Hacks (Season 3): Is It A Good Comedy?

Published by B Sameer on June 2, 2024June 2, 2024

Hacks is an award-winning show that explores the complex love-hate relationship between two ladies. One is a successful comedian, while the other works as a comedic writer for her.

The creators of this American comedy-drama show are Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky. Interestingly, alongside his wife, Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, the actor portraying Jimmy, is also the co-creator and writer of the series. Well, the writer and the actor, Paul W. Downs is doing quite well on both fronts.

Series Review [Spoiler-Free]: Hacks (Season Three/S3/2024/USA) English

In FOCUS: A Top-Class Comedy, As It Grows From Strength To Strength

Hacks means

Curiously, this Hacks series delves into mentorship, female bonding, self-image, show business, LGBTIQA+, gender politics and other contemporary issues in a manner that goes beyond what its ironic name implies. To explain the same, allow us to share the meaning of the word ‘Hacks’.

[Hacks: a person, such as an artist or writer, who exploits their creative ability or training in the production of dull, unimaginative, and trite work; one who produces banal and mediocre work for money in the hope of gaining commercial success in the arts. (Source: Dictionary.com)]

Synopsis

So far, we have witnessed the dysfunctional relationship between Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) in the show’s first two seasons.

Before we talk about the season three, let us refresh its tale.

Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), an iconic comedian with a rich history in the industry, discovers that her career is starting to decline. Meanwhile, Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder), a budding comedy writer, faces a major setback early in her career after being called out for a controversial tweet. Despite their initial reluctance, the two join forces to refresh Deborah’s material, leading to an unexpected mentorship dynamic.

At the start of season three, we follow the story of their separation. Deborah Vance is enjoying the fruits of her successful standup special in Las Vegas, as Ava Daniels pursues new opportunities in Los Angeles. It is pertinent to note that these two comedians are from two different generations. Deborah belongs to the Boomer generation, meanwhile, Ava comes from Generation Z. However, both of them are fiercely ambitious.

So, Deborah is carrying a lot of (personal and professional) baggage from her lengthy past. Whereas, Ava is a go-getter comedic writer, who wishes to prove herself to her boss as well as to the world. Yet, despite their (age and philosophical) differences, they forge a working relationship. And they do work very well when they are together. However, there is always a difference of opinion and a bit of tension, when Deborah and Ava are together. Their one-liner jokes, smart dialogues, and flawed relationships lead to many comical situations.

Posters

What’s Good?

The show creators and writers – Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky deserve a whole lot of praise for sharing a highly entertaining comedy gem with all of us. The writing of this comedy show is top-class. Their satire on show business hits the nail on the head. The clash of two generations is insightful. Also, it is worth noting that both Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs have directed the majority of the episodes so far. And both of them have done a fabulous directing job so far, especially Lucia. It seems that both Lucia and Paul are hugely talented duo.

Then as we mentioned earlier, Paul W. Downs also plays the role of Jimmy, quite compentently. Besides, we loved the ensemble cast, especially, Megan Stalter (Kayla), Carl Clemons-Hopkins (Marcus), Kaitlin Olson (DJ Vance), Rose Abdoo (Josefina), etc. The guest performances were good too. We liked the good (background) music in the show, as it highlights the emotions of the characters ideally. Its entire production team did well.

And what else is good?

The series explores the captivating and complicated relationship between a mentor, Deborah and her protégé, Ava. So, on the other hand, the young comic actress Hannah Einbinder has impressed us with her performance as Ava. While playing the role of mentee Ava Daniels against her mentor Deborah Vance, Hannah goes toe to toe.

Their to-and-fro verbal exchanges are too good. But sometimes the raw emotions of their emotionally dark and draining relationship do take a toll on both of them in the show. Those scenes are highlights of the series. Sometimes, we do wonder whether Deborah and Ava are mirror images of each other, in a certain ways. You please think about it, okay?

Now, what can we say about the legendary actress Jean Smart? Jean is smart and a survivor in the cut-throat world of entertainment. Her adaptability is her biggest strength. In this show, she brings her vast acting experience, amazing comic genius and true professionalism to the fore. She plays the role of an acclaimed comedian, Deborah Vance, from Las Vegas, magnificently. We can only sit back, relax and admire her true dedication to the art of acting. Jean is really smart in it.

Besides, her on-screen chemistry with her co-star, Hannah Einbinder, is a compelling watch. No wonder both Jean and Hannah have won many acting awards.

Ratings

Conclusion

This series also takes a few potshots at the lavish lifestyle of the rich and famous (in Las Vegas and beyond), with its astute observations. The music of the show seems apt too. Once again, like the previous two seasons, season three ended on a cliffhanger. Thankfully, this hilarious comedy has been renewed by HBO Max for season four. Now, we can breathe easy and eagerly await to see what drama takes place in the lives of acerbic comedian Deborah Vance and fast-learning comedy writer Ava Daniels. Oh yeah, Hacks will be back, soon.

Trailer

Still standing and better than ever. (Tagline)

Key Details

Bonus Trailers

Eat your heart out, Celine, there's a new Queen of Vegas. (Tagline)

Get ready for our second act. (Tagline)

Check out the Bonus YouTube Video clip - Deborah Vance's Comedy Tips | Hacks | Max.

Awards Won: Hacks (Season 1/2021) Series

Also, check out the Bonus YouTube Video clip - Ava's Job Interview with Deborah Vance | Hacks | Max.

Awards Won: Hacks (Season 2/2022) Series

Posters, Other and Featured Images of the Hacks (S1, S2 & S3) Series are credited to HBO Max.