‘Poker Face’ Recap: ‘Exit Stage Death’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

POKER FACE -- “Exit Stage Death” Episode 106 -- Pictured: (l-r) Audrey Corsa as Rebecca, Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale -- (Photo by: Sara Shatz/Peacock)

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Poker Face’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are a great many things that people want out of life. Some for instance, want to raise a fine family, and enjoy all the memories that come with raising children and watching them grow. Others, want to be the best in their career field and leave a lasting impression upon it. Some want both, some want fame and fortune. But of the many things we search for in this life, there is one aspect of it we all crave. In that… we want a sense of fulfillment in this life. Where we genuinely feel as though, we have everything we ever wanted, so that our later years are filled with satisfaction and fond reflection on a life well lived.
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But alas, not everyone achieves their goals in life and sometimes… they are filled with regret over that reality. Which puts them in quite the unique place. Wherein they can make peace with their mistakes and find different fulfillment as they inch toward those golden years… or they can take part in a mad dash to check off every goal on their list, which can indeed lead to fulfillment or disaster. Because if the person making this push, is doing so out of spite and vitriol because of a sense of entitlement or out of the belief that somehow, they were given a raw deal in life, when they of course… are responsible for their own path… they can create suffering and sorrow for others in their quest. As evidenced by the next episode of Poker Face on Peacock. 

For ‘Exit Stage Death’ is a story that introduces us to a pair of famous actors named Michael and Kathleen… who were once the toast of the small screen thanks to their starring roles on the wildly popular crime series, Spooky and the Cop. Which should have brought them riches untold and fulfillment to no end since they had a hit show and legions of fans still celebrate its wonder. But alas… when we meet this duo in this episode, they are in fact, unfulfilled. For their careers didn’t go the route they wanted, they never really achieved the acclaim they wanted as actors and there is even bad blood between these beloved stars. But despite the rift between them, Kathleen sees an opportunity where she and Michael could make wonderful money one last time and receive the acclaim and curtain call, they crave. All through a dinner theater performance of a play they both starred in ages ago, and while audiences are lining up for dinner and a show on the day of the big performance… one unlucky person is unaware of the fact, that they will be marching to their death on this night. So that someone from this duo… can find a twisted form of fulfillment at last before their career ends.

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POKER FACE -- “Exit Stage Death” Episode 106 -- Pictured: (l-r) Tim Meadows as Michael, Ellen Barkin as Kathleen -- (Photo by: Sara Shatz/Peacock)

Which is… the perfect way to explore the trouble that comes forth when we haven’t checked off the boxes on our list of life goals and realize that in our later years. Because we are in essence, privy to the entire toxic process that can bring forth. Since the story sets up the panic and worry that both of these characters feel about how their careers went and how their lives are going now, and it makes sure to expand heavily on that latter element. Because we are privy to some intimate moments from these characters. Where they subtly and directly express the pain, this has caused them and how a sense of urgency now exists in bringing their happy ending to life and how they will indeed… stop at nothing to have that in their grubby little hands. Since obviously, murder most foul takes place at this final show and that death… hammers home the theme and the why behind such an act.
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Since that lack of fulfillment can jade a person deeply, and push them to have a no holds barred, nothing to lose approach to life. The kind that does indeed end poorly for one, and we won’t spoil who exactly gets it and the pure motivations here. Because we do want you to experience the wonder of this tale. But make no mistake about it, Michael, and Kathleen’s journey here… really is a tragedy and a cautionary tale. One that reminds us to live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment and go for what we want. So, we don’t end up being as bitter and as desperate as this duo most certainly does and really, in the end, that commentary and the incredible moments surrounding it, make for one stunning tale. One where Charlie must push herself to new heights to solve the case since the clues here are well hidden. 

Which leads to an incredible performance from Natasha Lyonne, one that lets her comedic timing shine, and she is wonderfully complimented by the incredible acting present from guest stars Tim Meadows (Michael) and Ellen Barkin (Kathleen), who simply just let loose in this particular tale, and well, in the end… this is hands down, the best episode of Poker Face to date and that is saying a lot. Since the show is already top notch. But here, the work that Charlie has to do, to solve this ugly case, and the wonderful moments she shares in and the magnificent work from everyone involved here, including Audrey Corsa and Jameela Jamil, just elevates this story to a whole new level, and it will be interesting to see how this series tops this particular tale as our journey on the road with Charlie Cale, continues along. Until next time.

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