In a delightful twist on true crime, Jamie Lee Curtis, Margo Martindale, and other talented actors join forces to present a comedic reinterpretation of the most audacious heist in Canadian history. This series promises to entertain while shining a light on an extraordinary event that many might not know about, thus creating a rich tapestry of humor, drama, and a touch of the absurd.

Engaging Plot Overview: The series, aptly titled The Sticky, centers around Ruth Landry, a determined maple syrup farmer who, in an act of defiance against a ruthless bureaucracy, assembles an unlikely team to pull off what could be dubbed the Canadian heist of the century. Targeting the nation’s multi-million dollar maple syrup surplus, Ruth’s journey not only highlights her resilience but also unveils the lengths to which individuals will go when pushed to their limits.

Thought-Provoking Review: The past decade has been a golden age for true crime enthusiasts, with a plethora of adaptations ranging from podcasts to miniseries that explore the darker side of humanity. Among these, Noah Hawley’s acclaimed anthology series Fargo has demonstrated that even the most eccentric tales can captivate audiences when crafted with exceptional writing. In a similar vein, Prime Video’s The Sticky intertwines dark humor with a true story to create a genuinely entertaining show that offers a much-deserved spotlight on the talented Margo Martindale. Alongside notable performances from Chris Diamantopolous and Guillaume Cyr, this series serves as a brief yet exhilarating dive into a bizarre crime you probably never knew existed.

Historical Context and Creative Adaptation: The Sticky dramatizes the infamous Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist, which transpired between 2011 and 2012. While the series draws inspiration from this real event, the storyline delves into fictional narratives revolving around a cast of unique characters, including farmers, Mafia members, and law enforcement officials from both the United States and Canada. Spanning six half-hour episodes, The Sticky shares thematic similarities with Fargo, notably its small-town backdrop, eccentric personalities, and a compelling examination of characters facing dire circumstances. The portrayal of violence and a nuanced view of Canadian society contrasts sharply with the stereotypical perceptions that many Americans hold, offering a fresh perspective on a little-known heist that allows the writers creative flexibility.

Character Development and Dynamic Relationships: Following a title card that humorously asserts the narrative is not entirely factual, The Sticky introduces its core trio, led by Margo Martindale as Ruth Landy. Known for her remarkable supporting roles in acclaimed series like Justified and The Americans, for which she earned multiple Emmys, Martindale shines brightly in a leading role. Her character grapples with the pressures of maintaining her maple farm while dealing with her husband’s coma and an unscrupulous bureaucrat, Leonard Gauthier (played by Guy Nadon), who seeks to exploit her vulnerability. Ruth’s quest for vengeance leads her to team up with Remy (portrayed by Guillaume Cyr), a security guard with nefarious intentions, and Mike Byrne (played by Chris Diamantopolous), a Boston gangster. Together, they embark on a daring plan to steal millions worth of maple syrup, showcasing the interplay of ambition, desperation, and camaraderie.

Plot Twists and Intriguing Characters: As the trio hatches their elaborate scheme, they encounter a myriad of characters who complicate their plans. Detective Valerie Nadeau (played by Suzanne Clement) and Officer Teddy Green (portrayed by Gita Miller) begin to piece together the threads of the criminals’ plot, striving to apprehend them before they can escape with the stolen syrup. This cat-and-mouse dynamic pushes Ruth, Remy, and Mike to stay one step ahead, leading them to cross paths with a more dangerous figure who emerges as both an adversary and an unexpected ally. This character, played brilliantly by Jamie Lee Curtis, injects both humor and tension into the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the unfolding story. The intricacies of The Sticky’s plot expand with each episode, as the ensemble cast contributes to the suspense surrounding the heist.

Challenges in Storytelling and Series Structure: Despite its engaging premise, The Sticky faces challenges due to its limited six-episode run, with each episode averaging around thirty minutes. The series feels like it could have been crafted as a standalone limited series, yet it ends on a cliffhanger that suggests potential for future storytelling. The abrupt conclusion raises questions about the writers’ vision for the series; the lack of closure might indicate an intention for subsequent seasons. The showrunners, Brian Donovan (American Housewife) and Jeff Herro (The Neighbors), with their sitcom backgrounds, might have intended to extend the narrative beyond the initial season. While directors Michael Dowse and Joyce Wong deliver strong visual storytelling, I found myself wondering if additional episodes were planned, as the material felt ripe for further exploration.

Final Thoughts on the Series: Even with the somewhat unresolved ending that leaves viewers yearning for more, The Sticky has several redeeming qualities. The opportunity to see Margo Martindale in a leading role that she excels in is a major highlight, making the experience worthwhile despite the narrative’s abruptness. The primarily Canadian cast, featuring talents like Mickael Gouin, Joseph Bellerose, and Michael Perron, brings authenticity and depth to the production. Audiences outside Canada may discover a host of exceptional actors they had not previously encountered. With its clever dialogue delivered in both French and English, The Sticky emerges as a darkly comedic and thrilling binge-watch, perfect for the holiday season. Produced by Jamie Lee Curtis and Jason Blum, this series not only showcases an unusual heist but also invites viewers to appreciate the bizarre and humorous side of crime.

The Sticky premieres on December 6th on Prime Video.