Since its debut in 2021, Hacks has been HBO's sharpest comedy, thanks to the electric chemistry between Jean Smart's Deborah Vance and Hannah Einbinder's Ava Daniels. What began as a forced partnership between a legendary stand-up and a disgraced young writer has blossomed into one of TV's most complex and heartfelt relationships. Now, as the show heads into its bittersweet final season, Season 5 Episode 7 delivers a moment fans have been craving: Deborah, for the first time, is completely at Ava's mercy.
In an exclusive interview, Smart and Einbinder opened up about filming the episode, which finds Deborah hilariously out of her comfort zone. "It's the first and last time you see Deborah Vance completely helpless," Smart said with a laugh. "She cannot fight back. She cannot talk back. If she wants what she thinks she wants, she has to put up with anything Ava comes up with." Einbinder added, "And Ava is having a great time torturing her."
The episode winks at a long-running fan theory — and something Einbinder herself has jokingly campaigned for — that Deborah and Ava might become a couple, at least for one episode. The result is a playful, tension-filled storyline that showcases the duo's impeccable physical comedy and emotional range. Guest stars Cherry Jones and Leslie Bibb add to the chaos, making Episode 7 a standout in a season full of highlights.
Reflecting on their partnership, Smart recalled being impressed by Einbinder from the very beginning. "When they narrowed it down to a handful of actors, I watched her stand-up online and thought, 'Wow, this girl is funny. She's unusual. She's got her own style.'" Smart added, "The first day we started shooting, I said, 'She's an absolute natural.' There are some things you just can't teach."
Einbinder, in turn, credited Smart with making her feel welcome from day one. "She called me the night before our audition, which is not typical for the star of the show. She said, 'I love your stand-up, I think you're going to be great, we're going to have fun.' It eased my nerves so much." Einbinder described working with Smart as attending "the Jean Smart School of Acting."
Season 5 finds Deborah and Ava united in a clear mission: nailing a Madison Square Garden show. After their rocky Season 4, the pair are finally on the same page, and the results are uproariously funny and tender. The season also features standout cameos and a deeper exploration of the show's supporting characters, as seen in Robby Hoffman's wildest Randi moments and how a Xena star's cameo unlocks Jimmy and Kayla's final season.
For fans who've followed Deborah and Ava's journey from adversaries to soulmates, Episode 7 is a gift. "It's funny because it is the first and last time you see Deborah Vance completely helpless," Smart repeated, marveling at the episode's unique place in the series. Einbinder agreed, noting that the physical comedy and silly fights — often underappreciated in sitcoms — were a joy to film. "We couldn't keep it together on set," she admitted.
As Hacks prepares to say goodbye, the final season cements the show's legacy as a masterclass in comedic storytelling. For a deeper dive into the season's brilliance, check out our full review of Season 5. And don't miss the April 9, 2026 premiere on HBO Max.
