Review: Alia Shawkat Shines In A Lackluster Episode Of Poker Face

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 22, 2025

4.9

Share

Review: Alia Shawkat Shines in a Lackluster Episode of Poker Face

Alia Shawkat's performance is the only winning hand in a disappointingly weak episode of Peacock's Poker Face. While the series has consistently delivered clever mysteries and compelling characters, "The Stall" falls flat, relying on predictable plot points and a lack of genuine suspense. However, Shawkat's nuanced portrayal of a struggling artist provides a much-needed bright spot in an otherwise underwhelming installment.

This week's case revolves around a seemingly simple art heist gone wrong. Charlie Cale (Natasha Lyonne), our poker-faced detective with an uncanny ability to spot deception, finds herself embroiled in the aftermath of a stolen painting at a prestigious art gallery. While the central mystery presents a familiar structure – a collection of suspicious characters with hidden motives – the execution lacks the ingenuity and surprising twists that have characterized previous episodes. The clues are presented rather bluntly, leaving little room for audience participation and deduction.

<h3>Alia Shawkat Elevates a Weak Script</h3>

Despite the episode's shortcomings, Alia Shawkat delivers a captivating performance as the enigmatic artist, Zia. Shawkat masterfully portrays Zia's vulnerability and underlying desperation, adding layers of complexity to a character that could easily have been a one-dimensional archetype. Her performance is filled with subtle emotional cues, making Zia a compelling figure even within the context of a less-than-stellar narrative. Shawkat's ability to convey so much with a single glance or gesture is truly remarkable and keeps the audience invested despite the predictable plot.

<h3>Predictable Twists and Missed Opportunities</h3>

The episode's central mystery suffers from predictability. The "reveal" feels rushed and lacks the satisfying "aha!" moment that previous episodes have expertly delivered. The supporting characters, while adequately performed, are underdeveloped, lacking the depth and intrigue that have previously defined Poker Face's ensemble cast. This leads to a sense of detachment from the characters' motivations and ultimately weakens the overall impact of the narrative. The episode feels like a missed opportunity, failing to leverage the established strengths of the show.

<h3>A Mixed Bag for Poker Face</h3>

"The Stall" ultimately serves as a reminder that even the strongest shows have occasional off-episodes. While the episode's weak plot and predictable twists are disappointing, Alia Shawkat's stellar performance manages to salvage some of its value. Her portrayal of Zia provides a compelling reason to watch, offering a glimpse into the emotional depth that Poker Face excels at showcasing when its narrative is on point. For fans of Shawkat, this episode is certainly worth a watch, but those seeking a consistently thrilling mystery might find themselves feeling a little let down.

<h3>Should you watch "The Stall"?</h3>

Ultimately, whether or not you watch "The Stall" depends on your tolerance for uneven storytelling. If you're a devoted fan of Poker Face and appreciate strong character performances, Shawkat's nuanced portrayal makes it worthwhile. However, if you're looking for a consistently captivating mystery, you might want to skip this one and revisit some of the show's stronger episodes. The show remains a promising anthology series, but this particular episode falls short of the high bar it has previously set. [Link to Peacock's Poker Face page].

Keywords: Poker Face, Alia Shawkat, Natasha Lyonne, Peacock, TV review, TV show review, streaming review, mystery, crime drama, "The Stall", series review, television review.