Hacks was arguably one of the best shows in 2021. The mean characters and mordant humor certainly pulled off an effortless comedy that received commendations from critics and audiences. This Emmy award-winning dark comedy came back with its second season, whose first episode aired on May 12. The show primarily calls attention to the mentor-apprentice relationship that delineates the generational gap and stages of bonding. Veteran comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) faces highs and lows during her glitzy tenure at the Palmetto Hotel. On the other hand, there is Ava (Hannah Einbinder) – a coy millennial writer who starts a reluctant partnership with Deborah under the compulsion of circumstances but eventually grows on each other.
The ever-changing dynamic between Deborah and Ava makes viewers come back for more episodes. The finale of season 1 ended with an unexpected cliffhanger. Furious and drunk, Ava sent a detailed e-mail to a bunch of British producers of a new show. There she recounts events where Deborah has been a horrible boss to her. In her defense, Ava felt humiliated after being slapped. Now, season 2 premieres with the cloud of the imminent consequences hanging over Ava’s head. Oblivious, Deborah tries to revamp her comedic charms as she sees her relevancy dilute in the entertainment industry. After losing her stand in Palmetto Hotel, Deborah hits the road for a tour alongside Ava. Inevitably, the e-mail comes to light and barters the almost-warm relationship between Ava and Deborah.
Of course, Deborah retaliates by filing a lawsuit against Ava for breaching contract agreements, throwing the protégé’s kombucha away, and providing minimum space for a bunk bed. However, when the tour manager disposes of Ava’s dad’s ashes, the comic genius doesn’t hesitate to turn the tour bus around to help Ava find the ashes. This act proves that the two women can overcome any animosity with the admiration and respect they have for each other.
The layered events of this season help to galvanize the characters’ development. For instance, Deborah is very sincere in her desire to master her new material. It is a stunning portrayal of a successful woman coming to terms with the agony of failure and the mystery of realization. Spending time on the road helps her gradually move towards a genuine existence. Deborah challenges herself to consistently work on herself as she attempts to make the wrong crowd laugh, runs into old friends, and drinks cheap white in bars.
Ava’s redemption road involves abstinence from social media and practicing sobriety. Her journey is more intimate and personal. The up-and-coming millennial discovers new vectors of self-actualization and introspection. In the second half of the season, it is apparent that Ava fosters affection and admiration for Deborah and is willing to sacrifice her bigger objectives in life for the older comedian. Ava’s lack of connection with her parents draws her toward Deborah. On the other hand, Deborah has a strained relationship with her daughter. Clearly, the two seek a meaningful connection with each other. For that, they manage to grow closer than ever no matter what.
As for Jimmy LuSaque (Paul W. Downs) and his assistant Kayla (Megan Stalter), these two supporting casts deal with the repercussions of their trip to Las Vegas. The season has varied opportunities to examine issues of aspiration because Jimmy and Kayla’s and Deborah and Ava’s employment dynamics are juxtaposed. Particularly Kayla, who basically spent the whole of Season 1 sprinkling tomfoolery here and there, comes into her own as a more significant story driver. Deborah supporting her daughter Vance Jr’s (Kaitlin Olsen) fighter husband and Jimmy complaining to the HR representative about Kayla’s harassment are genuine comic doses but still seem like a murmur backstage with Deborah and Ava being on the main stage.
The first episodes may have an inconsistent tone which is partly because of the confusion and vulnerability the characters are facing.
However, Deborah finally conquers the disorientation and misadventures in episode 6 with a ‘eureka’ moment. She finds the binding element that will captivate her audience in her gigs. Deborah self-funds her special in QVC and Ava refuses to take any credit for her part. Seeing their reeling codependency, Deborah fires Ava though it is not with malicious intent. Ava sobs as Deborah explains why it will benefit the young comedy writer to pursue other potent ventures. The scene will leave some, if not many viewers, misty-eyed.
In the parting scene, Ava is in Los Angeles working on far-out projects. She receives a call from Jimmy, who fills her in with the latest updates. In the background is Deborah on the TV, giving out a message that foreshadows what the future holds for the two ladies and reflects on the journey both experienced.
Hacks remains funnier than ever with some hilarious moments like pregnant cows raining on Deborah’s parade in the state fair and pissing off a whole lesbian cruise.
Moving past the hellish-boss-meets-nerdy-apprentice trope, this season doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the uglier parts of the characters.
This 8-episode ensemble serves a broader emotional facet while keeping its original acidic charm.