Timothy Olyphant, known for his charismatic roles in shows like Deadwood and Justified, has taken a sharp turn with his latest character, Clark Ross, in Apple TV+’s Stick. This streaming chart-topper, starring Owen Wilson, has Olyphant playing a villain so loathsome that it might just be his most hated TV role to date. But what makes Clark Ross so detestable, and how does this role break from Olyphant’s usual on-screen persona?
This article dives deep into Olyphant’s portrayal of Clark Ross, exploring the character’s despicable actions and the impact they have on the show’s narrative. We’ll also examine how this role compares to Olyphant’s previous characters, highlighting the actor’s versatility and willingness to challenge audience expectations. Finally, we’ll consider how Olyphant’s performance as Clark Ross elevates Stick and sets the stage for a compelling conclusion to the series.
Timothy Olyphant Plays Stick’s Villain Clark Ross
Clark Ross, previously only seen in commercials and mentioned in passing, fully emerges in Stick episode 8. His actions quickly reveal him to be the show’s primary antagonist. According to Mitts (Marc Maron), Clark caused Pryce’s (Owen Wilson) meltdown at Sawgrass with a cruel comment about his deceased son. This sets the stage for Clark’s overt interactions with the main characters, solidifying his role as a dislikable figure.
Episode 8 showcases Clark’s fake persona, rudeness to fans, and general jerk-like behavior towards Pryce. It’s revealed that Clark’s success stems from sabotaging Pryce at Sawgrass. Fortunately, the episode also delivers a satisfying comeuppance as Pryce, Mitts, Santi (Peter Dager), Elena (Mariana Treviño), and Zero (Lilli Kay) manipulate Clark into giving Santi an exemption to play in the ReadySafe invitational.
Clark Ross Is Timothy Olyphant’s Least Likable TV Role In Over A Decade
Clark’s unlikeable nature stands out in Olyphant’s filmography, where he often plays heroes or anti-heroes. Even his more villainous roles possess some redeeming qualities. Clark, however, seems designed to be despised. This makes Clark Ross Timothy Olyphant’s most irritating character in over a decade.
Consider Dick Wickware in Fargo, an eccentric character with some redeeming qualities. On the other hand, the fictionalized version of Bill O’Reilly on The Daily Show is easy to hate. Even Danny Cordray on The Office, who dated Pam briefly, possessed an overall charm. Clark Ross has none of these likable traits, putting him in a league of his own in Olyphant’s career.
Stick Is The Second Time Timothy Olyphant Has Played The Main Villain In 2025
Interestingly, 2025 marks a year where Timothy Olyphant takes on villainous roles. Aside from Stick, Olyphant also appears in Havoc alongside Tom Hardy, portraying Vincent, a dirty cop attempting to steal cocaine. This role further exemplifies Olyphant’s newfound interest in exploring the darker side of characters.
Olyphant has been taking on more villainous roles recently in movies and shows like Havoc, Stick, Terminator: Zero, and even Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He may even be playing villains in his upcoming series: Snow Blind and the Anya Taylor-Joy-led show Lucky, though details on both are sparse.
Olyphant’s Versatility and the Future of Stick
Olyphant’s willingness to play against type is refreshing, highlighting his skill as an actor. His portrayal of Clark injects new life into Stick, giving the heroes someone to rally against. This dynamic sets the stage for a showdown in the final two episodes. The final two episodes of Stick are going to be a proxy battle between Pryce and Clark to see who is the better golf instructor.
Whether Olyphant’s future roles are heroic or villainous, one thing is certain: he has the ability to elevate any project. If Stick is any indication, the actor’s next television appearances are sure to be captivating.
Impact on Upcoming Series
Though Olyphant has a history of playing good guys on television and bad guys in the movies, shows like Stick have started to turn that around. Olyphant seems to be branching out quite a bit, and he’s taking on roles that challenge what audiences think of him. We already know, for example, that he’s filming Snow Blind.
Olyphant has a history of playing good guys on television and bad guys in the movies, shows like Stick have started to turn that around. Given his capacity for both magnetic charm and unlikeable persona, Olyphant’s next TV show is sure to be special.
Conclusion
Timothy Olyphant’s portrayal of Clark Ross in Stick marks a significant departure from his previous roles. As Stick was floundering for a while there, but now that it has a villain to rally against in the form of Clark, the show is actually finding its groove. By fully embracing the role of a dislikable villain, he not only elevates the show’s narrative but also showcases his own impressive range as an actor.
From Westerns to sci-fi to thrillers, it is clear that is taking on roles that challenge what audiences think of him as well as branching out quite a bit. If Olyphant’s effect on Stick is anything to go by, then his next few TV shows are going to be special. It will be interesting to see what Olyphant does next, now that he is branching out and showing us more of his range.
Leave a Reply