Review: Alia Shawkat Elevates A Middling Poker Face Episode

David

2 min read

Post on Jun 22, 2025

4.1

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Review: Alia Shawkat Elevates a Middling Poker Face Episode

Alia Shawkat's guest appearance on the latest episode of Poker Face, "The Stall," almost single-handedly elevates what would otherwise be a middling entry in the Peacock series. While the central mystery remains engaging enough, it's Shawkat's nuanced performance that truly shines, injecting much-needed depth and emotional resonance into the narrative. This review dives into why her performance makes "The Stall" worth watching, despite some predictable plot points.

A Familiar Setup, a Fresh Perspective

The episode follows the familiar Poker Face formula: Charlie Cale (Natasha Lyonne) stumbles upon a crime, uses her uncanny ability to detect lies, and unravels the truth. This time, she finds herself in a quirky roadside diner, encountering a cast of colorful characters, including Shawkat's character, a seemingly unassuming waitress with a hidden layer of complexity. While the initial mystery involving a stolen artifact and a web of deceit is intriguing, it treads familiar ground for the series. The plot, while functional, lacks the surprising twists and turns that have defined some of the show's strongest episodes.

Shawkat's Performance: The True Highlight

However, Shawkat's performance transcends the somewhat predictable plot. Her portrayal of the waitress, whose name is unfortunately not revealed in the episode, is a masterclass in subtle acting. Through carefully controlled expressions and a measured delivery, she conveys a range of emotions – vulnerability, fear, and a quiet strength – that adds significant weight to the narrative. It's a performance that leaves a lasting impression, even after the credits roll. Shawkat effortlessly grounds the more outlandish elements of the plot, making the character relatable and deeply human.

Beyond the Performance: A Look at the Episode's Shortcomings

While Shawkat's performance saves the episode from being entirely forgettable, "The Stall" does have its weaknesses. Some plot points feel overly convenient, and the pacing occasionally drags. The supporting cast, while competent, doesn't quite reach the same level of memorability as Shawkat's character. The mystery itself, while solvable, isn't particularly groundbreaking.

Should You Watch "The Stall"?

The answer is a qualified yes. While not among the strongest episodes of Poker Face, "The Stall" is worth watching solely for Alia Shawkat's exceptional performance. Her nuanced portrayal adds depth and emotional resonance to an otherwise standard episode. Fans of Shawkat, and those who appreciate strong character-driven narratives, will find much to appreciate. For those seeking a consistently thrilling mystery, however, this episode might fall short of expectations.

Keywords: Poker Face, Alia Shawkat, Peacock, TV Review, Natasha Lyonne, The Stall, mystery, crime drama, streaming, TV series review, acting performance, character driven

Related Articles: (Links to other relevant articles, such as reviews of other Poker Face episodes or articles about Alia Shawkat's other work)

Call to Action: Have you seen "The Stall"? Share your thoughts in the comments below!