Poker Face Season 2 Episode 10 Review: The Big Pump

Poker Face Season 2 Episode 10, “The Big Pump,” sees Charlie unexpectedly tag-teaming with a new friend to solve a murder at a gym. Patti Harrison returns as Alex, who inserts herself as Charlie’s crime-solving partner. Thus, we get two perspectives on what’s considered the norm for Charlie: Alex’s fresh, eager energy and Charlie’s jaded yet traumatized reaction. 

Poker Face and the Big Pump

Out of the gate, “The Big Pump” is giggle-worthy as an episode title, given its double entendre nature. It’s indicative of the show’s tongue-in-cheek tone and how it straddles the line between irreverence and serious murder mystery. Well, “serious” because Charlie often finds herself in life-threatening situations. 

Charlie is finally starting to reckon with her trauma. Let’s face it: Season 2 has been terrifying for her, from Fred trying to burn her alive in his incinerator to Beatrix Hasp taking her hostage. However, the back half of the season gives Charlie breathing room to get introspective. 

Now that she’s laid down roots in NYC — this is the longest we’ve seen her in one place thus far — Charlie wants to pump the brakes on the murder stuff. In fact, she’d rather steer clear of the mayhem murder brings. Charlie even pushes Alex away (initially), who clearly longs for friendship, because she’s afraid of losing her. Remember Bill? Maddy? It’s proof positive that Charlie’s old life is no longer sustainable. 

This is the most intriguing aspect of “The Big Pump.” Sure, the murder narrative is entertaining and the performances are solid, but Charlie’s growth propels the story. We’ve seen so little of it until the past few episodes. Charlie’s active resistance to the chaos keeps the overarching plot fresh and offers new horizons ripe for exploration. 

Best Friends in Murder

Patti Harrison is a bona fide delight. In another first for Poker Face, Charlie has someone to help her solve Rodney’s murder, whether she likes it or not. As mentioned above, Alex reinvigorates the episodic format. She’s closer to Season 1 Charlie, who was more keen on unmasking the murderer, whereas present-day Charlie is, well, the product of two seasons’ worth of cracking cases while on the run. 

Harrison and Natasha Lyonne play off each other well. They boast an easygoing, natural onscreen chemistry. Charlie finds Alex’s refusal to lie so refreshing, making them instant best buds. Here’s hoping Harrison becomes a recurring character or semi-permanent fixture on the show. 

Method Man really goes all in with his performance as Brick. He leans into the series’ inherently playful, comedic vibe, and his Brick is the perfect example of a man in over his head who makes one wrong choice, snowballing into a series of equally horrible choices that lead to his downfall. Jason Ritter plays the straitlaced (but willing to do steroids) character well, although I did find myself wishing we had more time with him. 

The Good Stuff

Poker Face delivers another fun outing, continuing the season’s hot streak of compelling, wildly entertaining episodic stories. With two episodes remaining in Season 2, it’ll be interesting to see if the series can maintain this momentum. Oh, and if Alex bites it, Rian Johnson should expect a very strongly worded email from yours truly. 

Stray Observations: 

• Fun fact (although if you’re chronically online like me, you probably already know this): Jason Ritter is married to Melanie Lynskey. I was partially hoping they’d be in an episode together this season, but alas. 
• Clea DuVall is back on Poker Face, but as a director. Maybe she’ll return at some point as Charlie’s estranged sister, Emily. 
• I know Charlie and that baby at the coffee shop connected on a spiritual level. I felt it. 
• Charlie messing up her spine from simply yawning is my worst aging nightmare. No, thank you. 
• “I’m not gonna go to jail because Kevin wants to stay yoked” is a gem of a one-liner. 

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Poker Face drops new episodes every Thursday on Peacock. 

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