David Bridges
Poker Face has made a spectacular return on Peacock, and the season two premiere showcases an electrifying guest appearance by Cynthia Erivo, who embodies multiple identical siblings entangled in the latest gripping murder mystery alongside Charlie Cale, portrayed by the talented Natasha Lyonne. While Erivo is now widely recognized for her Oscar-nominated role as Elphaba in Wicked, it’s worth noting that one of her significant early performances occurred in another riveting crime drama: HBO’s The Outsider.
The Outsider captivated audiences during its early 2020 run, coinciding with Erivo’s initial Oscar nomination for her powerful portrayal in 2019’s Harriet. Its debut on such a prominent platform ensured that many viewers experienced her compelling performance for the first time. The series, adapted from Stephen King’s acclaimed 2018 novel, drew additional interest due to its remarkable cast, including Jason Bateman, Ben Mendelsohn, Paddy Considine (before his role in House of the Dragon), and Yul Vasquez (prior to Severance). For those who watched the series—and for anyone who hasn’t yet, now is an excellent opportunity to dive in!—Erivo, then an emerging star, undoubtedly left a lasting impact on viewers.
Erivo takes on the role of Holly Gibney, a recurring character in Stephen King’s universe. Holly first appeared in the 2014 adaptation of Mr. Mercedes (where she was portrayed by Justine Lupe from Succession), and she continues to play a significant role in King’s latest novel, Never Flinch, which is set to release later this month.
In HBO’s The Outsider, Holly serves as the co-lead alongside Mendelsohn’s character, Ralph Anderson, a Georgia detective wrestling with his own demons while unraveling one of the most perplexing cases of his career. When a young boy is discovered brutally murdered, all evidence points to a well-loved local baseball coach, played by Bateman, who vehemently maintains his innocence. Tragically, he is killed before he can stand trial. As the story unfolds, viewers are introduced to a mysterious figure with a distorted face lurking in the shadows, and Ralph, a skilled investigator, grapples with the unsettling possibility that the accused might actually be telling the truth.
In light of the bizarre nature of the crime, an unconventional investigator is required, and that’s where Erivo’s character steps into the narrative. Holly possesses remarkable abilities—she is highly observant, to the extent of being extra-sensory, and showcases unique traits, such as knowing the lyrics to songs she has never heard before. This makes her the perfect complement to Ralph, a pragmatic detective suddenly confronted with the idea that a supernatural explanation might be the only solution to their perplexing case.
Beyond the exceptional performances delivered by the cast, the 10-episode series The Outsider offers a chilling and rewarding experience. It ventures into dark and disturbing territory, creating an atmosphere thick with suspense, while delivering an ending that is both satisfying and leaves viewers yearning for more. Unfortunately, the series concluded, but at least we can relish Erivo’s powerhouse performance in Wicked and her unforgettable return in Poker Face.
You can stream The Outsider on Max and catch Poker Face on Peacock for your viewing pleasure.
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Brandon Fletcher
