Ep 4. D'Jewelry

Deborah Vance, a legendary comedian, writer, and performer, is the star of Hacks. She is struggling to come up with new material for her ongoing residency in Las Vegas, and this is where Ava comes in. Ava, a young comedy writer who had a falling out with her boss, is hired by Deborah to help her freshen up her act.

In Hacks season 1 episode 4, titled "D'Jewelry," Deborah and Ava work together, trying to come up with new jokes for her act. As they brainstorm, Ava suggests that they look at an old piece of jewelry that Deborah has been wearing for years. Deborah tells Ava that it's a family heirloom and that she has worn it for every one of her performances for the past twenty years.

As Ava looks at the piece, she is intrigued by its uniqueness, and her curiosity gets the better of her. She takes it to a jeweler to have it appraised, and it turns out to be worth a significant amount of money. Ava is ecstatic at the news and tells Deborah who is appalled that Ava touched her jewelry without her permission.

The relationship between Deborah and Ava gets further strained as Ava tells Deborah that she should sell the jewelry and use the money to help finance her retirement. Deborah, initially resistant, ends up accepting the offer after an unexpected visit from her ex-husband who she is still very much in love with.

Meanwhile, Ava is trying to find her feet in her new job. She is having trouble finding her voice in the writers’ room, and during a pitch meeting, she is repeatedly pushed aside by her colleagues. When Deborah, noticing that Ava is upset, spends the evening with her, they bond over their experiences. Deborah tells Ava about the sexism and ageism she faced throughout her career and how it pushed her to be the best that she could be.

Towards the end of the episode, Deborah has a change of heart and decides to keep the jewelry. At the writers’ room meeting, she comes up with a brilliant new joke that everyone loves. As she performs it on stage, Ava watches her mentor perform with a renewed sense of inspiration and respect.

This episode of Hacks explores the struggles that both Deborah and Ava are facing, professionally and personally. It is an excellent showcase of Jean Smart's skills who plays Deborah, as she fully embodies the character. The relationship between Deborah and Ava is complex, and their banter feels natural and hilarious. Overall, "D'Jewelry" is a great example of what Hacks has to offer, witty humor, and endearing characters.