6 Months Later, Poker Face’s Cancellation Still Hurts – Here’s Every Episode Ranked

It’s satisfying when a TV show ends as planned, and that was largely the case with Rian Johnson’s Poker Face. While it was cancelled, it was always intended to be a two-season series, according to Natasha Lyonne, who played the lead character, Charlie Cale – a remarkably accurate human lie detector. Poker Face was truly enjoyable when it hit its stride, sharing similarities with Johnson’s Knives Out films. Both are stylish murder mysteries that don’t shy away from the funny side of people. And just like Knives Out, the show was most compelling when the main character teamed up with someone else to crack the case.

Cale is a truly endearing character, and Lyonne’s performance is so captivating that it’s difficult to picture the show continuing without her at the center of the story. While there was discussion about Peter Dinklage potentially taking the lead, that seems increasingly unlikely. Only time will tell what happens, but even if it doesn’t work out, we’ll always have the 22 episodes featuring Cale – though some are definitely better than others.

22) “The Taste of Human Blood” (S2 Ep4)

While Poker Face is generally funny, the storyline involving a meth-addicted alligator feels unbelievable. This problem is made worse by two characters – Fran Lamont (Gaby Hoffmann) and “Gator Joe” Pilson (Kumail Nanjiani) – who are difficult to like. Also, the situation of Charlie being at a police awards ceremony to help rescue the alligator is far-fetched. A sensible person would leave immediately upon realizing the room was full of police officers.

21) “Rest in Metal” (S1 Ep4)

The killers in “Rest in Metal” aren’t very compelling characters. They’re a band hoping for a second chance, and when a new drummer shares an original song, they see a way to get it. They shockingly decide to kill him and pass the song off as their own, only to discover he actually took it from a television show’s theme song. It’s ironic, because they could have simply made him an official member of the band and revitalized their careers legitimately.

20) “The End of the Road” (S2 Ep12)

The two-part finale of Season 2, which also ended up being the series finale (at least for Charlie Cale, and probably for good unless they decide to bring the story back later), didn’t work for me. A major problem is the character of Alex, played by Patti Harrison. While it wasn’t obvious from the start that Alex was the villain, the reveal felt like a disappointing shortcut for a show like Poker Face. The idea that Alex simply taught herself to be a convincing liar to avoid detection feels unbelievable. It doesn’t just require viewers to suspend disbelief; it asks them to accept that the show is ignoring its own core principles, and that’s too much to ask, particularly from a show that’s usually so well-written.

19) “Day of the Iguana” (S2 Ep11)

Both parts of the finale were weak, but “The End of the Road” was particularly bad. Even strong actor Justin Theroux couldn’t save it, although the device used to drain blood in one scene was a highlight. Overall, this two-part finale marked a very disappointing conclusion to the series.

18) “Last Looks” (S2 Ep2)

“Last Looks” deserves some credit for creating a sense of danger and giving Katie Holmes a strong role, but it’s ultimately forgettable. While Holmes is good in the part, she isn’t given enough to do. Giancarlo Esposito is a compelling villain, though a fairly predictable one, and the episode lacks the unique charm of Poker Face. It also disappointingly cuts short the potential for a great detective duo between Cale and Tommy Sullivan, abandoning that interesting dynamic too quickly.

17) “The Big Pump” (S2 Ep10)

In “The Big Pump,” a death happens after a gym owner is caught selling stolen breast milk to clients hoping to gain muscle. While the reason for the killing is unusual, this episode shines thanks to the growing and enjoyable partnership between Cale and Alex, and a reliably charming performance by Jason Ritter as the health inspector.

16) “Exit Stage Death” (S1 Ep6)

The main issue with “Exit Stage Death” is the unbelievable romance between Tim Meadows’ and Ellen Barkin’s characters. The story asks us to accept that Michael Graves and Kathleen Townsend have pretended to despise each other in public for years, while actually being in love the entire time. It doesn’t make sense why they would keep their feelings a secret.

So, the scheme seemed to be for Graves to marry Ava – who’s kind, understanding, and wealthy – remain married for a while, and then have Kathleen reappear with a play she needs him to be in. We’re left wondering how long this play was in the works and how much we’re expected to believe this whole scenario. It’s also hard to accept that Townsend’s harsh treatment of Graves was just an act; she genuinely comes across as unpleasant. The episode doesn’t explain why Graves is even attracted to her. It leaves a lot of questions unanswered.

