A new era in ‘Hacks’: Ava’s transformation and the power dynamics shift

The dramatic haircut that changed everything

In the final moments of Season 3 of the beloved comedy series “Hacks,” a significant transformation took place: Ava’s striking new haircut, dubbed the “fuck-ass bob.” This bold new look, introduced just before the credits rolled, signaled a dramatic shift in the power dynamics between Ava (Hannah Einbinder) and her boss, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart).

A symbol of empowerment

The haircut, named by episode director and series co-creator Lucia Aniello, was more than just a change in appearance. It represented Ava’s newfound confidence and determination. Betrayed by Deborah, Ava takes everything she has learned from her mentor and uses it to her advantage, blackmailing her way into the head writer position on Deborah’s new late-night show.

Co-creator Jen Statsky explains, “Ava is embodying a new version of herself. It’s not a completely new version, but it’s the next level of taking everything Deborah has taught her and implementing it into her life and what she feels she deserves.”

The final showdown

Before the audience could witness Ava’s transformation, they were treated to a harrowing showdown between Ava and Deborah. In a tense living room confrontation, Ava accuses Deborah of lying about the head writer position, leading to an explosive argument that would redefine their relationship.

Paul W. Downs, another co-creator, shares, “It’s probably the scene we wrote the most. It’s about fine-tuning how honest and cruel they can be because they’re both hurt. We wanted to revisit the mythology of these characters and the history they’ve had.”

The emotional weight of the scene

Both Smart and Einbinder were hesitant to rehearse the scene too much, a common practice on “Hacks.” Aniello explains, “We don’t do a ton of rehearsals in general. There’s something about letting the first crack at it from the actors be on-camera because sometimes there’s something really lovely about those raw choices.”

Einbinder was particularly concerned about the emotional weight of the dialogue. Downs adds, “For Hannah, she’s like, ‘I can’t say these words without getting really upset,’ because what’s happened between these two characters for three seasons is all building to this.”

Crafting the perfect confrontation

Aniello meticulously planned the camera work to match the intensity of the scene. “The first thing I really wanted to do was have the camera be very active at the top of it to kind of match Ava’s energy,” she says. “Both the camera is pulling with her and pushing behind her. So, it feels like you are literally with Ava and you’re attacking Deborah.”

The dialogue is filled with biting lines, with Ava pleading for fairness and Deborah dismissing her as naive. Downs notes, “We try a lot to have our dialogue say more than it does on the page. Deborah says, ‘stop crying,’ both because she doesn’t want to show weakness as a woman in this business, but also because it’s self-protective.”

The aftermath and what’s next

Ultimately, Ava asks if Deborah is willing to throw away their friendship for the job, to which Deborah coldly replies that she is. This exchange sets the stage for Ava’s final, devastating line: “You’re going to die alone.”

Downs reveals that there was only one alternate line for this scene, which was slightly softer. However, they chose the colder take to emphasize the gravity of the situation.

The seriousness of this exchange left little room for levity, and the showrunners decided to cut the singular joke from the dialogue, saving it for future episodes.

Looking ahead to Season 4

With the dramatic events of the Season 3 finale, the stage is set for an exciting new chapter in “Hacks.” The creators are currently working on the next batch of episodes, promising that Season 4 will pick up almost immediately after the closing scene of “Bulletproof.”

“There will be no shortage of suits,” Statsky promises, hinting at the continued power struggles and transformations to come.

Downs adds, “Dress for the job you want,” suggesting that Ava’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment is far from over.

For those eager to catch up or revisit the intense moments of “Hacks,” you can watch the trailer for the series here.

This article delves into the intricate dynamics of “Hacks,” offering a personal reflection on the characters’ evolution and the powerful storytelling that has captivated audiences. Whether you’re a fan of cinema, TV series, or music, the emotional depth and character development in “Hacks” provide a rich tapestry of themes to explore and appreciate.