At the conclusion of its second season, “Hacks” found itself in a narrative quandary. Following a successful special, seasoned stand-up Deborah Vance (played by Jean Smart) dismissed Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder), the young writer whose fresh perspective had helped Deborah break free from a creative slump. Although Deborah’s decision to cut ties with Ava was tough, it signaled a surprising act of selflessness, demonstrating her personal growth. However, this move also dissolved the professional partnership that had defined the Max comedy and propelled “Hacks” to critical acclaim.
This cliffhanger was extended due to Smart’s heart surgery and the occurrence of two simultaneous Hollywood strikes. Yet, against the odds, Season 3, which debuts on May 2, shows little evidence of strain. If there were any challenges in executing such a seismic shift in the storyline or in resuming production after an unexpected hiatus, the creative team expertly conceals them. Like a seasoned performer with Deborah’s resilience and experience, “Hacks” exudes confidence, appearing effortlessly smooth and consistently hilarious.
As with many long-form narratives balancing between creative momentum and the comfort of success, “Hacks” grapples with conflicting instincts that become more pronounced as the series evolves. Creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky navigate these tensions by making the show about such conflicts, particularly embodied in the relationship between its two central characters.
In Season 3, “Hacks” employs a time jump, a narrative device commonly used to sidestep difficult narrative crossroads and facilitate a fresh start. A year after the events of the Season 2 finale, Deborah enjoys continued success following her special, while Ava has become a co-producer on a news show akin to “Last Week Tonight.” Despite their apparent individual achievements, neither has fully realized their dreams. They’ve simply reached a point where those dreams are within closer reach.
Deborah’s special delved into her emotionally turbulent divorce, revealing a deeper wound caused by losing the late-night show that represented the pinnacle of her career. This failure echoes the experiences of real-life female comedians like Joan Rivers, adding layers of authenticity to the narrative.
The evolving relationship between Ava and Deborah, characterized by its complexity and occasional toxicity, mirrors the intricacies of both romantic and professional partnerships. As the two characters navigate their renewed collaboration, “Hacks” skillfully balances comfort TV staples with an underlying tension that promises eventual conflict.
Jean Smart continues to deliver a sharp and nuanced performance as Deborah, while Hannah Einbinder shines as her steadfast yet imperfect foil. With “Hacks” returning as a formidable presence, and Ava herself more self-assured and established, the dynamic between the two leads reaches new heights. However, this evolution comes at the expense of the show’s supporting cast, whose roles feel increasingly marginalized.
Despite concerns that “Hacks” may have peaked prematurely, Season 3 suggests otherwise. The season finale hints at a new chapter for the show, with ample potential for further exploration of how Deborah and Ava influence each other, for better or worse. “Hacks” remains a delight to watch, skillfully blending humor with incisive commentary on the entertainment industry and human relationships.
