Hacks Finale Review: A Once-Venomous Satire Softens Its Edge
In its concluding season, the acclaimed comedy series Hacks bursts out with renewed energy, marking its best outing in years. However, the show struggles to recapture the sharp, monstrous wit that once positioned it at the forefront of television comedy. For a period, Hacks stood as the pinnacle of genuine humour, distinct from drama-heavy series like The Bear. Its 2024 Emmy win for best comedy solidified its status as a trailblazer in the genre.
The Rise of Competition and a Shift in Dynamics
That era now feels distant, overshadowed by the emergence of The Studio, a rival entertainment satire boasting superior star power, production values, and incisive commentary. At recent awards ceremonies, The Studio dominated, while Hacks managed only two trophies for its leads, Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. This final season poses a critical question: can Hacks reclaim its former glory?
The answer is partially affirmative. This season represents a significant improvement over the lacklustre third and fourth instalments, which focused on Deborah Vance's late-night talk show hosting role. Those episodes highlighted the show's weaknesses, particularly in proving Vance's comedic genius through subpar material, undermining audience trust.
A New Direction and Renewed Momentum
Now, the narrative shifts to Vance's fallout from late night, including a gag order that bars her from public joking. This plot device allows her to rail against constraints while avoiding the need for actual jokes, injecting fresh momentum. Early episodes are exhilarating as Vance schemes relentlessly for a comeback, exploring avenues like an EGOT pursuit, memoir writing, or selling out Madison Square Garden.
Yet, the venom that once defined Hacks has dissipated. The show's hallmark was its monstrousness, with Vance as a bitter, jealous antihero and her hostile dynamic with Ava providing a gripping spark. This codependent venom has been replaced by an easygoing chuminess, defanging the series and leaving it feeling less like the Hacks of old.
A Bizarre Conclusion and Lasting Legacy
The finale delivers a weird, abrupt denouement, dropped with little warning and resembling a standalone one-act play. It feels manipulative, as if crafted solely to secure another Emmy for Smart, sparking curiosity for post-airing analysis. Throughout its run, Hacks wavered between biting industry satire and a cameo-laden spectacle akin to Entourage, often lacking polish.
Despite these inconsistencies, the powerhouse performances by Smart and Einbinder remain compelling until the end. Their work is likely to be the show's enduring legacy, making fans nostalgic even through uneven years. Hacks may have lost its edge, but its central duo ensures it leaves a memorable mark.
