The series finale of Hacks delivered one of the most emotionally resonant conclusions in recent television history, but eagle-eyed fans may have noticed a subtle visual echo that ties the entire show together. Production designer Rob Tokarz recently revealed that the opening moments of the finale are a direct homage to the very first scene of the series—a meticulous callback that underscores how far Ava (Hannah Einbinder) has come.
In an exclusive interview, Tokarz explained that the finale's opening oner—a long, unbroken tracking shot—was crafted to mirror the one from Season 1, Episode 1. “We counted the steps that Deborah takes from the stage, to steps between the beats, and we matched that with remarkably high fidelity, on our stage,” Tokarz said. “Everything from the backdrop moving, we just found different ways that we could make it feel like she’s now in the shoes of Deborah Vance.”
This attention to detail is emblematic of the care that went into every frame of Hacks. The callback isn't just a visual Easter egg; it's a narrative device that brings the story full circle. As Ava literally walks in Deborah's footsteps, the show signals that she is ready to carry forward the legacy of her mentor—and her own career. The moment is a testament to the show's commitment to character growth and visual storytelling.
The finale itself sees Deborah (Jean Smart) facing a terminal diagnosis and choosing to hasten her own death, but not before taking Ava on a poignant trip to Europe. Ava fights to keep Deborah alive, and only when she finally accepts Deborah's choice does Deborah decide to live. The episode is packed with callbacks for longtime fans, but the opening oner stands out as the most elegant.
Tokarz also discussed other design elements from the final season, including Deborah's iconic salt and pepper shakers, the Amazing Race episode, and the set of Who's Making Dinner?—which was completely remade for the finale. The production designer's work has been a key part of the show's visual identity, and his revelations offer a deeper appreciation for the craft behind the series.
For fans who want to relive the journey, the creators of Hacks are pushing for a physical media release. In a recent interview, co-creator Lucia Aniello told Deadline that the team is hoping to produce a DVD and Blu-ray box set. “It’s such an important time for people to invest in physical media,” Aniello said, citing concerns about streaming services removing content. “We’re really hoping to make a Hacks DVD box set, for one. We’re trying to make that happen. That’s an exclusive. Please go buy it, not because we make any money off of it. We just want to make sure the show stays in existence for as long as DVD players exist.” While HBO has not yet announced a release, Aniello confirmed plans for a set packed with deleted scenes and extras.
If you're looking for more shows that reward repeat viewing, check out The Ultimate Binge-Worthy Rewatches: 7 Shows That Get Better Every Time. And for a deeper dive into how the creators crafted the finale, read How 'Hacks' Co-Creators Crafted the Perfect Ending for Deborah and Ava.
Hacks is now streaming in its entirety on HBO Max.
