This review was made possible by Popped receiving advanced screeners of Episodes 1-10 of Poker Face Season 2.
Every good detective story asks a lot of questions. After watching Poker Face Season 2, there are plenty such questions to explore: How does the return to Rian Johnson’s mystery series compare to Season 1? Where in the world is Charlie Cale (Natasha Lyonne) this time around? And most importantly… whodunit? Okay, we won’t actually be discussing whodunit (who did it?) here, as we’re keeping things spoiler-free. But there certainly is a spectacular lineup of guest stars to touch on, and some of them are sure to be suspects. So hop in your Barracuda, fasten your seatbelt, and get ready for a cross-country trip full of murder and intrigue.
Charlie Cale Is Back On The Road In ‘Poker Face’ Season 2
While the finale of Poker Face Season 1 was heading towards Charlie earning herself a clean slate, things took a turn for the worse and she found herself on the run again — this time from mob boss Beatrix Hasp (Rhea Perlman). Yet again, her flight from danger sets up a reason for her constantly changing setting in Season 2. This time around, Charlie is driving her Plymouth Barracuda throughout the eastern U.S. — from Florida to New York, and everything in between. Poker Face excels at offering slices of contemporary American life, funeral, baseball games, funeral homes, and all, and Charlie is a perfectly personable guide through them.
It’s become increasingly clear that really living in these vignettes is the absolute focus of the series, rather than the big picture mob plot. On one hand, the way that arc goes leaves a driving factor to be desired, but on the other, it’s liberating seeing the series fully lean into its episodic quality. At times, Poker Face can feel slightly bogged down by its repeating procedural formula, where the crime is shown, followed by Charlie’s whereabouts during the crime, and then by her solving the whole thing. But this season sees that formula bent, or even broken, in fresh, engaging ways. The mysteries are at their best when it’s not just paint-by-numbers, but something with real stakes, especially when Charlie is involved with the perpetrators in a more active way. Not to mention, that there are some murders that get fairly gruesome, which definitely breaks up any sense of monotony.
Whomighthavedunit In ‘Poker Face’ Season 2
The stories of Poker Face are only as memorable as the performances that present them, and Season 2 brings a phenomenal cast to the table. Right out the gate, Wicked star Cynthia Erivo delivers what is probably the best turn in the entire season. Each episode has a different flavor to it, thanks to the writers and directors being switched up through the season, and of course, the same goes for the actors. From the dramatic, with Alia Shawkat, John Cho, Giancarlo Esposito, and David Krumholtz, to the comedic, with Kumail Nanjiani, Richard Kind, John Mulaney, and Sam Richardson. Many get their time in the spotlight and make the most of it. Nanjiani, in particular, really gets a chance to ham it up in his role. A surprising standout is Eva Jade Halford, a child actor who delivers an enrapturing performance. Overall, while there may be a few who don’t serve their story as well, the hits far outweigh the misses with the star-studded lineup.
The Direction Of ‘Poker Face’ Season 2
The production on Poker Face has never been better, with a list of directors who help nail the tone of each episode, and occasionally experiment with new, playful ideas. The premiere episode starring Cynthia Erivo is actually directed by series creator Rian Johnson himself, who is able to set the stage for Charlie’s return to the screen, while trying out a quite tricky trope. Natasha Lyonne even returns to the director’s episode for two episodes. But most exciting is sure to be a popular director who has yet to be announced for the series, although they helmed one of the episodes we haven’t had access to yet.
Although not very VFX-heavy, what’s shown here is quite realistic-looking for what can’t be a very high-budget series. There are even a few sequences that play with animation. One is hilarious and just absolutely perfect in its execution. The other is played as a heartfelt gag that ends with an image that appears to have possibly been AI-generated. Other Popped contributors covering the series shared the same sentiment about the image, but upon reaching out to Peacock for comment, we were assured it was not AI imagery. Past that, excellent craftwork through the season.
‘Poker Face’ Season 2 – Final Thoughts
Rian Johnson’s Poker Face is back in full force, committing even more to its episodic procedural format. Amidst a streaming ecosystem full of shows that are demanding of viewers, it’s a refreshing oasis where you can kick your feet up, hit play, solve a mystery with Charlie Cale, and come back next week for more. Its wandering nature keeps things fresh each week, and although the stakes may sometimes feel low, the series knows how to throw a curveball or two. Poker Face is the whodunit to watch, and we’ll always be starving for as much as we can get.
Poker Face Season 2 premieres with 3 episodes on Peacock on May 8. New episodes release every Thursday. Check out the trailer below:
