Hacks Recap: A Strategic Retreat

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Hey there! It seems our legal team has suggested a term called “a gathering” for our meeting this weekend since we can’t officially visit an office. Let’s raise our hands in solidarity! Yes, really, let’s give each other a friendly high-five. They’re observing us, and I believe displaying unity is crucial.

Despite my belief that the writers’ room for our last episode would be a blend of Ava’s and Deborah’s selections, it appears that the team seen receiving Damien’s informational packets upon arriving in Las Vegas is entirely aligned with Ava’s choices. You recalled that one of Deborah’s colleagues was out of town, correct? That might explain some of the missing personnel. It’s also possible that Deborah’s selections weren’t necessary for this particular retreat.

In my perspective, I firmly believe that effective collaboration among writers doesn’t just happen; it’s fostered. Ava, for one, emphasizes the importance of building connections first – camaraderie, team spirit, even casual conversations about shared experiences, such as her shellfish allergy. To her, these are the essential ingredients that create a dynamic and productive working environment.

As for me, I must admit that I find icebreakers somewhat tiresome – perhaps because I’m an adult who prefers natural social interactions without forced constructs. However, I recognize that Deborah’s approach might need some adjustments. Demanding immediate idea generation from new hires might be a sign of someone who has worked in isolation for too long, and it shows in her methods.

In terms of Ava’s approach to hiring, it seems that a balanced strategy might be more suitable, correct? Ava aims to be friendly with everyone, which reminds me of an episode from 30 Rock where Liz Lemon learns that people don’t necessarily want their boss as a friend. Deborah, on the other hand, tends to adopt a leadership style that involves shouting at people, emulating the youth soccer coaches I encountered during my formative years. However, this approach does not seem to be effective with her team members.

The group is given a stunning overview of all the enjoyable experiences they won’t get to have, followed by being confined to a windowless ballroom converted into a conference room with only cantaloupes and saltines for sustenance. Deborah makes a straightforward observation: Late-night shows thrive due to their hosts rather than their format, implying that every detail of the show must cater to her personality. I find that idea delightful. She also emphasizes the goal of becoming the top late-night show within three months. While I appreciate the ambition, I fear that pressure could shatter the more delicate writers in the room.

The group gets shown all the fun they can’t have, then locked up in a room with only cantaloupes and saltines. Deborah says that late-night shows are successful because of their hosts, not the format, so everything should be tailored to her. I agree, it sounds great! She also wants them to be the best late-night show within three months. That’s cool, but it might stress out some of the weaker writers here.

Deborah and Ava grapple with the disappointing proposals from the team, which they both found entertainingly passionate. In one particularly spirited exchange, Deborah proposes an idea and when Ava objects, she asks if anyone doubts her authority, to which Ava replies in the negative. Eventually, Ava convinces Deborah to let everyone loosen up a bit, arguing that it would create a more positive atmosphere and better content. In the end, Deborah agrees: “I’ll give them an unforgettable weekend before I reduce them to ashes.” My comments in the margin read: It seems there may be numerous HR issues arising from this plan.

To start off: Auto racing! Quite reminiscent of Paul Newman; I give it my seal of approval. Deborah offers a thousand dollars to the victor, and then surprisingly, she becomes the victor herself. Did I understand this correctly? Did she use that money from one of her new writers, perhaps? Incredible. They proceed to get drunk and devour colorful sushi rolls, and after Deborah makes a dramatic exit, they purchase an entire medicine cabinet’s worth of drugs from a vendor who also offers 12-year-old cans of Four Loko. They head to clubs, and we unveil an entirely new facet of our leader: DJ DEBORAH. This is followed by a day of gambling. I must say, I’m quite impressed. I don’t think I could survive under these conditions, but honestly, I wouldn’t have even been able to complete the part of the task where you need to read in a moving vehicle.

Stepping onto the glamorous casino floor, there she is – Kiki (Poppy Liu), a character we’ve grown fond of. Ava boasts to Kiki about her latest move on Deborah, using an unusual term “domming”. Upon closer inspection, it turns out that “domming” is actually blackmail in Ava’s book. I can’t help but question if Ava will ever realize that her approach might not elicit the admiration she seems to be yearning for. It seems she’s waiting for someone to shower her with compliments like, “You’re so cool, brave, and genius!” Kiki shrewdly labels this tactic as “tragically sad, dark, and horrific” and cautions Ava that Deborah never forgets a grudge.

In this situation, I find myself at the heart of an issue concerning HR infractions: Deborah inviting most of us to Loretta’s nightclub. It seems Ava wasn’t included as she chose not to join due to her overzealous nature. When questioned about the atmosphere, Deborah replied defensively, “I was merely attempting to create a lively environment by departing without you.

Instead of relishing her usual lap dance, Deborah finds herself grappling with the true purpose of her visit. Unfortunately, Cherry’s energetic hip movements and remark, “I can’t believe you have time for this! What are you doing here?”, only serve to increase her distress. In a fluster, Deborah and Ava engage in a hasty brainstorming session within the Champagne room. However, their efforts are unsuccessful. To add to their misery, the loud music is abruptly halted when the performer vomits right in the middle of their discussion, effectively putting an end to the festivities for everyone present.

Hurrying through the vibrant Vegas nightscape, I find myself engaged in a spirited conversation with Ava about an issue that’s been bothering me – how humor seems to desert writers under pressure. Frankly, I can’t help but wonder if it’s as challenging as working in a coal mine… or perhaps even more so?

As we transition from discussing work matters to delving into the real stuff – like Ava overcoming betrayal, while I grapple with my own issues – the conversation takes an unexpected turn. The music comes to a screeching halt, and the cops make their entrance – the ultimate joke-killers.

It’s hard to fathom that Deborah, despite her street smarts, is unaware of the rule not to speak when a police officer stops you. Moreover, admitting being drunk isn’t an option. Goodness gracious! Luckily, she’s quick-witted enough to hang onto her phone, enabling her to call for assistance from the back of the patrol car. Her hero in casual attire arrives: It’s Mayor Pezzimenti (Lauren Weedman), darling!

The body cameras have been turned off, Deborah is resuming her financial support for Pezzimenti’s reelection campaign, and everyone seems likely to forget about this incident. What a sight, women standing together. So heartwarming. Everything that Pezzimenti said left me in stitches, from her sarcastic comment, “Nothing in this town is free, Pepper Ann!” to the dramatic way she pulled out her gun at the climax of the situation to challenge Deborah’s marksmanship, to her casual remark, “I don’t understand why firefighters are more popular than police officers. Guess I’m not really into current events.

Somehow, everyone left the retreat with exactly what they desired. The authors are companions. Their brush with almost-arrest has provided them with content and a concept for an attention-grabbing beginning: Deborah being released from late-night detention. (You’d try to lock James Corden in on your way out so he doesn’t perform any more musicals.)

It seems that the question arises: Who might have tattled when everyone appeared content upon our return to work, given that Deborah and Ava were reprimanded for multiple reports of unacceptable conduct from the retreat? I believe it was the one we call the office troublemaker, feeling he’d be let go permanently, who decided to inform on us. Now, he may well be regretting his actions. As per the company policy, Ava and Deborah will never work alone again; an HR representative named Stacy will accompany them. This could potentially introduce a new dynamic into their working relationship… they might even find enjoyment in being observed?

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2025-04-18 07:04