Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Whip-Smart

We just made our way - finally ! - through HBO's Hacks.  

Yes, it came out in Summer (?) 2021, but we were semi-engrossed other stuff. It had always been on our list, and I'd like to say Jean Smart's win at the Emmys move it up said list, but it didn't. 

I made an incorrect assumption that Smart's character was a down-on-her-luck comedienne. Nothing could be farther from the truth. 

Sure, she's a Vegas act, so it's one of those acts that caters to thousands with no fear of edgy humour or anything that doesn't appeal the masses. 

Think Joan Rivers, but Gentile. 

While Smart's character, Deborah Vance, is a staple on the Strip, she's also a hustler. She sells a line of goods on QVC (like Rivers) and would shill for about any business just to keep appearances, exposure and make a buck. 

She gets a Hollywood reject, Gen Z'er, Ava (Hannah Einbinder) to help bring in a new audience, only Vance has never wanted or asked for that assistance.  Oil and Vinegar. 

While I won't spoil plots, it is all very well done. Smart, as usual, is stellar. I never cared for her that much on Designing Women, but she's shone in so many other things since. 

Einbinder is great. She is Laraine Newman's daughter. She expertly plays someone from her cohort. Overly cocky with actual little to back it up, but egotistical enough not to notice and / or care. 

Each episode is well written, acted and directed. They are stand alones, of course, but each fits greatly into the narrative. 

I never found tons of out and out laughs, but I don't think that's the point either. 

I say, give it a try. It's only 10 episodes..........so far. 



Song by: Liz Phair

1 comment:

James Dwight Williamson said...

Im always thrilled for Smart and Annie Potts to be able to Show the talents that were overshadowed by Dixie Carter and Delta Burke.