It can be a surprise for fans of “Star Wars” who had never even heard his name before “The Last Jedi” was released, but Rian Johnson has always been a student of the art of narration, and “poker facing” is perhaps the most satisfactory when he is considered an extension of his particular interests (including His well -documented love of baseball). Make no mistake, season 2 has another row of murderer – the pun is certainly intended – writers and directors leaving their marks on each episode. Some of the strongest and most memorable scripts come from the writers credited Laura Deeley, Wyatt Cain, Tony Tost, Kate Thulin and Megan Amram, while directors Adam Arkin, Miguel Arteta, Lucky McGee and Mimi Cave bring the visual flair worthy of a series of colors like this. (Even Natasha Lyonne embarks on action as a co-series and director of episode 2, one of the most daring hours of the season.) But those who are aware of the wider filmography of Johnson, from the “brick” to “The Brothers Bloom” in “Knives Out”, will still find an even more appreciated appreciation for what could be the purest distillation of Rian Johnson.
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Like its creator, “Poker Face” carries each influence on its sleeve. The kind of criminal fiction has the benefit of decades (otherwise centuries) of the story to be drawn, and the readers of Agatha Christie will find as much pleasure of the twists and turns of the season as the lovers of the films who watched each adaptation of Raymond Chandler under the sun. Heck, there are enough hilarious numenins of beloved cinema classics and endearing blows taken in moviegoers to make this position with “The Studio” by Seth Rogen, at least in terms of restoration at the Twitter cinema. (No, I do not call it “film X” and you should not either.) There is something to say for modern stories which are still well aware of the past, remixing the tropes of past years and transforming them into new and original approaches. Just when you think you understood where they are going, the creative team stops the carpet under you and makes you guess until the last.
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But, at the end of the day, “Poker Face” also understands that the momentary sensations of a carefully arranged surprise are only momentary things. What keeps viewers hanging on a series like this, inevitably, is the feeling of being in the hands of artists who care. Certain episodes are light and completely ridiculous rimns to a fault, while others sometimes feel a little too smart for their own good. Everyone, however, delivers something that we can simply no longer take for granted. With each autonomous adventure and a trivially premeditated murder, “Poker Face” stands out like an oasis in a streaming desert. No lie detected.
/ Film assessment: 7.5 out of 10
“Poker Face” will be presented on Peacock with his first three episodes on May 8, 2025, followed by a new episode in streaming every Thursday.
