Between 2011 and 2012, thieves orchestrated one of the most significant and distinctly Canadian robberies in history, making off with $18 million worth of maple syrup from the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers. Known as the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist, this bold crime has now been transformed into a TV adaptation on Prime Video called *The Sticky*. Brought to life by *American Housewife* creators Brian Donovan and Ed Herro, the series features Margo Martindale, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Guillaume Cyr as an unexpected crew of syrup thieves. While the chemistry among the trio is palpable, does it sustain *The Sticky* through its winding path to the notorious heist?
### What is *The Sticky* about?
Although *The Sticky* is inspired by real-life events, the series establishes early on that it’s “absolutely not” a factual recounting. The core idea—a group attempting to pilfer maple syrup from Quebec’s syrup authority—remains, yet the characters and their scenarios are entirely fabricated.
The narrative revolves around three individuals facing tough times. First, we have Ruth Landry (Margo Martindale), a syrup farmer battling to retain her property while looking after her comatose spouse. Ruth contends with increasing pressure from the corrupt syrup association that is threatening to take her farm. Next is Remy Bouchard (Guillaume Cyr), the association’s only security guard, who is underappreciated and overworked, quietly rebelling by swiping a barrel of syrup each month. Lastly, we meet Mike Byrne (Chris Diamantopoulos), a Boston mobster eager to execute a heist independent of his crime family back in the U.S.
United by desperation and their circumstances, Ruth, Remy, and Mike devise a scheme to overthrow the syrup association and extract their sweet vengeance. But as is the case with any heist narrative, plans often go awry, and the trio encounters one sticky predicament after another.
### A heist crew with irresistible chemistry
While the allure of maple syrup antics might draw an audience, the true essence of *The Sticky* resides in the dynamic among its three main characters. Martindale, Cyr, and Diamantopoulos give exceptional solo performances, yet their interactions as a disjointed heist team shine brightest.
Martindale’s Ruth is a formidable presence, unafraid to charge into the syrup association’s offices wielding a fallen tree or airing her grievances against its unscrupulous leader, Leonard Gauthier (Guy Nadon). Conversely, Cyr’s Remy is gentle and frequently disregarded, making him an ideal counterbalance to Ruth’s fiery nature. Nevertheless, his mild-mannered persona doesn’t prevent clashes with the hot-tempered Mike, who consistently endeavors to position himself as the team’s leader. Mike’s bravado often results in comedic missteps, including a series of icy tumbles in the snow of Quebec that become increasingly humorous with each recurrence.
The series provides the trio ample chances to connect, whether through planning meetings, road trips, or heated debates over syrup logistics. These instances foster tension and camaraderie, resulting in genuinely entertaining syrup-related disagreements. However, as the series progresses, it occasionally feels like the heist itself takes a backseat to the unfolding drama.
### A heist that takes a backseat
Despite its quick six-episode run (with each episode clocking in under 30 minutes), *The Sticky* sometimes seems weighed down in its lead-up to the heist. Both Ruth and Remy stray from the plan at different stages, only to quickly return. Meanwhile, outside challenges, such as the introduction of new security guard Gary (Meegwun Fairbrother) or the interference of Mike’s Boston mob associates—including Jamie Lee Curtis as mobster Bo—postpone the heist even further. While some of these diversions lead to entertaining side stories, others feel like unnecessary delays or setups for a possible second season.
The show’s small-town dynamics, established early on, are significantly more engaging than the Bostonian subplot. For example, a scene where a local diner denies Leonard syrup with his breakfast illustrates the unity among townsfolk and farmers. Unfortunately, these connections remain largely unexplored, which leaves the world of *The Sticky* feeling somewhat underdeveloped.
When the heist finally materializes, it lacks the vibrancy and humor of the earlier planning sequences, which had been presented as darkly comedic “what if” scenarios. The actual execution seems more muted by comparison, rendering the climax less fulfilling than anticipated.
### Sweet performances make up for a slow burn
Although *The Sticky* may stumble in presenting a truly captivating heist, its characters compensate magnificently. Martindale, Cyr, and Diamantopoulos form a trio of flawed yet endearing criminals whose evolving relationships are delightful.