This week’s crime drama series is almost like a fantastic TV show. Starring Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Kale, who has a unique knack for distinguishing truth from lies, the story hearkens back to classic narratives. Each episode unfolds a new crime, showcasing an array of impressive guest stars and delving into how society perceives these acts. Lyonne, with her distinctive voice, embodies Kale as a charismatic figure who’s easy to root for. She’s got this laid-back vibe—think indie chic from the 1970s with her shades, spray-on jeans, and wild hair. It’s a bold depiction, breaking rules yet remaining strangely appealing, capturing that old-school charm of mischievousness and truth-telling. What’s not to like here?
I guess the central mystery might be a sticking point. Many episodes of “Poker Face,” while not directly credited to director Rian Johnson this season, kick off with a brief scene showing a crime, often a murder, followed by how the hero becomes intertwined with both the perpetrator and the victim. Since the series premiere, Kale has been on the run from a shady casino owner who initially wanted her gone due to her involvement in some dramatic events. In the new season, yet another dubious casino mogul seeks to exploit her unique skill of detecting lies. To evade capture, she randomly traverses the U.S., finding herself caught up with a careless murderer.
The premise is intentionally outlandish. The crimes presented in “Poker Face,” like stolen breast milk or a suspicious robotic crocodile, are quirky but not so bizarre that they drift into absurdity typical of vintage murder mysteries. The humor is subtle, not laugh-out-loud, which might be a missed opportunity, especially since a funnier cast might have brightened the tone. While it can feel stylized, the drama remains engaging enough, despite its campy elements.
Interestingly, one might ponder whether the mysteries themselves are clever or just convoluted. Unfortunately, the plots often veer from predictable to merely average. Unlike other anthology series, “Poker Face” leans more toward showcasing the method (“HowCatchem”) rather than the typical whodunit style. This means viewers might not get the jarring twists they expect from similar programs like “Black Mirror.” This isn’t necessarily a drawback if handled well. However, Kale’s abilities are only partially effective; though she has a knack for sensing deception, her revelations often come from picking up vague hints rather than solving intricate puzzles.
Amid diverse settings—from gyms to baseball fields—the series features many guest stars like Katie Holmes and Awkwafina. Kale frequently finds herself at the scene of the crime while juggling odd jobs to keep afloat. There’s a formulaic nature to the narrative, which becomes more pronounced in episodes that don’t stray from the expected. A particularly strong episode involving her tense dealings with crime boss Beatrix Hasp (played impressively by Rhea Perlman) illustrates the series’ potential, as it pushes Kale to navigate dangers without explicitly revealing the outcome.
These episodes can be the most aggravating, showcasing how effective “Poker Face” can be when tackling more complex mysteries and engaging crimes that surprise the audience. Here’s hoping for those rare moments that truly captivate.
Currently, “Poker Face” is airing on Skymax in the UK, with plans to stream in the U.S. on Peacock and in Australia on Stan.
