‘Poker Face’ Recap: ‘The Future of the Sport’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

POKER FACE -- "The Future of the Sport" Episode 107 -- Pictured: (l-r) Angel Desai as Jean, Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale -- (Photo by: Phillip Caruso/Peacock)

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Poker Face’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
In American society, there is a mantra that just about everyone believes in and follows. In that, we must be the best at what we do in this life, and if we aren’t… we need to do whatever it takes to become the best. Which is a mantra that is supported by so many… because there is genuine merit to it. After all, we’ve seen so many achieve incredible success in America by following it to a tee and of course, it does drive us to be more and be better and chase our dreams with a fervor we didn’t know was buried within us. If anything, it has produced so many positive results for people… that it likely isn’t going anywhere and has more or less become one of the founding principles of The American Dream.
​
But what’s fascinating about this mantra is that while it produces so much wonder for so many, it has a dark side. Because it can also be torturous to those who don’t fully understand its spirit, and for some… well… this mantra motivates them to do terrible things to get what they want. Because doing ‘whatever it takes’ in their mind means that decorum and courtesy, and basic human kindness, goes out of the window and only their win matters and well, that can lead to some suffering for certain. The kind that deserves justice and leaves us with questions. Such as why on earth someone would go a rotten mile and harm others to get a step ahead? Or for that matter how could anyone misinterpret the spirit of a mantra designed to bring out the best in us? Well, those just so happen to be questions the next episode of Poker Face on Peacock works to answer.

For ‘The Future of the Sport’ is a story that introduces us to a pair of rival families that take the dark side of that mantra to the extreme. Because both the Owens family and the McDowell family, believe that only the strong survive in their profession, which is racing, and that has helped them in their travels. Since Kyle Owens is a fierce and ruthless multi-generational champion, one that is nearing the end of his career and wants it to end on a high and definitive note, no matter the cost, before handing it over to the next generation, his daughter Katy. Whereas Davis McDowell has seen the mantra, bring him within striking distance of making his own name for himself. One that will catapult him to the top if he can continue to beat Kyle in races, since as of late… he’s been the better man on the track, and the back of forth they continue to take part in… brings out the worst in them.

---

POKER FACE -- "The Future of the Sport" Episode 107 -- Pictured: Charles Melton as Davis -- (Photo by: Phillip Caruso/Peacock)

Because this duo begins to work behind one another’s backs to have what they want, and if that means serious harm will be imparted upon one or the other… so be it. Because it’s all about being the best, at any cost and that… brings forth an angry and sorrowful tale. One that sees both men just give into the darkness and therein lies the grand exploration of how people can twist such a concept into something negative. Which as it turns out, is partly related to the fact… that ego comes into play. For in reality the concept of doing what must be done and chasing our dreams and our goals… is designed to be inspirational in nature, and almost selfless. But when it is about fulfilling our needs only and feeling the rush, some need to… it becomes something worse and… such dark actions can also relate to a lack of self-worth.
​
For a person who doesn’t believe in themselves and only finds joy and solace in recognition, will do whatever it takes to maintain that status quo. Even going so far as to hurt others since insecurity and worry and the belief that someone is coming for what’s theirs… can truly bring out the darkness and push people to do things they normally would not. Making this nothing less than a pitiful tale. Of two men who are talented and gifted behind the wheel but have no self-worth or understanding of how they inspire, which leads to the trouble that Charlie is forced to bring justice to. Which she does, in the most challenging manner to date for her. Because when we find her, here… she really is fitting in and making great connections for the first time in a long time, and having to uncover a rough truth and know that creativity is used to get around her gifts… both hurts her and pushes her to do some new things in this tale.

The kind that allows for a unique brand of justice to be served against those who do wrong in this story. All of which made for an intimate adventure for Charlie, one that subtly informed us of how much she wants peace and of course… how the human condition will complicate such matters. Plus, this was also the show’s… most brutal story to date. Simply because the vengeful cruelty on display here, added a real sour vibe to the story. But that’s what good a crime drama does. It finds a way to evoke a feeling and move us and surprise us and this one most certainly did that every step of the way, and truthfully… that ending really is quite impressive and well, now that Charlie is back on the road again, it will be interesting to see what unique cases and fine examinations of our follies await us as we near the end of season one of this wondrous journey. Until next time.

---

POKER FACE -- “The Future of the Sport" Episode 107 -- Pictured: (l-r) Tim Blake Nelson as Kyle Owens, Jasmine Aiyana Garvin as Katy Owens, Leslie Silva as Donna Owens -- (Photo by: Peacock)

Powered by JustWatch