Rian Johnson gave us updated versions of the classic Agatha Christie "whodunit" mystery (with Knives Out and Glass Onion) and now turns his attention to the inverted "howcatchem" style of classics like one of my all-time favorite TV shows, Columbo, with Poker Face. Just as a popular, long-running series like the former wouldn't have worked w/o the charismatic lead role by Peter Falk, this new show depends on the serious likability & watchability of Natasha Lyonne (Russian Doll, Orange Is the New Black). We need to cheer on her seemingly endless attempts to do the right thing (she has a gift that is essential to these attempts, which I'll not spoil here). And we must care what happens to her when she is being chased by the bad guys (played ably by Benjamin Bratt & Ron Perlman). The pint-sized Lyonne is like a foul-mouthed, chain-smoking woodland sprite, as she imparts her truths to those looking to hide dark secrets. Murderers catching a glimpse of her dull blue Plymouth Barracuda headed their way would be wise to run the other way as fast as they can! As with my Columbo ratings, I give Poker Face a 9/10 as a series though most of the individual installments get an 8. The simple reason for this is the lack of such consistency with most series.
Review of Poker Face
