Screenwriter Tony Tost attributes his unique upbringing in double-wide trailers around Enumclaw, Washington, as a significant factor in securing his role as showrunner for the much-anticipated second season of “Poker Face.” This acclaimed series, created by the visionary writer and director Rian Johnson (known for “Knives Out”), returns with its first three episodes premiering on May 8 on Peacock. Viewers can expect new episodes to drop every Thursday through July 10. "Poker Face" is reminiscent of the classic detective series "Columbo," featuring a captivating mystery-of-the-week format and a distinctive 1970s aesthetic.
The series follows the intriguing character Charlie Cale, portrayed by Natasha Lyonne, who possesses an extraordinary ability to detect lies. As she journeys across the United States, she solves various crimes while evading a dangerous crime syndicate intent on eliminating her. Each episode unfolds the mystery upfront, allowing viewers to engage with the plot as Charlie steps in to unravel the complexities of the crime.
Before joining "Poker Face," Tost had written for shows like “Longmire” and “The Terror,” and even created the one-season USA Network series “Damnation.” His connection to "Poker Face" was primarily as a fan of its first season. Tost shares, “I was just one of the candidates, threw my hat in the ring.” He believes there is a natural overlap between his artistic sensibility and Rian Johnson's vision. “I try to make things look like 1970s New Hollywood, and I think they liked that,” he explains.
In the season premiere, viewers will see Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in "Wicked," portraying multiple siblings, one of whom is involved in a murder. Tost penned the episode titled “Hometown Hero,” which will be available for streaming on May 22. This episode follows Charlie as she investigates the mysterious death of a minor league baseball player in Montgomery, N.C. Tost reveals that this concept was initially a leftover from Season 1, with Rian Johnson eager to set an episode in a minor league baseball stadium but lacking a solid storyline.
The original concept involved a game where a murder occurs during an endless 20-inning match, but a suggestion from the "Poker Face" writing team led to a more intriguing betting scheme. Tost's personal fondness for minor league baseball, influenced by his experiences in Durham, N.C., further enriched the episode’s narrative. “My favorite movie of all time is the original ‘Bad News Bears,’” he shares, highlighting his love for the local culture surrounding minor league baseball.
Tony Tost’s upbringing has deeply informed his storytelling style. He moved to Washington at the age of five, living in various trailers, including a camper in his grandparents' backyard. “I was really raised on Burt Reynolds, Clint Eastwood movies, country music, pro wrestling,” Tost recalls, emphasizing how these cultural influences shaped his creative voice.
After graduating from high school in Enumclaw, Tost worked on a farm and at a local pickle company, all while cultivating his writing skills. Despite facing early challenges, he credits a high school English teacher, Sue Watson, for recognizing his talent. “She planted the seed,” Tost says, acknowledging the pivotal role of education in his life.
Following his high school years, Tost pursued further education at Green River College in Auburn, where he discovered his passion for writing and the arts. He later graduated from College of the Ozarks and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Arkansas. He culminated his academic journey with a Ph.D. in English from Duke University, focusing on literary giants like Ezra Pound and Gertrude Stein.
After briefly working as a creative writing professor at the University of Washington Tacoma, Tost transitioned to screenwriting, securing an agent and several opportunities in Los Angeles. His journey led him to the helm of "Poker Face," where he plays a crucial role in shaping the show's narrative and aesthetic.
Tost recognizes the collaborative dynamic between Rian Johnson and Natasha Lyonne as integral to the success of "Poker Face." “It’s a marriage between his sensibility and Natasha’s, and my job is to help fuse that artistic marriage,” he explains. Tost describes Johnson as the architect of the show, while Lyonne brings a soulful attitude to the production.
In his role, Tost actively contributes to various aspects of the show, including costume design, location selection, music, and dialogue. His background informs his perspective, stating, “I don’t feel comfortable in nice restaurants… I identify more with the people working there than the patrons.” This connection to the working class resonates deeply within the fabric of "Poker Face."
