How the ‘Hacks’ Ensemble Brought New Depths to the Dynamic Comedy

As we prepare for the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards, Backstage is breaking down this year’s film and television ensemble nominees for your consideration. 

Main cast: Rose Abdoo, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Paul W. Downs, Hannah Einbinder, Mark Indelicato, Jean Smart, Megan Stalter
Casting by: Nicole Abellera and Jeanne McCarthy
Created By: Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky
Distributed by: Max

Fasten your seatbelts, “Hacks” fans. After that third season, it’s going to be a bumpy (late) night. But that’s why we watch, isn’t it?

This showbiz fable about the contentious symbiotic relationship between two ambitious women has always been a little “All About Eve.” And like Margo Channing and Eve Harrington before them, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) are surrounded by a witty circle of friends and frenemies who deserve a standing ovation of their own. 

The leading ladies of “Hacks” have a roller-coaster relationship, to say the least; but they also share a bond unlike any other on TV. Ever since Smart’s stylish blond pit bull of a comedy icon took Einbinder’s struggling joke writer under her wing on the first season, they’ve quipped their way through a lawsuit, a bus tour, a funeral, a meteoric rise to success, and a fandom-maddening whiff of romantic tension. 

Smart and Einbinder bring those years of history to bear on their Season 3 performances. They begin by reinforcing old dynamics, as Deborah lures Ava back to her side after cutting her loose on the Season 2 finale. Smart imbues her character with a confidence that comes with wealth and success, and it’s incredibly alluring; and Einbinder taps into the squirmy, goofy mannerisms this allure brings out in Ava. She doesn’t quite act like an awkward schoolgirl with a crush, but…well, she kind of does.

That roller coaster takes a stomach-churning plunge on the season finale, “Bulletproof.” Without venturing into spoiler territory, let’s just say that Smart and Einbinder share a scene that’s so raw and emotional that you’ll forget “Hacks” is about standup comedy; their exchange feels more like something out of “Marriage Story.” Both actors access facets of their characters that viewers haven’t seen before. Einbinder pulls tearful, vindictive rage out of Ava, while Smart knifes the audience in the gut with little more than a well-placed tremor in her voice. The effect is jarring, and it makes for amazing television.

Even when they’re apart, Smart and Einbinder find new sides of their characters to explore. On Episode 4, “Join the Club,” Deborah visits a crew of salty old fellas—led by Stephen Tobolowsky’s Henry—whom she knew in her standup heyday. Predictably, they’re a less-than-sensitive bunch. When they start lobbing offensive remarks about bisexuals, Smart shifts from giddy nerves to nervy disagreement and winds up sounding a lot like her protégé. Meanwhile, Ava tries to balance work and romance, discovering an inner confidence that would make her mentor proud.

Deborah’s inner circle—Rose Abdoo as deadpan estate manager Josefina and Mark Indelicato as high-strung assistant Damien—also get moments to shine. Season 3 gives a meaty subplot to Carl Clemons-Hopkins’ Marcus, the CEO of Deborah’s company. Since he’s usually the model of hypercompetence, it’s fun when the actor gets to show their character’s uncertain side. As Marcus considers jumping ship to accept an attractive job offer, you can see the inner conflict creeping across Clemons-Hopkins’ ordinarily stoic features.

The funniest bits this season come from Deborah and Ava’s management team, Jimmy LuSaque Jr. (co-creator Paul W. Downs) and Kayla Schaeffer (Megan Stalter). Downs can play exasperation in his sleep, and Stalter’s talent for portraying daffy obliviousness is right in line with her alt-comedy brand. As Jimmy and Kayla struggle to get their fledgling agency off the ground, the actors explore their characters’ gooey insides. Stalter shows real pain when Kayla confronts Jimmy about his frequent digs at her competence, leading him to express genuine affection and trust in return.

Overall, this season of “Hacks” allows the ensemble to explore just how tumultuous life in the limelight can be. If she were alive today, you know Bette Davis would have killed to play Deborah Vance.