Alia Shawkat has once again captured audiences with her chilling performance in the latest episode of Poker Face Season 2, titled “A New Lease on Death,” which dropped on Peacock on June 19, 2025. Known for her versatile roles in Arrested Development and Search Party, Shawkat steps into the spotlight as a cunning villain in this New York City-based murder mystery. Her portrayal of Kate Forster, a scheming con artist with a dark agenda, has sparked buzz across social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, where fans are raving about her ability to blend charm with menace. This article dives into the latest developments surrounding Alia Shawkat’s role in Poker Face, exploring her performance, the episode’s impact, and what’s next for this talented actress.
Alia Shawkat’s Commanding Performance as Kate Forster
In “A New Lease on Death,” Alia Shawkat plays Kate Forster, a wanted felon hiding under a false identity to infiltrate the life of retired poetry professor Anne Saint Marie, portrayed by Lauren Tom. Shawkat’s character targets Anne’s rent-controlled Brooklyn penthouse, priced at an astonishing $640 a month, with a plan to marry her and inherit the lease. Her performance is a masterclass in subtlety, balancing a sunny facade with sinister undertones. Fans on Instagram have praised Shawkat’s ability to make Kate both charismatic and unsettling, with one user commenting, “Alia Shawkat is giving me chills in Poker Face! Her smile is so creepy yet captivating.”
The episode, directed by Adamma Ebo, sees Shawkat’s Kate manipulate those around her, including Anne’s granddaughter Maddy, played by Awkwafina. Shawkat’s scenes with Natasha Lyonne’s Charlie Cale, the show’s lie-detecting protagonist, crackle with tension as Kate’s facade begins to crumble. YouTube reviews of the episode highlight Shawkat’s ability to steal scenes, with one reviewer noting, “Alia Shawkat makes you root against her character while still being unable to look away.”
Key Points of Alia Shawkat’s Role in Poker Face
- Character Complexity: Shawkat’s Kate Forster is a layered villain, blending charm and menace to manipulate her way into a rent-controlled apartment.
- Critical Reception: Fans and critics on social media platforms praise Shawkat’s intense performance, calling it a highlight of Season 2.
- Episode Context: “A New Lease on Death” explores New York’s housing crisis, with Shawkat’s character at the center of a deadly scheme.
- Star-Studded Cast: Shawkat shares the screen with Awkwafina, Lauren Tom, and David Alan Grier, adding to the episode’s appeal.
The Episode’s New York Vibe and Shawkat’s Fit
Set in Brooklyn, “A New Lease on Death” leans into New York’s real-estate obsession, using a Woody Allen-inspired aesthetic with jazzy music and witty dialogue. Alia Shawkat fits seamlessly into this world, her indie-film background and sharp comedic timing echoing the episode’s quirky yet dark tone. Her character’s poetry-quoting charm, used to woo Anne, feels like a nod to Shawkat’s own artistic versatility—she’s not just an actress but a painter and singer who performs jazz standards in bars. Instagram posts from fans highlight how Shawkat’s real-life creativity mirrors Kate’s deceptive artistry, with one user writing, “Alia Shawkat’s vibe in Poker Face is so her—artsy but dangerous.”
The episode’s plot revolves around Charlie Cale moving into a friend’s apartment, only to stumble into Kate’s murderous scheme. Shawkat’s interactions with the supporting cast, including David Alan Grier as the grumpy landlord Otto, add humor and depth. YouTube recaps emphasize how Shawkat’s performance elevates a somewhat predictable storyline, making Kate a memorable antagonist despite some critics calling the episode “middling.”
What’s Next for Alia Shawkat?
Beyond Poker Face, Alia Shawkat remains a busy force in Hollywood. She recently wrapped filming The Wrong Girls, a buddy-comedy with Kristen Stewart, and appeared in Severance Season 2 on Apple TV+ as a Lumon employee. Her role in The Big Fix, a Jon Hamm-led audio drama, has also generated buzz, with Shawkat teasing her character’s investigative grit in a recent ScreenRant interview. On Instagram, Shawkat shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of her Poker Face experience, hinting at more projects in the pipeline, including her own series, Desert People. Fans are eagerly awaiting her next move, with YouTube comments speculating about a potential Search Party revival given her knack for dark comedy.
Shawkat’s personal life also made headlines recently, as she welcomed her first child in November 2023. Despite her new role as a mother, she shows no signs of slowing down, balancing motherhood with a packed slate of projects. Her ability to juggle diverse roles—villain, comedian, artist—keeps her in demand, with Poker Face proving she can dominate any genre.
Why Alia Shawkat’s Performance Matters
Alia Shawkat’s turn in Poker Face underscores her status as a cult favorite, capable of transforming into complex, flawed characters. Her work in “A New Lease on Death” resonates with audiences who appreciate her ability to blur the line between likable and loathsome. The episode’s focus on New York’s housing crisis adds a timely layer, making Shawkat’s scheming Kate a symbol of desperation in a cutthroat city. Social media buzz, from Instagram fan art to YouTube breakdowns, shows her performance striking a chord.
As Poker Face continues its weekly releases, Shawkat’s episode sets a high bar for guest stars. Her chemistry with Lyonne and the ensemble cast makes “A New Lease on Death” a standout, even if the plot doesn’t fully click. For fans, it’s another reason to keep watching Shawkat’s unpredictable career.
Watch Poker Face Season 2, Episode 9, “A New Lease on Death,” on Peacock to catch Alia Shawkat’s electrifying performance. Share your thoughts on her role in the comments below or on social media!