15) “The Future of the Sport” (S1 Ep7)

The first episode of the series, “The Future of the Sport,” skillfully leads you to believe one character is the bad guy, then surprisingly reveals the supposed victim is actually the more dangerous one. Strong performances by Charles Melton as the villain, and a heartwarming friendship between Cale and his character’s mother, make for a good episode, although it feels a little rushed towards the end.

14) “Hometown Hero” (S2 Ep5)

Simon Rex has always been a natural performer, and that really shines through in “Hometown Hero.” He’s excellent as the villain, though the episode itself is fairly unremarkable.

This episode isn’t one of the show’s strongest. The mystery, which revolves around blackmail, is resolved surprisingly quickly when Charlie simply asks the killer directly if they committed the crime. Plus, a bizarre scene involving someone tripping feels unrealistic and suggests the show’s creators have a flawed understanding of drug use – you’re unlikely to see talking, glowing socks or B.J. Novak during a trip!

13) “The Hook” (S1 Ep10)

The first season’s finale was much stronger than the second. While “The Hook” does a decent job of tying up loose ends, it’s not particularly memorable. However, it’s a nice touch that the main villain confronts the hero, forgives her, and is then killed right away.

12) “Dead Man’s Hand” (S1 Ep1)

The story of Poker Face begins with a crime that hits close to home for Charlie Cale. This first case lets us see her personality – how she handles loss and how she responds to injustice. It also introduces the main villain of the season: the father of Sterling Frost Jr.

11) “The Sleazy Georgian” (S2 Ep8)

Many fans of Poker Face enjoy “The Sleazy Georgian,” and it has some good qualities, but it doesn’t quite live up to the hype. One problem is that it doesn’t use Melanie Lynskey’s talent effectively, which is a significant flaw. More importantly, the episode is predictable. John Cho’s character is so unpleasant to a member of his team that it’s obvious he’ll eventually betray his boss – and that’s exactly what happens.

10) “Sloppy Joseph” (S2 Ep6)

Taking a risk by casting a child as the villain, “Sloppy Joseph” succeeds brilliantly. It could have easily failed, but Eva Jade Halford is phenomenal as the young and disturbed Stephanie Pearce. However, the standout performance of this episode, set in a private school, comes from David Krumholtz, who is deeply moving as the grieving father of a child targeted by Stephanie. He’s very believable as a father, which is a good sign for his upcoming role in Supergirl.

9) “The Night Shift” (S1 Ep2)

The second episode, “The Night Shift,” really focuses on its setting. The entire story takes place around just a few locations – a Subway, a car repair shop, and a convenience store. The episode effectively creates a strong sense of place, and it also makes the characters feel like believable people living in a small town.

What truly makes this episode stand out are two small but effective scenes. First, it’s delightful to watch Cale get an entire restaurant excited about helping her solve the murder. Second, the scene with John Ratzenberger’s character, Abe – a mechanic who’s Jed’s employer – is brilliant. Abe simply turns off his hearing aid when Jed tries to deny tampering with Cale’s brakes, refusing to listen to his lies.

8) “The Stall” (S1 Ep3)

“The Stall” delivers a compelling story with truly detestable villains and a realistically portrayed American setting. Larry Brown shines in a memorable supporting role as George Boyle. The film is a tightly focused, engaging, and thoroughly enjoyable take on the familiar theme of a business facing hardship. Strong performances from Larry Brown, Lil Rel Howery, and Shane Paul McGhie add to its appeal.

7) “Whack-A-Mole” (S2 Ep3)

Following the more serious tone of “Last Looks,” Poker Face shifted gears with “Whack-A-Mole,” which many considered a standout episode from the show’s second season. This episode broke from the usual format of introducing a murder before showing how Charlie Cale gets involved.

The episode finally brings Cale face-to-face with the main villain, Beatrix Hasp (played by Rhea Perlman), and her carefully laid plans quickly fall apart right before his eyes. With its change of pace, strong performance by Perlman, and John Mulaney’s excellent portrayal of the villain, “Whack-A-Mole” is a really well-done episode.

