Review: Hacks Season Four Sharpens Its Wit and Heartbreak
Since its debut on Max in 2021, Hacks has evolved into a sharper, more sophisticated blend of drama and humor. For over three years, legendary stand-up comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) has leaned on her young collaborator Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) to claw her way out of obscurity, battling outdated traditions, sexism, and ageism. Her dream comes true by the end of season three: Vance lands the coveted role of host for a late-night TV talk show. Yet, what should have been a triumph of teamwork and female solidarity turns sour when Deborah betrays Ava, denying her the head writer position in favor of seasoned male professionals. Ava retaliates with blackmail, determined to stretch her fleeting moment in the spotlight.
In many HBO series, conflict serves as a backdrop for probing the depths of human nature. While Hacks may not reach the epic scope of Game of Thrones or Succession, its comedic tension builds with similar intensity. Deborah and Ava trade barbs as they navigate a world still dominated by men with their stale jokes and entrenched power—from Kimmel to Fallon and countless other Jimmys. Betrayals cut deep, and grudges fuel dialogues that are both uproariously funny and achingly bitter.
Created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, Hacks shifts its focus this season, moving away from the heroines’ pasts and instead flipping their roles. Vance, who once defied the system to rise to fame, reverts to rigid gender norms at the peak of her success. “I’m not a woman, I’m a comedian,” she declares defiantly to reporters at a press conference celebrating her new role. Ava, who had every opportunity to forge her own path, succumbs to the manipulations of her more seasoned mentor. Dubbed “Ginger Judas” by Deborah, Ava mirrors her mentor’s ruthlessness, embracing the rules of her game. Can trust be rebuilt, especially with the looming deadline of a show poised to reach millions?
The mutual respect that once defined Deborah and Ava’s relationship dissolves into bile and heartbreak. “One day this show will end, and I’ll never speak to you again,” Deborah warns Ava as they pose together for a New York Magazine cover. The show’s creators don’t condemn Deborah’s uncompromising stance; instead, they embrace and humanize it. Hacks refuses to wallow in despair, tossing viewers into a whirlwind of absurd scenarios while skewering America’s corporate culture and the toxic entertainment industry that ensnares its heroines. Another layered generational clash unfolds between manager Jimmy (Paul W. Downs) and his unpredictable assistant Kayla (Megan Stalter). Jimmy dismisses Kayla’s wild ideas—some surprisingly clever—but soon learns the value of collaboration and support.
Smart and Einbinder deliver flawless performances as two rivals locked in a battle of wits, with Deborah clinging to Hollywood glamour and ego, while Ava opts for an Adam Sandler-esque wardrobe (“You’re still not funny enough,” Deborah quips). Alongside projects like Seth Rogen’s The Studio on Apple TV+, Hacks exposes how Hollywood reshapes minds in countless ways. Yet, at its core, it reminds us that humans still need each other—as audiences, protégés, and kindred spirits.
