Hacks

I finally got around to watching Hacks recently and have to say I really enjoyed it. I never got excited about watching this even though I've heard nothing but great things about it since it came out. It just looked like a show that was aimed more for women and I'm not one. I was wrong...really wrong. It's hilarious and absolutely enjoyable for everyone. The last time I was this wrong about a show was The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I didn't think that was a show for me either and I ended up loving it. While I didn't think Hacks wasn't as good as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel it's still a really good show. Jean Smart & Hannah Einbinder have such great chemistry that they literally will make you laugh out loud. Don't be like me and put this show off because you think it's aimed at a certain demographic because everyone will like it.

"Hacks" (S03, 9-eps, 32+ mins, MAX) This series, starring Jean Smart, continues to shine among so much streaming dross out there. "Deborah Vance" and her on-again-off-again assistant and head-writer "Ava Daniels" have such an entertaining, co-dependent relationship that it's just always fun from situation to situation. The series writing is funny, intriguing, and plausible. It's just so good in all the important dimensions. And at the season's finale, "Ava" finally makes a really important step in her growth, and that would be a good launch into a season four, if we're fortunate enough to get that green-lit, let's really hope so.

Are you watching the new season of this show? If not, you're missing one of the best comedies out there. Based on a friend's suggestion, we flew through the first two seasons last year and absolutely loved it. I wasn't sure they needed another go at it after the neat and tidy ending in S02, but as I should've expected, one can never get enough of the inestimable Jean Smart, who was always my favorite "Designing Women" alum, and who is at the top of her game here. We've watched the two episodes of S03 available so far, and it's better than ever. It's so funny and well-written, the dynamic between the two leads is great, the supporting cast is terrific, and I'm much less annoyed with the Ava character than in the first two seasons. I definitely recommend checking this out or adding it to your (probably) voluminous queue.

The most prolific actress to come out of "Designing Women," Jean Smart is wickedly funny while also capable of serious dramatic roles in shows like "Fargo." In her golden years, she is everywhere, mostly playing supporting roles like Kate Winslet's mom in "Mare of Eastown." Finally, though, she gets to be the lead in her own series, showcasing her talents and wit for all of us to enjoy. "Hacks" is essentially a buddy comedy but with your non-typical duo: an aging rich lady with an entitled Gen-Z female sidekick instead of your typical two white men. This combo takes you to unprecedented fresh jokes, and thanks to the undeniable chemistry of the two actresses, "Hacks" is one of the funniest new comedy series to come around.

This show has provided me a similar experience and Marvelous Miss Maisel. Both were genres and subject matter I had little interest in, but after watching a few episodes the writing and acting were so good I got hooked. There really is nothing about this premise that appeals to me but it just pulled me in and the two leads are really great.

Hannah Einbinder has really accomplished something remarkable in my opinion. I think I had initially made an assumption that her character would be cringeworthy but she has such a well developed three dimensional character I've really enjoyed her. She's awkward, yet somehow gorgeous, smart and confident yet vulnerable and flawed, precocious yet humble. By the end of this current season, I find myself so invested in her.

The supporting cast is also growing on me but especially Kayla who I adored right away and it's really satisfying allowing her to evolve and not feel compelled to keep her as the cartoonish persona she had early on. I get the biggest kick out of her and the actress is such a force of nature. I smile every time she comes on screen.

As for Jean Smart. I just believe her. I believe this person exists and that they behave the way she does. She's evolving too but without losing the core of her persona in an unrealistic way.