This week I’m joined by
! She’s a writer, a photographer, and a very funny person, talents that are all employed at her amazing newsletter. Sheila and I both love Hacks, the hilarious (and alternatively heartwarming and heartbreaking) show about a legendary Las Vegas comedian and her endearing and twisted relationship with a Gen Z writer. It’s a smart show that tackles heady topics and is also fracking hilarious. Easily one of the best shows on TV.I didn’t address it directly in the episode, but if we have to pick sides I’m Team Ava. I love Deborah and think she’s one of the most well-written and conceived characters ever. But I love Ava’s whole deal. (HBO helpfully put together a 3-minute clip of Ava’s many TMI moments.)
BTW: My audio sounds a bit tinny in this episode. I think my laptop decided to record using its internal mic instead of the superior external mic. #podcastproblems
Also btw: Sheila is at least 30% responsible for this whole podcast thing because she kept insisting it would be a great idea. So you can either thank her or blame her, depending on your feelings about listening to me talk.
In This Episode:
Is Hacks the best show about comedians?
Why Deborah Vance (Jean Smart, straight fire) is one of the most complicated characters ever created.
Exploring the relationship/mentorship at the heart of the show.
How Hacks celebrates the act of creativity, lays bare the cost of the creative life, and uses its two protagonists to depict the journey.
The most painful scenes to watch.
Deborah as a capitalist maven and how that aligns with her Las Vegas persona.
How Hacks depicts the realities of misogyny in the entertainment industry but remains hopeful.
Looking ahead to Season 4.
Link City:
The League of Extraordinarily Funny Women: 50 Trailblazers of Comedy (Sheila’s Book)
Stay Curious (Sheila’s Newsletter)
'Hacks' With Sheila Moeschen