Poker Face Episode 7 Ending Explained: How the Race Sets the Stage for Deception

The newest episode of Poker Face brings fresh meaning to the phrase “the show must go on.” Natasha Lyonne’s character, Charlie Cale, gets caught up in a theater production where danger takes center stage.

Ellen Barkin and Tim Meadows shine as Kathleen Townsend and Michael Graves, former stars of the 1990s hit series Spooky and the Cop. Though publicly feuding, their contentious relationship conceals a deep, hidden bond.

The storyline becomes increasingly intricate as Kathleen and Michael devise a plot to kill Michael’s partner, Ava, portrayed by Jameela Jamil. This episode raises the stakes with escalating competition and mounting tension.

Literal Sore Loser

“The Future of the Sport” kicks off at Peach Tree Speedway, setting the stage for the decisive Late Model championship race. Charles Melton’s rookie racer, Davis McDowell, competes against Tim Blake Nelson’s veteran driver, Keith Owens, in what could be Keith’s swan song.

The rivalry between the two is unmistakable. Keith fights to uphold his family’s celebrated racing legacy, while Davis is eager to retain his title. As the race begins, Keith seizes an early lead, only for Davis to undercut him with dirty tactics, forcing him off the track and claiming victory. Humiliated, Keith is left fuming.

Keith vents his frustration to reporters, labeling Davis a “hothead and an idiot.” Despite prior plans to retire, Keith shocks everyone by announcing he isn’t stepping away just yet. During a heated interview, Davis accuses Keith of tarnishing the sport, sparking a physical altercation that further damages Keith’s reputation as a poor sport.

Keith’s daughter, Katy, feels betrayed by her father’s decision to delay his retirement, as she was preparing to carry on the family tradition. Keith, however, clings to the belief that he still has what it takes to win. Frustrated, Katy speeds off in her high-end car, adding to the family discord.

Donna, Keith’s wife, voices her disappointment at his failure to communicate his change of plans. She empathizes with Katy, who was ready to assume the family mantle. Keith counters by arguing that leaving the sport as a champion would better secure Katy’s future opportunities.

Keith admits that his season’s performance has faltered, with anxiety replacing the adrenaline rush he used to feel at the starting line. When Davis films a taunting video outside Keith’s home, destroying his mailbox and garden in the process, Donna urges Keith to focus on defeating Davis on the track.

Keith takes matters into his own hands, sneaking into Davis’s garage and sabotaging his car. During the next race, Davis’s car malfunctions, crashing into the wall and erupting into flames. Keith struggles to conceal his satisfaction, smirking as he checks on Davis’s condition.

Peachy Keen

While the drama unfurls at the track, Charlie works at Kamelot Karts, a go-kart facility where she handles cleanup duties. Her coworker Jean is fully engrossed in the racing world, especially since Davis is her son. The staff gathers to watch the post-race interviews and the fiery clash between Davis and Keith.

Davis, riding high from his win, visits Kamelot Karts to sign autographs and connect with fans. He reflects on the lessons of integrity taught by his late grandfather, Big Ed, whose photo he keeps in his car for inspiration. Despite his questionable actions, Davis shows a softer side, helping out at his mother’s workplace and befriending Charlie.

Initially skeptical of Charlie’s people-reading abilities, Davis grows to admire her skill. He shares his frustrations about the Owens family, revealing his efforts to reach the top only to see Katy poised to inherit her family’s legacy with abundant sponsorships lined up.

Charlie admits she doesn’t see the appeal of racing, likening it to endlessly turning left. To change her perspective, Davis gets her involved in an arcade racing game, where she quickly learns to appreciate the strategy and excitement of the sport.

An intimate moment arises when Davis leans in for a kiss, but Charlie turns him down. The tension between them is interrupted by Katy storming into the arcade, demanding a confrontation with Davis.

The rivalry intensifies as Katy defeats Davis in a go-kart match, winning over the young fans who had once cheered for him. Embarrassed, Davis storms off, dragging a stolen mailbox behind his tow truck.

At the garage, Jean scolds Davis for his selfish actions, reminding him of the values Big Ed upheld. She questions how his grandfather would view his current behavior, emphasizing that passion for the sport doesn’t justify crossing ethical boundaries.

Later that evening, Davis spots Keith meddling with his car but chooses not to intervene. When inspecting the garage, Davis notices the fishhook Keith installed but decides to make adjustments of his own instead of removing it.

During practice for the race that ends in flames, Davis exudes confidence, mocking Katy by calling her “America’s sweetheart.” As the competition heats up, Katy takes the wheel, leading to a catastrophic crash. Keith is devastated to learn it was his daughter, not Davis, who was driving.

Trust the Car

Charlie decides to investigate further by visiting Keith, presenting flowers as a pretext to gauge his reaction. Though initially resistant, Keith opens up when she praises Katy’s talent. She subtly probes about his fishing equipment, suggesting a connection to the sabotage, but Keith denies any involvement.

Later, Keith publicly admits to tampering with Davis’s car, though Davis remains determined to bring the vehicle to authorities. Charlie overhears Davis dismissing Katy’s crash as a “freak accident,” which she finds insincere. Randy explains that seatbelt malfunctions are rare but difficult to detect during routine checks.

Charlie becomes convinced that Davis knew about the fishhook all along, given his detailed description of its effects. She accuses him of tampering with Katy’s seatbelt, though Davis deflects by insisting it was Keith’s fault.

In the end, the truth emerges, leaving everyone to grapple with the consequences of their actions. Charlie’s determination to uncover the facts ensures justice is served, even as the characters face the fallout of their choices.