Hacks Finale Review: A Once-Venomous Satire Softens Its Edge
For a significant period, Hacks stood as the pinnacle of comedy television, a genuine laugh-out-loud series distinct from trauma-heavy dramas like The Bear. Its Emmy win for best comedy in 2024 positioned it as the vanguard of authentic humor. However, that era now feels distant. The emergence of The Studio, a sharper entertainment business satire with superior production and star power, overshadowed Hacks at recent awards, leaving it with only two trophies for leads Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. The pressing question for this final season is whether Hacks can reclaim its former glory.
A Step Up from Previous Seasons
In brief, the answer is partially yes. This concluding run marks a clear improvement over the muddled third and fourth seasons, which focused on Deborah Vance's late-night talk show hosting gig. That storyline, instead of critiquing a fading format, highlighted the show's weaknesses by failing to convincingly portray Vance as the comedic genius she was touted to be. Her material often fell flat, creating a disconnect that eroded audience trust. This season shifts to the aftermath of her dismissal, with a Conan O'Brien-style gag order preventing her from performing publicly. This twist provides Vance with a compelling struggle to return to the stage while cleverly avoiding the need for her to deliver jokes.
Renewed Momentum but Diminished Venom
With this newfound freedom, Hacks launches with explosive energy. The initial episodes are thrilling as Vance devises schemes to regain success, from pursuing an EGOT to writing a memoir or selling out Madison Square Garden. This momentum, absent in recent years, injects vitality into the narrative. Yet, the show's signature venom has faded. Originally, Hacks distinguished itself through monstrousness, with Vance as a bitter, jealous antihero whose hostility toward writer Ava sparked intense drama. That dynamic has evaporated, replaced by an easygoing chumminess that defangs the series. While still enjoyable, it rarely captures the raw edge of earlier seasons.
A Bizarre and Unearned Conclusion
As the final season, Hacks will ultimately be judged by its ending, which is notably peculiar. The denouement arrives abruptly, like an unearned anvil drop, unfolding as a standalone one-act play that feels contrived, almost as if generated by a ChatGPT prompt aimed at securing Jean Smart another Emmy through manipulative means. This conclusion demands deconstruction upon airing, leaving viewers puzzled. Throughout its run, Hacks has wavered between biting industry satire and a cameo-laden spectacle akin to Entourage, never fully committing to either identity.
Powerhouse Performances Shine Through
Despite these flaws, the series is anchored by powerhouse performances from Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. Their compelling work remains a highlight, sustaining interest even during lulls. As Hacks concludes, their chemistry and talent will likely be its lasting legacy. For fans, it has been a tumultuous journey, but one worth taking for these stellar portrayals. Hacks airs on Sky Atlantic and Now in the UK, HBO Max in the US, and Stan in Australia.
