Hacks Series Finale: Creators Discuss Deborah's Decision, Spin-Off Possibilities, and the Final Day of Shooting
By
Nick Caruso
Pure flour-power. Hearty enough to carry you through lunch.
Summary
The series finale of "Hacks" sees Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) ending their professional partnership on a high note. Deborah decides to give Ava her freedom by buying out her contract, allowing Ava to pursue her own creative projects. The finale features a touching duet between Deborah and her sister Barbara, and leaves Deborah's daughter DJ's reaction to Deborah's illness off-screen intentionally. The creators Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky discuss the emotional final day of shooting, the possibility of a spin-off (which they're open to but not currently planning), and key creative decisions including why certain storylines were left unresolved.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledWe always knew that the ending of the show would be Deborah giving Ava her freedom. That was the ending that we had in mind from the very beginning.
The duet between Judy and Barbra was something we talked about for years. It felt like the perfect way to honor their complicated sisterhood.
We didn't want to show DJ's reaction because we felt like the audience had already seen enough of that dynamic. Sometimes what you don't show is more powerful.
A spin-off is not something we're actively working on, but we never say never. If the right idea came along, we'd be open to it.
The last day of shooting was incredibly emotional. Everyone was crying, including the crew. It felt like the end of a really special chapter.
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