Season four of Hacks picks up immediately where the last season left off. Ava (Hannah Einbinder) has bullied her way into the head writing job at Deborah’s (Jean Smart) new late night show. A new job means a new set of challenges, particularly because their feud is building to Joan Crawford and Bette Davis levels. 

 

The two go at each other constantly in the first episode as Deborah tries in vain to get Ava fired. They get into it at an HR meeting for new hires. And before Deborah does a press conference. And in the middle of a classy party. Their boxing match of insults thrown with malicious glee is equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking. It’s nothing we haven’t seen before when it comes to Ava and Deborah. But things feel amped up in such a way that it feels almost impossible to envision them backpedaling from it. 

 

The first episode sees the same characters deftly reprising their hilarious roles. Paul W. Downs continues to slot in as Jimmy, the mediator between the two feuding ladies. Carl Hopkins-Clemson commands the room as Marcus, the calm voice of reason. Megan Stalter’s turn as Kayla prevails as a goofy but endearing part of the show. 

 

The first episode sets the stage for what looks to be a more divisive season between Ava and Deborah. The snappy jokes are still there. The tension has risen. The stakes are higher than ever. And Hacks appears poised to continue its run as one of the best comedies on television right now.