Hacks is more than just a comedy. It sharply dissects the values commonly accepted by the public. Most admirably, the show presents female relationships that cannot be easily categorized, breaking through the single framework of traditional family ties, friendship, and love. It delicately portrays the mutual appreciation between women, which is deeply moving.
01. Clashes with Political Correctness
Deborah Vance, a legend in the Las Vegas comedy scene and a veteran of the stand-up stage, has weathered fifty years of ups and downs. Back in the male-dominated theaters of the last century, she carved out a niche with her sharp self-deprecation.
But as time passed, this pioneering figure was labeled "outdated" and "obsolete." Her prime-time slot was taken away, making room for younger comedy stars.
Meanwhile, Ava Daniels, a 25-year-old emerging screenwriter, is obsessed with political correctness and advocates for environmental protection and the rights of minority groups. By a twist of fate, Ava becomes Deborah’s partner, and the collision between two generations and two vastly different sets of values sparks fireworks.
Deborah, shaped by traditional patriarchy, holds conservative attitudes, while Ava is a firm supporter of radical progressive ideas. The two frequently clash over political correctness, keeping the audience on edge.
From Ava accusing Deborah of making fun of appearance, to Deborah retorting that "only those with plain looks would think that way"; from Deborah remaining indifferent when a club owner sexually harasses a newcomer, to Ava being outraged—these disputes push the plot forward layer by layer.
Deborah’s daily struggles during the open-mic era are stories of normalized sexual harassment, which she was forced to accept as the price of success to survive. Although progressive ideals are worth upholding, Hacks does not simplify this contradiction. Instead, it keenly presents the complexity of human nature in specific situations.
In Season 4, Deborah finally becomes the first female host of the TV show Late Night, fulfilling her dream. However, the TV station forces her to interview a celebrity accused of domestic violence and harassing minors, and cuts out her jokes mocking the scandal.
Ava is furious and leaks the story to her friends in the news circle, causing heavy financial losses to the TV station. It is certain that Ava will be fired. Faced with a choice, Ava must struggle between ideals and reality: on one side are fame, fortune, and ideals; on the other is the values she insists on.
Surprisingly, the calm and realistic Deborah takes the initiative to quit the show to defend her "soulmate" Ava. Her choice is not based on grand theories, but on the commitment between friends, and she is willing to bear the consequences.
This choice makes the audience see that the banner of political correctness is not flawless; every banner has small cracks. Hacks cleverly helps us understand the values of women from two different generations. There is no absolute correctness, only the complexity of human nature.
02. The Rebellious Charm of "Crazy Women"
In Season 4, another standout character is Joe Pesci, Deborah’s long-time friend and the mayor of Las Vegas. After her private life was exposed, she became a "promiscuous crazy woman" in the eyes of the media, sparking discussions everywhere.
Italian scholar Silvia Federici once analyzed that patriarchal society stigmatizes women with strong sexual desire, regarding them as "public hazards" that disrupt social order. In traditional narratives, such "sex scandals" often drive women to destruction.
But Hacks takes the opposite approach. Encouraged by Deborah, Pesci chooses to appear on Late Night and respond to public opinion with humor. She turns the "crazy woman" label into her own signature and even takes the initiative to mock the negative comments.
The audience’s laughter defuses the attacks, and she becomes the most symbolic mayor of Las Vegas. Deborah also encountered a similar fate when she was young. She once had the opportunity to host Late Night, but her husband cheated on her with her sister and framed her for arson. She was mocked by the public as a "crazy woman," and her career hit rock bottom.
She chose to embrace the identity of a "crazy woman," fought her way back into the comedy circle with more offensive jokes, and achieved a second spring in her life. She once said: "Everyone wants to see you fall, but you will get up and fight back hard."
However, Hacks does not fall into the trap of success stories. It reveals the emotional breakdown behind Deborah’s career glory. She has broken off relations with her ex-husband, sister, and daughter. Her love life is a mess, and the people closest to her are her employees.
The price of being a "crazy woman" is that she is willing to burn herself out for her career, give up the illusion of family balance, and be a "bad person" in life. This is the real B-side.
03. The Subtle Flow of Female Emotions
The most touching part of the show is the complex and indefinable relationship between Deborah and Ava. At first, Deborah saw Ava as a difficult subordinate. Their values were poles apart, and Deborah even embarrassed Ava in a way that bordered on mental abuse.
But when Ava was blacklisted for a sensitive joke, only Deborah was willing to give her a chance. The two gradually understood each other from the power struggle in the workplace to creating jokes together.
Ava encouraged Deborah to step out of her comfort zone, use her own stories for a special show, and helped her regain her vitality. Over time, Deborah’s female consciousness awakened. She no longer tolerated discriminatory jokes from seniors and was willing to support unknown new talents.
In their interactions, the audience sees the shadow of a mother and daughter: women of different generations support each other in vulnerability, like family.
There is an impressive scene: Ava is looking for her father’s ashes in the garbage dump late at night, and Deborah accompanies her in her silk pajamas. Another scene: when Ava breaks down under pressure and wants to resign, the 70-year-old Deborah jumps into the sea without hesitation to save her.
Their dedication to their careers is misunderstood by others as "selfish and cold," but this is also a manifestation of their passion for comedy and vitality. They enjoy pushing themselves to the limit.
This relationship, which is both teacher and friend, breaks the win-lose opposition of traditional mentor-student stories. There is no absolute winner, only continuous disputes leading to understanding and growth.
Hannah Einbinder, who plays Ava, once said that she does comedy to make people happy. At first, it came from the desire for recognition, but later she found that what really fills the void in her heart is the mutual acceptance between women after revealing their vulnerability, coldness, and ambition.
This is the secret of Hacks moving countless female audiences: the interweaving of attack and forgiveness, disgust and tolerance, which is just like a true portrayal of women’s reconciliation with themselves.
At the end of Season 4, Deborah firmly refuses to fire Ava and even falls out with the TV station: "Without you, there would be no Late Night." After a long period of self-doubt and external questioning, they finally hug tightly, embracing their imperfect selves.