The finale of Hacks Season 3, particularly Episode 9 titled “Bulletproof,” presents a series of shocking twists, including Deborah’s unexpected betrayal and Ava’s cunning machinations. As the season culminates, viewers witness Deborah preparing to fulfill her lifelong aspiration of hosting a late-night talk show. Following Jimmy’s announcement in Episode 8 that the network green-lit her hosting gig, she relocates to Los Angeles, igniting a chain of events that will significantly impact the series’ trajectory.
The entire narrative of Season 3 has revolved around Deborah’s ambition to claim the Late Show host position. However, with this opportunity finally in hand, she faces the daunting task of proving her capabilities. Struggling with insecurities stemming from her previous failed late-night attempt, Deborah’s fears threaten to overshadow her new role. Her desire to not provide the network with reasons for termination leads her to make decisions that result in unforeseen and dramatic outcomes.
Why Deborah Does Not Choose Ava as Her Head Writer
Deborah’s Fear of Repeating Past Mistakes
Upon landing the Late Show job, Deborah instinctively seeks to appoint Ava as her head writer, given their strengthened professional relationship and Ava’s critical support in securing the position. Ava leaves her co-producer role at On the Contrary and declines the head writer opportunity there, hoping to collaborate with Deborah. However, she soon learns that the network insists on retaining their preferred writer, Steve, which leads to her disillusionment.
In a chance encounter, Ava sees network executive Winnie Landell (played by Helen Hunt) and passionately argues for the head writer role, asserting her qualifications despite a lack of direct late-night experience. Winnie encourages Ava to present her case to Deborah, believing she has the authority to hire her choice. When Ava confronts Deborah about the betrayal, she uncovers the underlying fear that led Deborah to make her choice.
During an earlier visit to Biff—the executive who sacked her—Deborah learns that her pilot performed impressively, but prior controversies surrounding her personal life hindered her from receiving the position. Biff advises her to maintain stability within the network’s expectations, prompting Deborah to opt for the current head writer instead of Ava, reflecting her incapacity to navigate the complex corporate landscape without succumbing to anxiety.
Why Marcus Decides to Depart from Deborah’s Team
Marcus’s Growing Frustrations
At the series’ conclusion, Marcus confides in Damien about his departure from Deborah’s staff, leaving Damien deeply worried about the potential fallout of Marcus’s exit. The frustration stemming from Marcus’ experience earlier in the season, particularly when Deborah neglected to attend the Pride event he organized, leads to his decision. Feeling disregarded when he confronted her about it, Marcus ultimately opts to move on to a new opportunity.
Cathy’s Anger Towards Deborah Explored
Deborah’s Prioritization of Career Over Family
Initially excited to spend quality time with Deborah after reconciling their differences at Christmas, Kathy quickly becomes disillusioned upon realizing that Deborah can only dedicate an afternoon due to her show preparations. During a visit to their parents’ burial site, Kathy feels incensed when Deborah prioritizes a work call, further exacerbated by Deborah’s decision to relocate their mother’s remains to Las Vegas without her knowledge.
The root of Kathy’s anger extends beyond simple disappointment; it’s grounded in the sense that Deborah perpetually prioritizes her burgeoning career over familial bonds. This mirrors earlier patterns that once estranged the sisters, creating a cycle that Kathy has learned to mitigate while Deborah continues to repeat historical missteps.
Jimmy’s Resistance to Kayla’s Departure
Recognizing Kayla’s Unconventional Contributions
Throughout the season, Jimmy often expresses dissatisfaction with assistant Kayla’s management, culminating in her decision to leave for Mykonos. However, realizing her potential value, he races against time to stop her flight. Acknowledging that Kayla is more adept at managing than assisting, he reveals how her strategies, such as launching the Fatty Arbuckle biopic, ultimately helped Deborah secure her hosting role, leading to her promotion to partner.
Ava’s Champagne Purchase: A Strategic Move
Embracing Ruthlessness to Acquire her Goals
In an emotionally charged confrontation, Ava expresses her deep-seated loneliness, drawing parallels to a previous conversation with Deborah regarding champagne’s symbolic loneliness. This pivotal moment signals Ava’s evolution as she later purchases a bottle of champagne while plotting her ascent within the show’s hierarchy. Upon starting as Deborah’s staff writer, Ava employs a calculated blackmail strategy against Deborah, threatening to disclose her prior liaison with network owner Bob Lipka.
Interpreting the Finale of Hacks Season 3
Escalation of Tensions Between Deborah and Ava
The tension-filled finale intensifies the tumultuous dynamic between Deborah and Ava, with Ava’s decision to resort to blackmail echoing earlier moments of betrayal within their relationship. Historically, Ava has chosen the moral high road; however, this shift marks a significant turn as she embraces Deborah’s more duplicitous strategies, representing a deepening conflict that promises to influence the series going forward.
Audience and Critical Reception of the Season 3 Conclusion
Enthusiastic Responses to the Season Finale
The season 3 finale was hailed as a major success, contributing significantly to Hacks winning the Outstanding Comedy Series award at the 2024 Emmys. Critics praised the season, achieving a 98% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and asserting that it makes a compelling case for the show’s continued success. Critics like Harrison Richlin from Indiewire remarked:
Part of the beauty of this finale is its complexity. Even though Ava is stooping to Deborah’s shark-like levels, she’s doing so for the benefit of both their careers knowing Deborah can’t see the forest for the trees and is merely operating from a place of fear.
Fans of Hacks reacted positively to the season’s conclusion, although some expressed dissatisfaction over Ava resorting to Deborah’s underhanded tactics. Nonetheless, excitement bubbled over regarding the mounting stakes in their relationship. In a lively Reddit discussion about the finale, one user, JuicyApple2023 aptly stated:
I enjoyed the finale immensely. We don’t have the Ava/ Deborah dynamic if they are apart… Season 4 is gonna be awesome!
Anticipating Season 4 of Hacks
Deborah and Ava Enter New Levels of Competition
While Ava may have claimed the head writer role, layout for Season 4 indicates that Deborah is more determined than ever to ensure she does not ultimately prevail. Recent trailers accentuate Deborah’s ferocity, showcasing her thwarting Ava’s efforts and eliciting a warning from Jimmy that highlights Deborah’s experience in navigating the industry.
The historical conflicts between Deborah and Ava suggest Season 4 will explore their tumultuous relationship further. It follows a pattern of contention, such as Deborah’s lawsuit against Ava in Season 2 and Ava’s earlier resentment for being fired. What makes the show remarkable is its ability to balance moments of tension with vulnerability, illuminating how much both women mean to each other amidst their struggles for success.
Season 4 promises more than just conflict; it hints at profound moments between Deborah and Ava, with previews teasing interactions that blend hilarity with depth. Fans can anticipate comedic confrontations alongside the possibility of reconciliation, making the upcoming season highly anticipated.