‘Poker Face’ Recap: ‘Time of the Monkey’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

POKER FACE -- “Time of the Monkey” Episode 105 -- Pictured: Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale -- (Photo by: Phillip Caruso/Peacock)

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Poker Face’. To revisit the prior four episodes, including the series premiere, click here.
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We like to believe that as we grow older, we grow calmer… if you will. For age brings wisdom and that wisdom can be applied to aspects of our psyche that we nurtured in our youth. Such as say, the aggressive fire that burns within us when we set out into the world. Since it motivates us to approach everything we do with a chip on our shoulder and if we are slighted in our quest, we clap back and we attempt to settle scores and understandably so. Because we are indeed trying to make a name for ourselves and carve out our path in the world, and a furious, ‘take no prisoners’, mantra seems to help with that. But in our later years, we should view such actions quite differently.
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Since wisdom teaches us that such an attitude doesn’t really accomplish all that much, and that revenge and anger in general can poison the soul. So, in our later years, it is best we learn to embrace peace and patience. But the funny thing about that belief, is that it isn’t one hundred percent correct. Because for every person that does learn the value of wisdom, there are plenty others who do not. Who instead keep that fire burning because they simply cannot reconcile life without it or have let unfortunate moments in their lives, solidify their heart and add a bitterness to their blood. Allowing for them to live out their later years in a state of fury and regret and believe it or not… if properly provoked, these individuals might prove dangerous, as evidenced by this week’s episode of Poker Face on Peacock.

For ‘Time of the Monkey’ is a story that transports us to Charlie Cale’s latest gig, which involves working with the elderly at a retirement home. Where she encounters two tough-as-nails older ladies, Joyce Harris, and Irene Smothers. Who simply don’t take crap from anyone and live life to their fullest and that is an attitude that resonates with Charlie of course and she quickly becomes friends with these two. Who offer great stories about days gone by and the troubles they ran into in their youth and how they simply never let the world ruin their attitude, regardless of the struggles they encountered and the pain they endured. But alas, the arrival of a new tenant at this retirement home, changes the tone of those stories and reveals to Charlie… that Irene and Joyce are not the carefree spirits they seem. 

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POKER FACE -- “Time of the Monkey” Episode 105 -- Pictured: (l-r) S. Epatha Merkerson as Joyce Harris, Judith Light as Irene Smothers — (Photo by: Peacock)

Which is… a plot that truly provided us with a grand and tragic character study of sorts. One that explained nicely how years of bitterness and regret and anger… can make a person dangerous regardless of age or the consequences one has faced before. Since not getting their way in their youth and losing years… was enough to push these two to commit the ultimate sin in the ultimate manner. For they truly believed the world had slighted them and that if they and their views didn’t matter, what did they have to lose by committing a little murder? Which also speaks… to how we prevent this. Since it becomes clear as this episode goes along, that a little care for these individuals would have gone a long way and helped them to understand their folly and this might have been avoided. A message that reminds us, to always show kindness and offer an ear when someone opens up to us, because it can create wonders. 
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But while that does make for one engaging and deep case, we’d be remiss to not talk about the fact that this episode once again, found a way to make such heavy material quite enjoyable. In part by introducing us to a pair of murderers that are not traditional in the slightest. Since older folks are often just the victims in this type of tale. Which brought forth a refreshing nature to this story, as did the ferocity of our villains. Since that ‘nothing to lose’ mentality allowed for them to thrive and bring forth one epic finale. One that truly puts you on the edge of your seat and leaves you with a touch of worry. Not to mention, the show’s trademark humor and secondary twists were on display here courtesy of Simon Helberg’s character and speaking of guest stars and characters… they are a big reason as to why this episode works so well.

Simply because they turn in some wonderful performances here, with Judith Light stealing the show since we’ve never seen her like this before. And they wonderfully compliment Natasha Lyonne’s wondrous character and she too… brings her A-game to this episode in a dynamic manner and all of these elements make this… another incredible chapter in this incredible saga. For it once again provides us with depth and fun and an incredible case that is seemingly impossible to solve. But the truth will always reveal itself, especially when Charlie Cale is out and about and sadly, all we can do now… is wait for more of Charlie’s incredible journey, and it will be fascinating to see what unique case awaits us when we return to the road with Charlie, next week. Until then.   

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POKER FACE -- “Time of the Monkey” Episode 105 -- Pictured: Simon Helberg as Luca -- (Photo by: Peacock)

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