The final episode of “Hacks” received a standing ovation.
This Emmy Award-winning comedy series from HBO wrapped up its five-season run on Thursday night, showcasing significant changes in Deborah Vance’s (Jean Smart) life.
Warning: Spoilers are ahead. If you haven’t watched the series finale, proceed with caution.
At the start of the episode, viewers might’ve felt a jolt of concern when Deborah revealed to Eva (Hannah Einbinder) that she had a cancerous mass that had spread.
To complicate things further, Deborah outright refused treatment.
Eva was understandably distraught, but Deborah insisted that she wanted Eva to accompany her to a facility in Switzerland for assisted suicide.
It took a bit of back-and-forth, but Eva eventually agreed to support her friend and mentor on this deeply troubling journey.
The duo made a stop in Paris, indulging in shopping, sightseeing at the Louvre (making light of the Mona Lisa), and dancing the night away at a club.
However, as the joyful distractions faded, Eva confronted Deborah again about her decision to end her life.
In a heartfelt performance, Einbinder skillfully portrayed Eva’s desperation as she pleaded with Deborah, “Please, don’t leave me.”
“I’m sorry,” came Deborah’s scornful response.
Staying true to her character, Eva resigned herself to Deborah’s wishes and stepped back.
Later, at the train station where Eva prepared to head to Switzerland, she felt a mix of relief and concern. But then, during a brainstorming session about jokes pertaining to Deborah’s impending death, Deborah had a change of heart.
“I don’t have 30 years, but I think I have an hour left,” she quipped, leading Eva to agree to help craft a ‘death joke.’
In the series’s closing moments, Deborah decided to undergo treatment and walked hand in hand with Eva through Las Vegas, the city that marked the beginning of their unique bond.
Meanwhile, Jimmy (Paul W. Downs) and Kayla (Meg Stalter) unearthed Michael Schaefer’s (Kayla’s father) illegal actions within his talent agency, leading to a satisfying conclusion where Michael stepped down, passing control to the duo. Their collective presence inspired the agency’s employees during an inspiring keynote speech by Jimmy.
In a classic move, Kayla opted not to claim the largest office for herself, giving it to her assistant, Randy (Robbie Hoffman), simply so she could sit closer to Jimmy.
While the finale of “Hacks” wasn’t flawless—lacking in major dramatic scenes and showing limited enthusiasm from Deborah—what ultimately resonated was the profound connection between Deborah and Eva, which had always been the heart of the show.
Since its debut in 2021, “Hacks” introduced us to two women from different generations who shared a deep love for comedy. However, as we’ve seen over five seasons, the essence of their story transcended mere humor; it was a timeless tale of affection.
You can now stream all five seasons of “Hacks” on HBO Max.
