Hacks Season-Finale Recap: Get Out of Town

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For many years, the season finale was the episode with the major event or climax. However, since the rise of prestige TV in the 2010s, it seems that most of the significant events now occur in the second-to-last episode, while the final episode is more reflective and calm. This change isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I do find it interesting that what was once an innovative approach has become commonplace, which can sometimes make the finale feel less impactful.

Wouldn’t it have been more satisfying to conclude this season of “Hacks” with last week’s episode, leaving us pondering how Deborah will rebuild her life, but reassured that she has Ava by her side? Instead, we are presented with a journey reminiscent of “Lost in Translation,” providing some stunning visuals yet largely feeling like stagnation for Deborah: just swimming and waiting for the main event to restart.

Initially, it was unimaginable for us that Deborah hadn’t consulted a lawyer before her actions led to the destruction of her job and personal life. However, at this stage, she’s exhausted all options with top-tier law firms, none of whom can find a legal solution for Deborah over the next 18 months. A so-called ‘ambulance chaser’ lawyer also fails her, stating he cannot locate a loophole because one doesn’t exist; even if there was one, no court would accept taking on Deborah as a client due to the risk involved. The only thing she gains from this meeting is a contact number for a doctor in case of surgical complications.

At Jimmy’s workplace, Ava is pondering alternative tactics. “I’ll give Bob Lipka a blowjob,” she remarks casually. “My technique isn’t fantastic, but how terrible could it really be?” Jimmy advises Ava to channel her efforts towards encouraging Deborah to resume writing. However, Deborah encounters difficulties as she grapples with the realization that she doesn’t own the rights to her work, making it challenging for her to practice in private. She yearns for a stage and an audience, and waiting might not be an option because 18 months can feel like a long time to her. Deborah decides to relocate to Las Vegas by herself, ostensibly to plan her next step but mostly to indulge, spend time with her grandson, and solve crossword puzzles. I’m concerned these habits may hasten her aging! She also pays a visit to Marcus, who kindly declines her invitation to abandon his secure, well-paying job for the unpredictable whirlwind that is Deborah’s professional world. Despite missing the intrigue, he isn’t enticed enough. Deborah comforts herself with trinkets from a touristy gift shop. While donning a glitzy trucker hat, she concocts a rum and Coke. It’s … quite disheartening.

However, things take a turn for the better when she receives an urgent call from Marty. It turns out to be a fashion crisis – the best kind! – and a lifeline. Marty is part-owner of a hotel in Hawaii and offers Deborah the penthouse suite, complimentary. With no obligations, why not spend time relaxing while she’s unable to do anything else? This sounds so dreamy. I hope I have a partner like Marty when I reach Deborah’s age.

Deborah has given her approval, and everyone is overjoyed. It’s as if all the seemingly cursed items in the household spark to life when Belle consents to the Beast hosting the dinner party. At last, the resort collection will have its time to shine! Damien can finally undergo surgery to remove his ulcer! Ava can don the attire of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective! While she didn’t necessarily need a reason, she certainly has one now!

Previously in Las Vegas, Marcus and his family witnessed the Tropicalia being torn down, mourning the bygone days of old Vegas – a place untouched by sterility and monotony, filled with local businesses instead of chains. It was rough around the edges; when did it all turn so corporate? Seems like an entrepreneurial opportunity is in the works… But let’s leave that thought for another day! We are about to embark on Deborah’s private flight now.

Ava cheerfully swallows her preferred sleeping pill, acknowledging that excessive Benzo use is strongly linked with dementia, but choosing to worry about that later. As she chats animatedly about leisure activities, it’s evident that Deborah is growing increasingly anxious. It seems unlikely that this flight will be reaching Hawaii. I’m curious about how the change of plans works in this situation since Ava (and the others) were only equipped for domestic travel; does anyone even have their passports? Is it different for wealthy individuals traveling privately and not requiring passports? Let’s explore Singapore instead!

During the flight, Deborah successfully arranged a performance opportunity at a casino. As it turns out, there was an exception to the rule: She could perform with the aid of a translator! It seems reminiscent of the finale in the movie “Tár.

A montage unfolds featuring Deborah and Ava, looking as if they’re enjoying an exciting honeymoon, accompanied by a rendition of “Dreams” by the Cranberries. They indulge in games of chance, sip champagne, dine near an aquarium as more events are added to their itinerary, including karaoke and couples massages. However, Deborah’s humor becomes overly cliché, even for a comedian like her, and her exuberance starts to resemble mania or denial. Ava’s facial expressions grow increasingly displeased. She must be feeling incredibly isolated since there seems to be no one else around. As Deborah’s career progresses to residency status, she dozes off onstage. Ava is left feeling utterly bored and yearning for work. Deborah drinks heavily (a nod to the aquarium earlier), becoming aggressive when Ava accurately describes their prolonged stay, the alcohol issue, and their lack of genuine happiness.

In the morning, Ava awakens to a flurry of messages and an unsettling news headline from TMZ – Deborah has passed away. Previously, Ava had expressed her concern for Deborah, but chose not to confront her directly. As such, she shared that she was leaving, implying her feelings without stating them explicitly.

Ava dashes swiftly through every corridor of the casino. Upon reaching Deborah’s room, Deborah is very much alive. However, according to the prepared obituary, what appears to be dead is the concept of late night television, supposedly taken down by none other than Deborah. Some viewers have noted in comments that this portrayal of “late night” feels a bit old-fashioned. Although I understand that it holds significant importance for Deborah and Ava’s role as head writer is meaningful, even in this fictional world, isn’t it a stretch to suggest that late night television was flourishing until Deborah arrived? Her competition was a clip show! The network wasn’t even considering continuing with a late-night program at all!

Regardless, Deborah is shocked to imagine herself attending her own funeral and discovering the comments people would make about her, specifically labeling her as “retired“. (Ava should have recognized which term Deborah was using; she’s not from Generation Z.) Nonetheless, I find it a bit far-fetched that Deborah can only learn this information from some random TMZ reporter and not through any other means, but her determination has resurfaced. This will certainly not be her enduring memory.

Considering her current contract status, where might Deborah choose to head next? Perhaps mentoring a fresh wave of female artists isn’t quite Deborah’s style, but could it be in the realm of producing? Could the upcoming season feature a time leap of a year? With the creators initially planning for a five-season run, this might be Deborah’s final chance to shine: What direction will she take from here on out?

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2025-05-30 04:57