Ep 4. The Captain's Wife

The episode "The Captain's Wife" is the fourth episode of the second season of the popular comedy series Hacks. The episode features a storyline that focuses on the relationship between the two leading characters, Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart, and Ava, played by Hannah Einbinder.

At the start of the episode, Deborah and Ava are shown to be having a bit of a conflict. The night before, they had attended a party where Deborah had made fun of Ava's outfit in front of other guests, causing Ava to become upset with her. Deborah attempts to make amends with Ava by inviting her over for brunch. However, things do not go exactly as planned.

The episode takes an interesting turn when Deborah starts talking about her personal life for the first time. She reveals that she was once married to a retired naval captain named Neil, who had a bit of a wild side. Deborah shares a few anecdotes about her time married to Neil and how she had to put up with his unpredictable behavior. Ava, who had never heard this side of Deborah before, is taken aback by her stories.

As the episode progresses, Ava becomes more and more invested in the story of Deborah's marriage. She starts asking Deborah more questions about Neil and their relationship. Deborah, who is traditionally a very private person, is surprised by Ava's interest, but continues to share more details with her.

The episode takes on a more serious tone when Deborah starts to open up about some of the more difficult aspects of her marriage to Neil. She shares how she had to put up with his substance abuse issues and how it impacted their relationship. Deborah's emotional vulnerability is a side of her that Ava has never seen before, and it makes her see Deborah in a new light.

The episode concludes with Ava and Deborah having a heart-to-heart conversation about their own personal lives. Ava reflects on how she had always seen Deborah as a tough, self-assured person who had the world at her feet. But now, she realizes that Deborah is just like everyone else, with her own set of struggles and insecurities. The episode ends on a touching note as Ava and Deborah bond over their shared experiences.

"The Captain's Wife" is an emotionally poignant episode that explores the complicated relationships between the characters. It is a departure from the more comedic episodes that the show is known for, but it is a welcome change of pace. The episode showcases the range of talents of the show's leading ladies, with Smart and Einbinder delivering standout performances. It is a must-watch episode for fans of the show and a great starting point for those who have not yet watched Hacks.