donovan explained. “Through Ruth, Mike, and Remy, we want to examine the allure and consequences of criminal life over time.”

A Mixed Recipe: Balancing Humor and Crime

While The Sticky captures the absurdity of its premise, it occasionally falters in delivering consistent laughs or gripping tension. Its attempt to emulate Fargo-esque dark comedy sometimes feels forced, and the pacing can be uneven.

The creators have focused heavily on character development, which pays off in moments but leaves some narrative threads undercooked. The regional specificity of Quebec’s maple syrup industry adds a unique flavor, but the show struggles to fully exploit its quirky setting.

Fictionalizing Reality

Though inspired by real events, The Sticky diverges significantly from the factual details of the heist. Donovan noted that the actual crime, while ingenious, lacked the dramatic flair needed for engaging television.

“The real heist was a methodical operation repeated over time,” Donovan explained. “It worked, but it wasn’t exciting TV. By fictionalizing the story, we could focus on the people and their motivations rather than just the mechanics of the crime.”

Should You Watch The Sticky?

The Sticky is an ambitious series that doesn’t quite stick the landing but remains an entertaining watch, particularly for fans of crime-comedies. Its brisk episodes and intriguing characters make it easy to binge, even if the humor doesn’t always hit the mark.

For those drawn to character-driven narratives with a dash of absurdity, The Sticky offers a sweet, if imperfect, viewing experience. Whether it can sustain its charm across multiple seasons remains to be seen, but the creators’ vision promises plenty of potential for future installments.

Now Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

All episodes of The Sticky are now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Dive into this tale of syrup, crime, and unexpected alliances — and decide for yourself if it’s worth tapping into.