Hacks is currently on HBO Max, it was released earlier last month.
The series follows the life of struggling comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and her ongoing residency in a casino in Las Vegas, constantly threatened to lose her spot to younger more family oriented entertainment. Her act is needing to be refreshed, as she is constantly told.
Ava (Hannah Einbinder) is a young writer who just lost her gig on a series following explosive tweets. Her career is mid free fall when her agent Jimmy (Paul Downs) suggests she go write for Deborah.
The series explores the dynamics between two strong female protagonists, both in the creative field. One who has a long standing career and the other just starting out with a lot to learn. Both very combative and expecting the best from each other, which at times is touchy real but quite hysterical.
Created by Lucia Aniello, Hacks is an interesting take on the battle of respect a baby boomer expects from a millennial and how both characters are generationally different but learn a lot from each other and develop a fondness and respect.
There are elements of this series that did make me think of Broad City, which coincidentally Aniello had previously worked.
Jean Smart is remarkable in this series as Deborah Vance. It seems that this role has been written for her in mind. There is something about watching someone who has maintained a strong career over the years from Designing Women to 24 and more recently with Mare of Easttown, Jean Smart is just an outstanding actor and a joy to watch in Hacks.
Newcomer Hannah Einbinder plays a young millennial Ava very convincingly and can stand her own opposite Jean Smart. The combative nature of Ava pairs well with Deborah and the scenes together where they both develop a respect for one another is acting at its finest.
But the stand out in the series is Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Deborah’s assistant Marcus. The aloofness of the character gives a sense of professionalism, but its slow reveal of the character and his romance with the City Water Inspector, Wilson (Johnny Sibilly), is adorable and a nice development in the series, as we need more LGBT representation on the screen.
What is enjoyable about Hacks is that the characters are very well written and their development in each episode makes you go back to watch more. It is a series that revolves around to female characters, which is also very refreshing. As the two women stand their ground and command the screen, but mutual respect that grows for each other is another aspect that keeps you coming back to watch the episodes.
Hacks has been renewed for a second season on HBO Max and here is hoping that they can maintain the funny, fresh and engaging writing and fingers crossed the relationship between Marcus and Wilson is explored further. As it was a really nice surprise within the series and both Carl Clemons-Hopkins and Johnny Sibilly has a nice chemistry on the screen.
Hacks in currently available on HBO Max.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE51pzVpwBg