‘Hacks’ Season 4 Starts Right Where Season 3 Left Off, With Ava’s Betrayal: “You Really Want to See The Fallout”

New York Post - Apr 11th, 2025
Open on New York Post

Hacks Season 4 on MAX opens with a dramatic twist as Ava, played by Hannah Einbinder, resorts to blackmailing Deborah, portrayed by Jean Smart, to secure the head writing position she was promised. Ava threatens to expose Deborah's affair with the married chairman of the production company, risking Deborah's reputation and her dream show. This act of betrayal sets a toxic tone for the season as Deborah reluctantly names Ava head writer, leading to a tense and darkly humorous dynamic between the two. The premiere episode, "Big, Brave Girl," reveals Deborah's underhanded pranks against Ava, further escalating their toxic rivalry and setting the stage for a season full of sharp humor and emotional depth.

The implications of Ava's actions and the ensuing fallout highlight the complex relationship between the two main characters. Co-creator Paul W. Downs emphasizes the desire to maintain the show's high energy and deliver on the intensity felt at the end of Season 3. The season explores the intertwining of comedic and tragic elements within Ava and Deborah's interactions, reflecting life's inherent contradictions. The premiere's final sequence, where Deborah accuses Ava of breaking her heart while posing for a faux magazine cover, underscores the growing emotional chasm between them. Hacks continues to balance its signature sharp humor with poignant drama, captivating audiences with its exploration of ambition, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides an engaging and timely overview of *Hacks* Season 4, effectively capturing the tension and drama between the main characters. It benefits from direct quotes from the show's creators and cast, adding authenticity and insight into character motivations. However, the lack of diverse perspectives and additional sources limits its depth and balance. While it is highly relevant to fans of the series, its broader public interest and impact are limited. The article is clear and readable, making it accessible to a general audience, though familiarity with previous seasons enhances understanding. Overall, it serves well as an entertainment piece but could benefit from more comprehensive sourcing and transparency.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately describes the continuation of *Hacks* Season 4 from where Season 3 ended, focusing on Ava's blackmail of Deborah to secure a head writing position. This is consistent with the plot details provided in the source. The article also correctly captures the emotional and dramatic tone of the series, as emphasized by the creators and cast members. However, specific plot details, such as the exact nature of the blackmail and its implications, would benefit from further verification. Overall, the story aligns well with the known facts about the series and its characters.

7
Balance

The article primarily presents the perspectives of the show's creators and main cast, which provides insight into the intended tone and character dynamics. However, it lacks viewpoints from critics or audiences, which could offer a more rounded view of the show's reception and impact. While the focus on creator and cast perspectives is valuable, the absence of external opinions may result in a somewhat one-sided portrayal of the series.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey the storyline and character developments in *Hacks* Season 4. It effectively communicates the tension and drama between the characters, making it accessible to readers familiar with the series. The use of direct quotes adds authenticity and aids in understanding the characters' motivations and relationships, though the narrative could benefit from a more comprehensive explanation of the plot for those unfamiliar with previous seasons.

6
Source quality

The article relies heavily on statements from the show's co-creator Paul W. Downs and lead actors Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. These are credible sources for insights into the show's development and character arcs. However, the lack of additional sources, such as industry analysts or critics, limits the depth of the analysis. The reliance on a single source of information may affect the overall reliability of the reporting.

5
Transparency

The article provides clear context about the show's plot and character dynamics, but it lacks transparency regarding its sources beyond the direct quotes from the cast and creator. There is no mention of the methodology used to gather information or any potential conflicts of interest. This lack of disclosure may affect the perceived impartiality of the article.

Sources

  1. https://showsnob.com/hacks-season-4-premiere-recap-review-ava-deborah-declare-war