HACKS opened its fourth season with the “parent trap” Late Night battle pitting the “Queens of Comedy” into a funny, poignant power struggle. The first two episodes gave viewers extra layers to discover about the dynamic and volatile duo… Deborah (Jean Smart) and Ava (Hannah Einbinder).
The great thing about HACKS is that the stories are not getting stale. The writers are just putting a different spin on the original plot. Audiences can immediately sense that they are in good hands, so the absurd zingers can flow with ease.Â
In comedy, timing is everything. Smart and Einbinder are impeccable in their delivery. They hear those silent, lightning-fast beats that take this genre to extraordinary levels. It’s like they are channeling the genius of Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance from long ago. Their facial expressions and unexpected body movements strengthen the characterizations of Deborah and Ava. It is clear who we are dealing with and audiences will be delighted watching the bull-headed, COYOTE match-up. It was like viewers got an early demo start on their core foundation. Does it matter whose heart got broken first?Â
The surrounding ensemble is hilarious. Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus brought a tear to my eye with his new-found chutzpah. His journey is just beginning. Lucky for us.Â
HACKS loves to throw out old adages to foster the next comedic generation. It is all about giving women what they want but not labeling them as women. Both Deborah and Ava have much to manipulate while still staying loyal to each other. As a woman, I support them. As a fan, I already have my ticket for the “live tour.”Â
HACKS is streaming on Max.Â