6) “A New Lease on Death” (S2 Ep9)

“A New Lease on Death” is a standout, yet often overlooked, episode of Poker Face. Alia Shawkat’s character, Amelia Peek, is one of the series’ most chilling villains. It’s easy to believe she’s both capable of murder and cold enough to feign a relationship with her victim’s aunt, all to secure an affordable apartment.

The fact that the murder happened in the building where Cale lives is a clever touch, and definitely feels inspired by Only Murders in the Building. David Alan Grier also deserves praise for his funny and detached performance as the landlord.

5) “Time of the Monkey” (S1 Ep5)

We’ve reached a peak level of shocking twists with this show. It’s difficult to top the surprise of discovering that the seemingly harmless elderly residents Irene and Joyce are, in fact, terrorists.

I was completely shocked when someone from their past showed up at the assisted living facility! It was heavily hinted that they’d turned the person in to the police, but then to find out they were actually planning to bomb a high school? Talk about awful people! And that scene where they killed the person from their past was just incredibly tense – it really ratcheted up the suspense.

4) “The Game Is a Foot” (S2 Ep1)

While Natasha Lyonne is fantastic in Poker Face, many would say Cynthia Erivo gives the show’s best performance. In fact, she delivers five distinct and believable characters, making her work truly stand out.

“The Game Is a Foot” was a strong start to Season 2, and it’s surprising that some Poker Face fans weren’t impressed. It’s enjoyable watching Erivo quickly change characters as she tries to win an inheritance. The detail about the murder victim having a prosthetic leg cleverly increases the tension before Cale even gets involved, and the connection between Cale and Delia, one of the twin sisters, creates a particularly good partnership.

3) “One Last Job” (S2 Ep7)

The Poker Face episode, “One Last Job,” is a standout, ranking among the best heist stories of its time. Sam Richardson shines as an aspiring writer and recently laid-off worker who teams up with a criminal to rob his old department store. However, the episode’s real strength isn’t the heist itself, but the connection between Corey Hawkins’ character, Bill Jackson, and Cale. While Poker Face hinted at a potential romance for Cale, this episode fully delivered, and viewers genuinely felt that Cale and Bill were a perfect match.

Watching the character die is incredibly sad. It’s also deeply affecting for Kendall Hines, who witnesses his partner – a real criminal – kill his close friend and biggest supporter. Instead of understanding why his friend let him go, Hines seeks revenge, which ultimately backfires in a huge way. James Ransone, who recently passed away, delivers a fantastic performance as the episode’s true antagonist. He will be missed.

2) “Escape from S**t Mountain” (S1 Ep9)

The first season of Poker Face ended strongly with some truly excellent episodes. In particular, “Escape from St Mountain” and the one before it are nearly flawless.

This episode is clearly the work of director Johnson, largely because of the fantastic performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the villain. Gordon-Levitt is incredibly convincing as the wealthy and dangerous Trey Mendez, but David Castañeda also deserves praise for his sensitive portrayal of Jimmy, who gets caught up in Trey’s plans. This episode feels more genuinely threatening to Charlie than any other, and it’s not just the compelling story – the visuals are stunning, shifting between dark, snowy forests and bright hotel lights. It’s the most visually impressive episode of the series so far, though one other still resonates a bit more deeply.

1) “The Orpheus Syndrome” (S1 Ep8)

It’s perfect that the season’s best episode was directed by Natasha Lyonne herself. Unfortunately, the final two episodes of Season 2, “Last Looks” and “The End of the Road,” didn’t quite reach the same level. “The Orpheus Syndrome” features a compelling mystery, but its real strength comes from how that mystery connects to the character of Arthur Liptin, a makeup artist brilliantly portrayed by Nick Nolte, delivering a truly moving performance.

Throughout the show, Cale’s connection with Liptin felt particularly genuine. While it was enjoyable to watch Cale solve puzzles, it was equally captivating to see her travel the world, impacting the lives of others and being changed by them in return. Combined with Cherry Jones’s excellent portrayal of the villain, “Orpheus” represents Poker Face at its very best.

What’s your favorite episode of Poker Face? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-04-13 02:17