Hacks Season 4 Explores Success and Its Hidden Struggles

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Season 4 premiere of ‘Hacks‘ features Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart, and Ava, portrayed by Hannah Einbinder, posing for a magazine cover celebrating their historic achievements. Deborah is about to become the first female host of a major network’s late-night show, while Ava is set to be the youngest head writer in the program’s history. Despite the glamorous facade, both characters are grappling with deep-seated conflicts.

The tension stems from earlier events in Season 3 when Deborah rescinded her job offer to Ava. However, Ava blackmailed Deborah into hiring her, a move that strained their relationship. As they prepare for their new show, the impact of their unresolved issues looms large, with Deborah expressing her heartbreak and Ava firing back, “You broke mine first.”

In this new season, now streaming on Max, the show’s writers delve deeper into the complicated dynamic between the two women. As they strive to keep a united front, an HR representative has been assigned to monitor their behavior, which they both resent. Their challenges are less about external pressures and more about the internal struggles they face while navigating their high-profile roles.

The narrative highlights the immense pressure on both to validate their positions in an industry that often sidelines women. Deborah, obsessed with perfection, adjusts her on-stage presence based on focus-group feedback and viewer desires. From seeking a new look to hiring a TikTok star known as ‘Dance Mom,’ her efforts amplify her insecurities. This culminates in a panic attack during a dress rehearsal, a stark contrast to her long-standing stage confidence.

“I didn’t develop a following because of my long legs or hair; my fans appreciate my humor and relatable anecdotes,” Deborah reflects, hinting at her internal conflict regarding success and identity.

Season 4 further emphasizes the theme of disillusionment in the context of ambition and personal fulfillment. Ava, in her pursuit to gain approval from her staff, neglects her writing duties, leading her into exhausting, albeit futile efforts to impress, including arranging lavish bonding events. In a moment of despair, she remarks, “I’m not suicidal, I just want to die,” encapsulating the high emotional cost of maintaining their artistic aspirations.

Through its comedic lens, ‘Hacks’ dissected the nuances of creativity and the business of comedy, presenting a unique perspective on the struggles women face in a male-dominated television landscape. This season seems more introspective, questioning the efficacy of their hard-fought successes.

The absurdity of their Hollywood environment, such as the inclusion of Ava’s ‘Dance Mom’ character, serves as a backdrop to their journey of self-discovery and artistic integrity. The show thus engages in a dialogue about whether Deborah and Ava can uphold their authentic selves amidst external expectations and career pressures.

The complex relationship between Deborah and Ava embodies the struggle between creative aspirations and societal demands. Their consistent pattern of breakups followed by reconciliations illustrates the depth of their bond and the necessity of mutual support as they navigate their new roles.

As ‘Hacks’ continues to unfold, the titular concept transforms into a critique of the entertainment industry, revealing that a so-called dream job can bear the weight of great personal distress, forcing both women to reconsider their paths.