A key tenet of showbiz is to leave them wanting more, and I’m happy to report that Hacks does just that with its fifth and final season. After four seasons of watching the constant push and pull between Deborah Vance (the sensational Jean Smart) and Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder, who has matured into a true comedy star), this fifth season offers both them and us a chance to experience something we haven’t had before: a season where the dynamic duo are on the same page, striving for the same goal, and wholly supporting one another along the way. Because co-creators Lucia Aniello, Jen Statsky, and Paul W. Downs (who also stars as Jimmy) know that the beating heart of this series is the platonic love story between Deborah and Ava, and for this one last run, we get to see it in all its glory.
When we last left things, Deborah had thrown away her dream of hosting a late night talk show after refusing the demands of the network (and its CEO, Bob Lipka) to fire Ava – announcing live on TV just what they had asked her to do and why. Of course, that led to retaliation: a clause in her contract that forbids her from appearing on stage or screen (or even social media) and performing for 18 months. So, the central conflict of season five is just what Deborah, Ava, Jimmy, and the rest of the gang will do while Deborah waits out her time in the penalty box. Of course, a plan is hatched early in the season to give us our main arc (secondary arcs for Ava, Jimmy and Kayla, and even Marcus – who is back in a supporting role – flesh out the season and offer some really great comedic moments). And while it doesn’t quite flow as smoothly as it could (some large narrative swings at the close of the season don’t feel as organic as one might hope, even if the emotional beats hit hard), Hacks does manage to stick the landing.
The show’s two greatest strengths are its pair of often toxic but ultimately loving relationships that power so much of the action. I wasn’t the biggest fan of season four largely because it spent so much time with Ava and Deborah at odds only for their reconciliation to feel abrupt. Season five lacks that cooling off period that was an essential part of all previous seasons and just has our gals working together, wholly understanding of how crucial they are to one another in every aspect of their lives. They know they make each other better, they challenge each other, they care about each other, and they love each other – and they’re finally both mature enough to accept that. And then there’s Jimmy and Kayla (Megan Stalter, who might be at her absolute best this season) – with the lovely bonus of Randi (Robby Hoffman, who gets a real chance to shine this time around). Another pair who spent the years at each other’s throats (well, mostly Jimmy exasperated at Kayla), but who have recognized just how important they are to one another and how much they love each other – platonically, much to Jimmy’s relief – this time around. Conflict is necessary for good comedy, but I have to admit, knowing that our central pairs aren’t going to throw one another under the bus? It was kind of a relief. And it allows for some great character growth to accompany the comedy.
I will say, I think I laughed more at this season of Hacks than I have at any other – and yes, I certainly shed more tears this time around as well. The performances of Smart and Einbinder are, as you would expect at this stage of the game, just spot-on. It’s rare that you get two actors who are not only extremely talented but who also possess the level of chemistry these two have, and then get to see them perform material that lives up to that talent. But that’s the gift we’ve gotten. Statsky, Aniello, Downs, and their team of writers have pulled out all the stops for this final season – and there are some great callbacks in the writing and with some returning guest stars that will have you rolling in the aisles. I’m not supposed to name names, but there were two recurring guest stars that had me laughing harder that I can recall at some of their just ridiculous riffs.
But, most importantly, this season feels like the perfect culmination of the series as a whole. The Ava and Deborah who started this story are not the ones who end it. We’ve watched how they have challenged one another and made each other better, even when it hurt them to do it. We’ve seen them overcome petty grievances, fears, disappointment, and learn to lean on one another. And, most of all, we’ve seen them realize that they are each other’s best friend. What’s better than that?
When I watch a final season, I want to understand how the journey the characters have taken from the pilot to the finale has helped them to grow and change – for better and for ill. And with a comedy – even one that is serialized like Hacks – that isn’t always how things shake out. But I’m happy to report that I walked away from the series finale laughing, crying, and satisfied. Which I suspect is just what the show was hoping for.
The fifth season of Hacks premieres on April 9 on Max. All ten episodes were provided for review.
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