Veteran actor Margo Martindale, known for her raw and unforgettable portrayals, is stepping into one of her most prominent roles yet in Prime Video’s The Sticky. This darkly comic series centers on a high-stakes maple syrup heist, giving Martindale a chance to showcase her versatility as a desperate farmer battling impossible odds.
“This is a woman at the end of her rope, fighting for her life,” Martindale shared with Variety. “Her desperation is both funny and deeply human, and it’s a world I knew nothing about before this.”
Inspired by a Real-Life Maple Syrup Heist
Loosely based on the infamous 2011–2012 Quebec maple syrup heist, The Sticky brings a fictionalized spin to the tale. The actual theft saw over $18.7 million worth of maple syrup—a substance valued 30 times higher than oil—siphoned off and sold to unsuspecting buyers. Unlike the methodical and quiet real-life events, the series adds drama and humor through its ensemble of underdog characters.
Martindale stars as Ruth Landry, a Quebec maple syrup farmer struggling to save her farm while caring for her ailing husband. Her unlikely partners in crime include a down-on-his-luck security guard, Remy Bouchard (Guillame Cyr), and a small-time Boston mobster, Mike Byrne (Chris Diamantopoulos). Together, they attempt a daring heist that seems well beyond their reach.
Building the World of The Sticky
The show’s creators, Brian Donovan and Ed Herro, were inspired to reimagine the heist after learning about the incident from a family member in Canada. They saw potential for a gripping and quirky narrative and set out to craft a story with characters far removed from your typical criminal masterminds.
“The real heist was methodical and frankly, a bit dull,” Herro admitted. “We wanted to make it exciting and infuse the story with personalities you wouldn’t expect to succeed in such a massive undertaking.”
Drawing inspiration from iconic works like Fargo, Breaking Bad, and the Coen Brothers' films, the team focused on blending dark comedy with atmospheric Quebec settings. They also incorporated nods to cinematic greats like Silence of the Lambs and True West, infusing the series with a mix of tension and absurdity.
A Complex Character with Depth and Rage
Martindale brings Ruth Landry to life with a mix of tenderness and volatility. Whether she’s tenderly caring for her husband, exploding with fury in a snow-covered forest, or methodically planning a crime, Ruth is unpredictable and utterly compelling.
“Playing a character with rage and emotional depth is really fun,” Martindale said. “It’s almost second nature for me to dive into someone a little unhinged.”
The role builds on Martindale’s reputation for portraying layered, strong-willed women in shows like The Americans, Justified, and Fargo. But this time, the three-time Emmy winner takes center stage, a shift she finds invigorating.
Breaking the “Invisibility” of Older Women
At 73, Martindale relishes defying stereotypes about aging women in the entertainment industry. “Over the last decade, the invisibility of the older woman has become a topic. I think we’re proving them wrong,” she said. “I’ve always seen myself working for as long as I can, and these roles are more complex and rewarding than I ever imagined.”
Martindale’s passion for playing characters who balance humor and darkness is evident. “I think people connect with these characters because I enjoy them so much. I can slit a guy’s throat in a scene, explain why I’m doing it, and still find the joy in that moment—it’s a fantasy, after all!”
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